This post comes from Mark McMinn:
An advanced doctoral student and I are investigating how psychologists providing therapy for clergy. If you have experience with this and are willing to take 5-10 minutes for an online questionnaire, we would love to hear from you. Just click on this link:
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2267SA6E8PH
Thanks for any information you can offer us.
8/28/2007
8/17/2007
Water: Religion, Culture and Tears
While flying from Atlanta to San Francisco today I watched a film that has been on my "must watch" list for some time now. Water
is set in India during the time Gandhi was instilling ideas of independence from the British. It focuses on the lives of women and girls who are widowed, and therefore set apart from the rest of Indian society. Never to marry again, they are considered somehow unclean or defective for having outlived their husbands.
Water is one of the most visually beautiful films I have seen in a very long time. It also is one of the most moving. While the crew of the plane cajoled most of the passengers to stretch their arms and shoulders in unison, I wiped tears from my eyes. Water has a powerful story. And even though this movie portrayed events taking place in 1938, millions of widows there experience the same sad fate, some 70 years later.
Water is a sad film, but it is well-worth your time.
is set in India during the time Gandhi was instilling ideas of independence from the British. It focuses on the lives of women and girls who are widowed, and therefore set apart from the rest of Indian society. Never to marry again, they are considered somehow unclean or defective for having outlived their husbands. Water is one of the most visually beautiful films I have seen in a very long time. It also is one of the most moving. While the crew of the plane cajoled most of the passengers to stretch their arms and shoulders in unison, I wiped tears from my eyes. Water
has a powerful story. And even though this movie portrayed events taking place in 1938, millions of widows there experience the same sad fate, some 70 years later. Water is a sad film, but it is well-worth your time.
8/16/2007
Religion and Human Security
CALL FOR PAPERS
RELIGION AND HUMAN SECURITY:
Negotiating the Power of Religious Non-State Actors
May 8-9, 2008
Seattle, Washington
University of Washington
Comparative Religion Program—International Studies
Jackson School of International Studies
Sponsored by the Henry R. Luce Initiative on Religion and International Affairs
Our theme of “Religion and Human Security” is based on the observation that religious non-state actors now often compete with states in their impact on human welfare. In some cases, the effect is benign. Religious groups provide essential services that corrupted and undemocratic states are unwilling or unable to provide. In other cases, the effect is detrimental to states’ capacity to exercise their legitimate powers. States, in effect, become hostage to grassroots movements and their priorities. We argue that in the contemporary world, one cannot effectively engage in humanitarian actions unless one understands the role that religious non-state actors provide in supplanting, supplementing, or contesting how states negotiate the welfare of their populations.
The conference will be a two part symposium, meeting in spring of 2008 and 2009. The first symposium will provide feedback on initial projects; the second we will expect a finished essay and be open to the public. We expect original research that makes a contribution to public policy.
Paper proposal abstracts should be two pages or less, stating the research question and chosen methodology. Please include a two-page CV and send electronically to: Loryn Paxton, at lpaxton /at/ u/dot/washington/dot/edu
(Remove the slashes and spaces, and replace the at with the @ sign.)
Papers selected for publication in the edited volume stemming from the conference will receive $500 honorarium.
RELIGION AND HUMAN SECURITY:
Negotiating the Power of Religious Non-State Actors
May 8-9, 2008
Seattle, Washington
University of Washington
Comparative Religion Program—International Studies
Jackson School of International Studies
Sponsored by the Henry R. Luce Initiative on Religion and International Affairs
Our theme of “Religion and Human Security” is based on the observation that religious non-state actors now often compete with states in their impact on human welfare. In some cases, the effect is benign. Religious groups provide essential services that corrupted and undemocratic states are unwilling or unable to provide. In other cases, the effect is detrimental to states’ capacity to exercise their legitimate powers. States, in effect, become hostage to grassroots movements and their priorities. We argue that in the contemporary world, one cannot effectively engage in humanitarian actions unless one understands the role that religious non-state actors provide in supplanting, supplementing, or contesting how states negotiate the welfare of their populations.
The conference will be a two part symposium, meeting in spring of 2008 and 2009. The first symposium will provide feedback on initial projects; the second we will expect a finished essay and be open to the public. We expect original research that makes a contribution to public policy.
Paper proposal abstracts should be two pages or less, stating the research question and chosen methodology. Please include a two-page CV and send electronically to: Loryn Paxton, at lpaxton /at/ u/dot/washington/dot/edu
(Remove the slashes and spaces, and replace the at with the @ sign.)
Papers selected for publication in the edited volume stemming from the conference will receive $500 honorarium.
8/14/2007
Muslim Mental Health Association?
