SJSD 45 Religion, Sexualities and the Ecological Crisis

Modern advances in both sexual ethics and ecological consciousness deepen awareness of embodiment as a fundamental reality.  This course will explore parallels and tensions between issues in sexual and ecological ethics and policy, and various religions' responses to these new challenges, including doctrinal polity and other dimensions.  Topics to be discussed may include the legacy of purity and pollution in various religions as they impact sexual ethics and the environment, debates around population control as a question of ecological and sexual responsibility, concepts of embodiment in various religions and their reformulation in light of sexual diversity and ecological devastation, positive and negative aspects of ascetic spirituality, etc.