Summer 2005/Pasadena
Two-week intensive: June 20-July 1
CN558
Laaser
CN558: PASTORAL CARE AND SEXUALITY. Mark R. Laaser.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will examine human sexuality from a Christian
perspective. The biblical foundations for sexuality will be covered as well as
a variety of topics within the field. We are living in a time of great
cultural confusion about sex. The church has been silent, except for negative
admonitions, for centuries. Students will develop tools for dealing with
sexuality in the local church.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Sexual sin has been one of the most prevalent causes of harm to the
church in the last few decades. This should not surprise us as it has also
been one of the chief ways great leaders were tempted in the Old Testament
(Joshua, David, and Solomon). This has not just been a problem in the Catholic
Church. A recent study revealed that 40% of all evangelical pastors struggled
with Internet pornography. Members of our churches are longing for answers to
tough sexual issues. Young people want to know what healthy sexuality is and
what boundaries should they practice and for what reasons. This course will
challenge the students to develop their own model of healthy sexuality that
they can use in their ministries.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Class sessions will consist of lectures by the professor and by
guest lecturers, discussion, case study analysis, video tape presentations,
and small group participation. The class will meet on campus 8:00-11:50 June
20-21, 27-30 and July 1. Wednesday June 22-Saturday June 25 students will
participate in STEPS 2005, a national conference for Christians in recovery to
be held at Lake Avenue Church, Pasadena. Conference fees are waived for
students enrolled in CN558.
REQUIRED READING:
- Fortune, Marie. Is Nothing Sacred? Harper-Collins, 1989.
- Laaser, Mark. Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction. Zondervan,
2004.
- Nelson, Tommy. The Book of Romance. 1998.
- Penner, Joyce and Cliff. The Gift of Sex. Word, 1981.
- Additional recommended reading will be listed in the course
syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Read all required texts plus additional reading for a total of at least
1200 pages.
- Submit brief one-page critiques of each of the required books; first due
June 28, second due June 30, other two due July 15.
- Write an 8-10 page research paper including both a personal reflection on a
model of healthy sexuality and this model's relevance for the local church, due
August 15.
- Brief final exam, multiple choice and true and false, on July 1.
- Class participation.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.