Whats Up with Lourdes College?

I recently recieved an e-mail from a professor at Lourdes College. This e-mail was about class assignments and a paper to sign – that must be signed prior to taking the class.The class? Human Sexuality. I wrote the professor asking if the course is in-line with Catholic teachings on the subject. I thought it was a fair question as Lourdes College is a Catholic college, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis/Sylvania.

My e-mail was simple:I am curious concerning the Agreement and Understanding form plus the course syllabus – Being that Lourdes is a Catholic College does this course teach within the Catholic Church’s understanding of Human Sexuality particularly homosexuality, transgender, pornography and sex prior to marriage?

Seems simple enough.

Her reply:
“Thank you for contacting me. Let’s meet and discuss your concerns.This course is a social science course that focuses on understanding how society operates, given particular social and historical contexts, and the factors that contribute to its operation. In that context, premarital sex, pornography, etc. will be studied. One of the many factors contributing to the representation of these phenomena at a particular time is the institution of religion (including Catholicism).Have you thoroughly reviewed a copy of the text? After you’ve had a chance to do that, contact me and we can discuss some of the assumptions of the social scientific approach and how it relates to the topics in this course.I look forward to meeting with you.”

Ok, I thought that I asked a simple question. I did not ask for a personal meeting but paper trails can be messy.

This person is the Chairman of her department and holds a PhD. I didn’t ask about the social scientific approach, I asked if the course was in-line with Catholic teaching on the subject of human sexuality, because this is a Catholic College.

Ok, I admit that at this point I had not purchased a copy of the text as it was $116 used. But, I bit the bullet and purchased one.Well it was what I thought, pro -Homosexual sex, pro-masturbation, pro – sex before marriage,pro-contraception, et all,.

I asked for a yes or no answer I thought that is simple enough so I wrote back stating that.

Her response: “I think your concerns are very important. Your question is broad in its implications and, as stated, much is left undefined, defying a simple yes/no response. I suggest that even though our schedules are busy, a meeting is an investment of time well worth putting toward your education.I’ll be on campus everyday over the next couple of weeks, so don’t hesitate to contact me to set up an appointment.”

Again paper trails can be messy.

So, I wrote back: “Being the department chair of the distinguished Sociology and Criminal Justice Department at a Catholic college and with the fact that you have PhD, I would think that an answer could be forthcoming in one or two paragraphs. Conidering the fact that you have already wrote several paragraphs in two e-mails explaining why you can’t answer what is truly a yes or no answer.”

I’m still waiting for an answer. But onto the text: Any reference to the Catholic Church or religion for that matter is portrayed in a negative light. Examples?:

A chapter on abortion referenced ..”Many far-right Christians, self described ‘pro-lifers’ ..” another example among several is, “The mideval image of Eve…promoted by the Church..resulted in heightened antagonism towards women. This antagonism reached its climax in the witch hunts led by the Catholic Church”. “..70% of churchgoing Catholics in the United States believe the pope should permit Catholics the use of birth control. while John Paul II maintained the traditional Roman Catholic view of condeming all sexual activity…”Then the authors dive into what they deem the “Madonna-whore dicthotomy”.

There is a chapter on self-pleasuring proclaiming the normalcy and benefits of masturbation.The authors expend alot of ink bemoaning the decline of sexuality research. For instance, “Conservative organizations [like Traditional Values Coalition, edit mine] and politicians have made a concerted effort to pressure federal agencies (a major funding source) to withdraw or minimize financial support for sexuality research.”

They bemoan that Kinsey Institute studies in sexual arosal patterns have been attacked by these ‘conservative groups and politicians’ These sexual arosal patterns subjects – “gay men and prostitutes”. They end this piece by stating that the “scientific community is united in the belief that allowing the political clout of organised extremist groups to influence or control research funding…”[isn't that what Obama and the DNC leadership are now calling those that do not support health care reform?]

The authors write: “The Bush Administration with the aid of a Republican Congress launched an unprecedented assault on sexual and reproductive health and the rights of those in the US and abroad”.

Another chapter encourages a stronger support of condom use in Africa. Now remember this is a Catholic College and Pope Benedict XVI while recently in Africa said that condoms were a part of the problem. And condom use in general.

There is alot of pictures of heterosexual and homosexuals in sexual positions and included are pictures comparing penis shapes and sizes.

Human sexuality should be taught at the college level but it is my opinion that a Catholic College should teach in accordance with the Church. How about via the Theology of the Body?

Please write Lourdes College and voice your concerns about this course:
President Dr. Robert Helmer
6832 Convent Blvd.Sylvania, OH 43560
1-800-878-3210

Bishop Blair
Diocese of Toledo
1933 Spielbusch AveToledo, Ohio 43604-5360
(419) 244-6711

More »

Phi Beta Cons on National Review Online

Shared via AddThis

More »

I am now half-way through the first month of this new school semester. The classes that I am taking are challenging yet enjoyable. The NT Greek course, still has my brain in knots, but it slowly is making some sense.

With the help and encouragement of a Theology professor (a grad from Stuebenville) I’m assisting in establishing a Catholic Student Union on campus. I was amazed at the resistance that some faculty have displayed towards the idea of this group. I understand that a “campus ministry” and “service organization” already exists yet neither truly promotes the Catholic perspective.

I’ve also completed my first week with my new hospice position. Hopefully, as I learn my new responsibilities the time management issue of balancing, school, study, work and family will come together.

My youngest son, a sophmore keeps on amazing with with his understanding of theological issues and politics. He has demonstrated over and over again, a insight into what should matter to a Catholic voter. He is in an Oblate of St. Francis DeSales High School. I believe that the Oblates are teaching sound Catholicism.

Well, my rambling for the morning has come to an end. As we celebrate today, the Miracles of the Archangel Michael, I ask for his protection upon you readers, and all of humankind.

Mt. Athos

More »