Professional Issues in Muslim Psychology: A Discussion Hour
You are invited to a special program focusing on recent developments in research and training related to Muslim Psychology. Participants will discuss the unique challenges and successes experienced by Muslim psychologists and those providing services or conducting research with Muslims. The forthcoming establishment of a Muslim mental health association will be discussed.
This program will take place at the 2007 American Psychological Association Annual Convention in San Francisco, CA.
Host: Mona Amer, PhD
Time: Sunday (8/19) from 3:00-3:50
Location: Division 45 Hospitality Suite ~ San Francisco Marriott Hotel – SUITE #2148
55 Fourth Street (phone: 415.896.1600)
*Please note that the Suite # may change. Please check with the hotel front desk or convention staff during Convention.
You are invited to a special program focusing on recent developments in research and training related to Muslim Psychology. Participants will discuss the unique challenges and successes experienced by Muslim psychologists and those providing services or conducting research with Muslims. The forthcoming establishment of a Muslim mental health association will be discussed.
This program will take place at the 2007 American Psychological Association Annual Convention in San Francisco, CA.
Host: Mona Amer, PhD
Time: Sunday (8/19) from 3:00-3:50
Location: Division 45 Hospitality Suite ~ San Francisco Marriott Hotel – SUITE #2148
55 Fourth Street (phone: 415.896.1600)
*Please note that the Suite # may change. Please check with the hotel front desk or convention staff during Convention.
8/13/2007
Challenging Cultures of Death
Here is a new call for papers:
- - -
CALL FOR PAPERS
Challenging Cultures of Death:
Mercy Not Sacrifice
The Center for Gender and Women's Studies, Trinity College Dublin, and the Institute for Feminism and Religion invite proposals for contributions to our forthcoming event:
Challenging Cultures of Death: A cross-cultural dialogue imagining a political and symbolic world based on life not death: mercy not sacrifice.
Background
The language of sacrifice and martyrdom, international and ecumenical, permeates religious and political discourse and has been culturally elaborated in countless ways. Some theorists argue that the totem secret of our societies is that we periodically send out our young to die, thereby replenishing our political identities. The Reformers and Counter-Reformers challenged sacrifice, but now the sacrifice to end all sacrifices manifests as the war to end all wars.
Keynote Speakers
Bracha L. Ettinger
Griselda Pollock
Anne Primavesi
Peggy Reeves Sanday
Genevieve Vaughan
Venue: Trinity College, Dublin.
Date: November 2 (Friday) through November 4 (Sunday), 2007.
Call for Papers
A multi-disciplinary event, we aim to bring diverse approaches to our deliberations under the following headings: Theory, Resistance, and Theology. Priority will be given to those taking a multi-disciplinary synchronic perspective, and taking imaginative approaches to presenting that maximize pre-event preparation (making papers available in advance) and interactive modes of engagement with participants. We also hope to balance incisive critique with concrete strategies for practical action.
Theory
Given the violent history of the 20th century, the threats facing humanity and the Earth, and the resurgence of violent religious fundamentalisms in the 21st century, Enlightenment optimism toward the social order has now largely collapsed. Post-modernist thinkers variously interrogate the libidinal economy (Lyotard), the sacrificial social contract (Kristeva), biopolitics (Nietzsche, Foucault, Agamben), the culture of the death drives (Lacan, Irigaray), and the violence of mourning (Klein, Fornari, Butler).
Invited proposals
· Proposals invited from any of the above perspectives that address the question: Challenging cultures of death: mercy not sacrifice.
· That investigate the potential of the Matrixial Sphere (Bracha Ettinger).
Resistance
In the most despotic regimes, isolated individuals (Bonhoeffer, Weil, Berrigans, Day, Gandhi, Mandela, Starhawk, Aung San Suu Kyi), as well as many conscientious objectors, have resisted cultural imperatives. What enables them to resist?
Invited Proposals
· That investigate resistance from the perspective of group psychology (political or psychoanalytic).
· That investigate disciplinary or spiritual practices that enable resistance.
· That investigate the effects of parenting and violence.
Theology
The main Abrahamic faiths often represent their founding acts through narratives of sacrifice. How does this relate to the cultural valorization of death in combat, or martyrdom?
Invited Proposals
· That interrogate feminist, womanist and post-colonial approaches to the political implications of sacrificial theories and theologies.
· That investigate current critiques of sacrifice (Girard, Irigaray, Kristeva, Maccoby, Koenigsberg).
Directions: Participants wishing to present a contributed paper are invited to submit online a 200 to 300 words abstract for consideration by the conference committees. Abstracts should be sent by August 31st. All those submitting proposals will be informed of the conference committee's decisions by September 30th 2007 (at the latest).
