Unfortunately, sexuality evolved into a phenomenon often fraught with confusion, hurt and even oppression.,”
Sexuality and Catholicism are not diametrically opposed. In fact, they are intimately related. God created us in His divine image. Male and female, He created us as equal, loving beings with unique sexual gifts.
Unfortunately, sexuality evolved into a phenomenon often fraught with confusion, hurt and even oppression. As Catholics, we reject oppression and stand in solidarity against the reality of sexual violence as we are called by God to treasure and respect His gifts to us.
Understanding exactly how we as Catholics should tackle this tremendous undertaking presents a challenge – one we feel can benefit from academic exploration. The university's recent approval of a reading of "The Vagina Monologues" offers an extremely pertinent discussion framed within the context of faith and education.
Accompanying the reading, which will take place during an event called "Academic Conversation on Catholicism, Sexuality and Human Rights," is an opening talk, a guided conversation and a panel discussion comprised of three faculty members. We recommend that the last faculty member, who has yet to be confirmed, represent Catholic teaching – specifically as a theologian. The theologian, along with the assistant professors of English and philosophy, could ensure adequate attention be paid to the reading's relationship to our Catholic community.
Our sexuality does not exist in a vacuum. "The Vagina Monologues" is an extremely popular response to female sexuality and sexual violence against women-one which should be addressed with respect to our own moral and intellectual perspectives considering the magnitude of human sexuality within faith.
If the reading is in opposition to a healthy view of female sexuality, why is this? If it is empowering, how do we understand this vision in terms of our Catholic faith? These weighty questions may not be answered with finality through this event, discontinuing actively exploring faith and knowledge in contemporary society is a mistake.
We appreciate university resources such as HAVEN, the Counseling Center, University Ministry and groups like V.O.I.C.E., Violence Opposition In Community Education. However, we assert that efforts toward ending sexual violence can never be deemed adequate until we truly end sexual violence. As too many men and women have learned personally, sexual violence is still real. We must continue to fight its evil presence.
Until we succeed to those ends, we must engage in discussion such as "The Vagina Monologues," seeking to understand sexuality's presence in society and continue to be empowered by faith and experience God's healing.
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