Dawn,

Sex Week is also sponsored by Trojan. (I looked up the schedule myself and will simply say that it is easily google-able. Actually, I will also say that it was sufficiently nauseating to make me want to join a monestary.)

My best to you in the lion's den. As we've moved from the "sexual revolution," which supposedly allowed women to enjoy sex in long-term, loving relationships, there has been less and less discussion about the emotional component of this physical act. The planned schedule includes no mention of this, save for your lecture.

I can only hope that young people who are receptive to your message will actually attend any of the "Sex Week" events. Back in the day, I distinctly recall skipping any such events that my alma mater held (and they do so quite regularly), mostly because I had no desire to hear a stranger tell me to get it on with, well, strangers.
theobromophile | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 2:48 am | #

Theo, I actually find that people who have "lived the life" often listen to my message because they know something is missing.
Dawn Eden | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 2:52 am | #

& it's better to attempt to reach the young adults who have already been brainwashed by at least a decade's worth of sex ed in the public school systems.
Faith | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 6:51 am | #

I'm excited for you that you have this opportunity to engage people in that context.

I do rather object to the whole "spirituality vs religion" dichotomy. There is no authentic spirituality devoid of religion. I do understand why people make the distinction, because they imagine they can have a private spiritual experience without being connected to an organization with teachings and leaders. But that kind of spirituality, if it existed, would be cut off from other human persons. Whenever you have people in community, you have people exchanging their experiences with one another, theorizing about what it could mean, developing traditions and doctrines and leaders. There's no way to do it without completely cutting your "spiritual experience" off from other people.
Dennis | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 8:40 am | #

You will undoubtedly have a lot of prayers going with you on this very brave venture. Mine, for sure.
mac | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 10:40 am | #

Thanks, Mac!
Dawn Eden | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 10:54 am | #

will definitely keep you in prayer..may He speak through you and send his angels to protect you!
Theresa | 02.08.08 - 11:55 am | #

"Theo, I actually find that people who have "lived the life" often listen to my message because they know something is missing."

That's encouraging. :)

Of course, we (and by "we" I mean "me," and I'm speaking for everyone else, too, rather presumptively) want a full report on how it goes.
theobromophile | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 12:34 pm | #

will be about "spirituality, not religion."

I'm guessing that's because religion has all those oppressive "rules," whereas spirituality can be pretty much anything one defines it to be. It's also because being spiritual has overtones of having depth and thoughtfulness, while being religious makes one a mindless follower.

I know this is awful, but whenever I hear someone say that he/she is "spiritual, but not religious," I kind of internally roll my eyes. I wonder if the person saying it is thinking of him-/herself as profound and original, because that line of thought has always struck me as in reality being kind of trite and spiritually immature. It's sort of like when people say it's more important to be a good person (however one defines that) than it is to be religious. I think it's important to be all those things - religious, spiritual, and a good person. None of those things is mutually exclusive, and in fact, they all reinforce each other.

On the positive side, persons who call themselves SBNR I would think have at least an inclination to think about right vs wrong, religion vs no religion, etc, and may be on some kind of journey to having a conversion/joining the Church. So sorry if I sound condescending. I don't mean to.
Joanne | 02.08.08 - 2:43 pm | #

If you're in need of a place to stay when you're in Wilmington, I'm only a stone's throw away and would love to put you up! Standard disclaimer...we have 4 kids and 2 dogs...hopefully, one of these times I'll actually get to hear one of your talks in person!
sam | 02.08.08 - 2:59 pm | #

Sam, I've got accommodations, but thanks very much for the offer. Get a local church's young-adult group to host me and I'll be glad to come out your way again.
Dawn Eden | Homepage | 02.08.08 - 10:27 pm | #

http://www.cwnews.com/offthereco...lay& recnum=4587
Bud | 02.09.08 - 3:59 pm | #

I'll be thinking about you too. As a Georgetown alum of -- oh "several" years...I know I'm out of touch with campus life today and I know it is less Catholic than it was. I hope all of your talks go well. And I too will be eager to hear about them after your travels.
I do hope you are able to reach those in need of your message -- whether they know they need it or not!
Elizabeth | 02.10.08 - 7:12 pm | #

I'm working on that Dawn! Hopefully it will happen soon :)
sam | 02.11.08 - 8:37 am | #

Thanks, Elizabeth and Sam!
Dawn Eden | Homepage | 02.11.08 - 10:30 am | #