Please read the procedures for papers before submitting.
Who Should Attend?
We hope to attract feminist theorists and activists committed to cultural critique. Contributors should aim to make their work accessible to a wide variety of participants at the event and, where appropriate, in potentially publishable form later.
Procedures
Individual Papers
Individual papers should last no more than 20 minutes and your proposal should include the following.
1. Title.
2. Abstract.
3. Biography.
4. Institutional or other affiliation and address.
5. Audio visual Requirements (If any).
Full Sessions
If you wish to organize a full session on a particular theme, the proposal should include the information (above) for each contributor. Each session should include a moderator, and three presenters. Sessions should last for 90 minutes in total.
Workshops
Workshops last 90 minutes. Proposers should submit the following:
1. Workshop title.
2. Rationale for workshop.
3. Biography.
4. Institutional affiliation and address.
5. AV requirements.
E-mail proposals to ChallengingDeath@ideologiesofwar.com
Closing date for submission of proposals: August 31st 2007. We will process proposals received in advance to facilitate travelling arrangements.
Deadlines
August 31st, 2007: Paper, Workshops, Session proposals.
September 15th, 2007: Notification of acceptance (at the latest).
October 1st, 2007: Reception of full papers and registration.
Papers will be accepted only from full registrants.
To download the registration form as a Word Document please go to:
http://www.tcd.ie/Womens_Studies/events/IFR%20Registration%20Form.doc
Conference Procedures
Presenters: Intending presenters should ideally aim to provide papers in advance (by October 1st - even in draft form) to be placed on our website for registrants to read in advance. Our time together is limited, and should be spent summarizing (briefly, for about five minutes), and then discussing the papers, rather than reading them.
There are no limits on the length of the online papers, but bear in mind that to encourage participants to read them in advance, they should be kept short and presented attractively.
- - -
CALL FOR PAPERS
Challenging Cultures of Death:
Mercy Not Sacrifice
The Center for Gender and Women's Studies, Trinity College Dublin, and the Institute for Feminism and Religion invite proposals for contributions to our forthcoming event:
Challenging Cultures of Death: A cross-cultural dialogue imagining a political and symbolic world based on life not death: mercy not sacrifice.
Background
The language of sacrifice and martyrdom, international and ecumenical, permeates religious and political discourse and has been culturally elaborated in countless ways. Some theorists argue that the totem secret of our societies is that we periodically send out our young to die, thereby replenishing our political identities. The Reformers and Counter-Reformers challenged sacrifice, but now the sacrifice to end all sacrifices manifests as the war to end all wars.
Keynote Speakers
Bracha L. Ettinger
Griselda Pollock
Anne Primavesi
Peggy Reeves Sanday
Genevieve Vaughan
Venue: Trinity College, Dublin.
Date: November 2 (Friday) through November 4 (Sunday), 2007.
Call for Papers
A multi-disciplinary event, we aim to bring diverse approaches to our deliberations under the following headings: Theory, Resistance, and Theology. Priority will be given to those taking a multi-disciplinary synchronic perspective, and taking imaginative approaches to presenting that maximize pre-event preparation (making papers available in advance) and interactive modes of engagement with participants. We also hope to balance incisive critique with concrete strategies for practical action.
Theory
Given the violent history of the 20th century, the threats facing humanity and the Earth, and the resurgence of violent religious fundamentalisms in the 21st century, Enlightenment optimism toward the social order has now largely collapsed. Post-modernist thinkers variously interrogate the libidinal economy (Lyotard), the sacrificial social contract (Kristeva), biopolitics (Nietzsche, Foucault, Agamben), the culture of the death drives (Lacan, Irigaray), and the violence of mourning (Klein, Fornari, Butler).
Invited proposals
· Proposals invited from any of the above perspectives that address the question: Challenging cultures of death: mercy not sacrifice.
· That investigate the potential of the Matrixial Sphere (Bracha Ettinger).
Resistance
In the most despotic regimes, isolated individuals (Bonhoeffer, Weil, Berrigans, Day, Gandhi, Mandela, Starhawk, Aung San Suu Kyi), as well as many conscientious objectors, have resisted cultural imperatives. What enables them to resist?
Invited Proposals
· That investigate resistance from the perspective of group psychology (political or psychoanalytic).
· That investigate disciplinary or spiritual practices that enable resistance.
· That investigate the effects of parenting and violence.
Theology
The main Abrahamic faiths often represent their founding acts through narratives of sacrifice. How does this relate to the cultural valorization of death in combat, or martyrdom?
Invited Proposals
· That interrogate feminist, womanist and post-colonial approaches to the political implications of sacrificial theories and theologies.
· That investigate current critiques of sacrifice (Girard, Irigaray, Kristeva, Maccoby, Koenigsberg).
Directions: Participants wishing to present a contributed paper are invited to submit online a 200 to 300 words abstract for consideration by the conference committees. Abstracts should be sent by August 31st. All those submitting proposals will be informed of the conference committee's decisions by September 30th 2007 (at the latest).
Please read the procedures for papers before submitting.
Who Should Attend?
We hope to attract feminist theorists and activists committed to cultural critique. Contributors should aim to make their work accessible to a wide variety of participants at the event and, where appropriate, in potentially publishable form later.
Procedures
Individual Papers
Individual papers should last no more than 20 minutes and your proposal should include the following.
1. Title.
2. Abstract.
3. Biography.
4. Institutional or other affiliation and address.
5. Audio visual Requirements (If any).
Full Sessions
If you wish to organize a full session on a particular theme, the proposal should include the information (above) for each contributor. Each session should include a moderator, and three presenters. Sessions should last for 90 minutes in total.
Workshops
Workshops last 90 minutes. Proposers should submit the following:
1. Workshop title.
2. Rationale for workshop.
3. Biography.
4. Institutional affiliation and address.
5. AV requirements.
E-mail proposals to ChallengingDeath@ideologiesofwar.com
Closing date for submission of proposals: August 31st 2007. We will process proposals received in advance to facilitate travelling arrangements.
Deadlines
August 31st, 2007: Paper, Workshops, Session proposals.
September 15th, 2007: Notification of acceptance (at the latest).
October 1st, 2007: Reception of full papers and registration.
Papers will be accepted only from full registrants.
To download the registration form as a Word Document please go to:
http://www.tcd.ie/Womens_Studies/events/IFR%20Registration%20Form.doc
Conference Procedures
Presenters: Intending presenters should ideally aim to provide papers in advance (by October 1st - even in draft form) to be placed on our website for registrants to read in advance. Our time together is limited, and should be spent summarizing (briefly, for about five minutes), and then discussing the papers, rather than reading them.
There are no limits on the length of the online papers, but bear in mind that to encourage participants to read them in advance, they should be kept short and presented attractively.
8/11/2007
Thank you
I need to say thank you to several people. Last year I received the Distinguished Service Award from Division 36 of the APA for my work to promote the psychology of religion online. The photo to the right shows Dr. Mark McMinn, president of Division 36, giving me the award. Receiving that award was a very nice surprise, definitely a highlight of my career.
Last year from my university I received the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Award of Distinction in Service. Again, a great surprise and honor.
This week my work online was recognized again, when I was awarded the Georgia Southern University Award for Excellence in Service. (The photo shows me with the other winners for university-wide service, teaching and research awards.) I am deeply honored to have received these awards, and glad to know that my web pages have been useful to people. So, to the people who nominated me for these awards, or who served on the committees that made the award decisions, I say thank you. Your support and encouragement means a great deal to me. Thanks also to Dr. Russ Dewey, who encouraged me to put something online in 1993, back in the internet's infancy.
Most of all, thank you for visiting these pages.
8/10/2007
Depression and Saudi Family Values
An interesting news item appeared in Arab News. According to Dr. Parisa Saed Al-Hashem, a clinical psychologist, approximately 1.5 million Saudis experience depression. (Saudi Arabia presently has approximately 26 - 27million population.) In the Arab News article, Dr. Al-Hashem's indicates that a lack of support for women is a primary factor in this mental health problem. Examples she cites include police who simply return a woman seeking help to the husband from whom she is seeking refuge, and women who are displaced when the husband takes a new, younger wife, a practice that is allowed in Saudi Arabia.
It is an interesting, brief article, and worth a quick visit. I searched for more information about Dr. Al-Hashem, but did not see any useful information. If you happen to know more about her or her research -- or if, in fact, she conducted research or is merely estimating these figures -- I would appreciate hearing from you.
It is an interesting, brief article, and worth a quick visit. I searched for more information about Dr. Al-Hashem, but did not see any useful information. If you happen to know more about her or her research -- or if, in fact, she conducted research or is merely estimating these figures -- I would appreciate hearing from you.
8/06/2007
Cognitive Dissonance
Social psychologist Carol Tavris, coauthor with Elliot Aronson of Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me), gives a superb explanation of cognitive dissonance in this Point of Inquiry podcast. She describes its application to contemporary issues facing society, including politics and religion.
If you are familiar with Point of Inquiry, you will know that they address topics from a secular perspective, and so you might be skeptical of this podcast. Don't be! Tavris sticks to science, and she points out that the processes that encourage cognitive dissonance are encountered by all people, including scientists themselves. She also gives excellent advice about how best to deal with people whose dissonance blinds them to the answer they seek.
All in all, a fine interview, useful for teachers and students in introduction to psychology, social psychology, psychology of religion, and critical thinking classes.
, gives a superb explanation of cognitive dissonance in this Point of Inquiry podcast. She describes its application to contemporary issues facing society, including politics and religion. If you are familiar with Point of Inquiry, you will know that they address topics from a secular perspective, and so you might be skeptical of this podcast. Don't be! Tavris sticks to science, and she points out that the processes that encourage cognitive dissonance are encountered by all people, including scientists themselves. She also gives excellent advice about how best to deal with people whose dissonance blinds them to the answer they seek.
All in all, a fine interview, useful for teachers and students in introduction to psychology, social psychology, psychology of religion, and critical thinking classes.
8/05/2007
New York Doll
I'd heard good things about the movie New York Doll, but I was unprepared for just how strong a film this is. While in film school, Greg Whiteley learns that Arthur "Killer" Kane is in his congregation and preparing to play a concert with his fellow New York Dolls. This has been Kane's dream, and comes after the group split up 30 years ago. During that time, Kane went from stardom and fame to obscurity. In the process he had a religious conversion and lived a humble life, working in a church library while dreaming for the day when he and the other two remaining members of the Dolls might play together again.
Through the efforts of Morrissey, the group reunited in 2004 to play a concert that exceeded everyone's expectations. Past hurt had been forgotten, and the band's music was a triumph.
In case you don't know Kane's story, I won't give away the ending of the film. I will say only that I was deeply touched by the story of this gentle soul. My musical tastes don't include the style of the Dolls, but this film will be one I watch many times for its beautiful message.
It also will be one I recommend to my class. Kane's story illustrates many elements in theories of conversion as well as the role that religion can play in one's life. Rent or purchase a copy of New York Doll and see for yourself. You will be glad you did.
, but I was unprepared for just how strong a film this is. While in film school, Greg Whiteley learns that Arthur "Killer" Kane is in his congregation and preparing to play a concert with his fellow New York Dolls. This has been Kane's dream, and comes after the group split up 30 years ago. During that time, Kane went from stardom and fame to obscurity. In the process he had a religious conversion and lived a humble life, working in a church library while dreaming for the day when he and the other two remaining members of the Dolls might play together again.Through the efforts of Morrissey, the group reunited in 2004 to play a concert that exceeded everyone's expectations. Past hurt had been forgotten, and the band's music was a triumph.
In case you don't know Kane's story, I won't give away the ending of the film. I will say only that I was deeply touched by the story of this gentle soul. My musical tastes don't include the style of the Dolls, but this film will be one I watch many times for its beautiful message.
It also will be one I recommend to my class. Kane's story illustrates many elements in theories of conversion as well as the role that religion can play in one's life. Rent or purchase a copy of New York Doll and see for yourself. You will be glad you did.
8/03/2007
God Representations in Therapy: Is Three A Crowd?
Mariam Cohen asked me to pass word of her project with Moshe Halevi Spero. They are editing a special issue of
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, to address the question of God Representations in Psychoanalytic Therapy. Manuscript submission deadline is April 1, 2008. For more information, go to http://class.georgiasouthern.edu/psychology/mn/spero_cohen.rtf.
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, to address the question of God Representations in Psychoanalytic Therapy. Manuscript submission deadline is April 1, 2008. For more information, go to http://class.georgiasouthern.edu/psychology/mn/spero_cohen.rtf.
8/01/2007
Science and Politics
On the Psychology of Religion listserve operated by APA Division 36 was a reminder of APA's need to maintain political neutrality. It contained the usual suggestion to refrain from endorsing a candidate or a party in general, but particularly during the run-up to an election. Good advice for an organization that needs to maintain its tax-exempt status.
Coincidentally, just before reading that email I read this story about science and politics. These days, it seems difficult to do science and have it understood by people whose political ideology forms the lens through which they view the world. That seems to be the main point of the Science Idol Cartoon Contest sponsored by the Union of Concerned Scientists. The winning cartoon nails it. Check it out. The finalists are worth viewing, too.
Coincidentally, just before reading that email I read this story about science and politics. These days, it seems difficult to do science and have it understood by people whose political ideology forms the lens through which they view the world. That seems to be the main point of the Science Idol Cartoon Contest sponsored by the Union of Concerned Scientists. The winning cartoon nails it. Check it out. The finalists are worth viewing, too.
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