| March 2022 l Upcoming Events March 7: ZOOM: Electric Sex, Sticky Love, and Complex Marriage March 21: ZOOM: The Religious Case for Female Genital Cutting March 24: No Justice, No Peace: How Black and White Americans Define Peace Differently March 31-April 3: ROE, a Play by Lisa Loomer |
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Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public and are held on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan University. This spring face masks are required at all events. For more information, please contact the Robert Nusbaum Center
To register for the Zoom events, please call the Nusbaum Center at 757-455-34129. |
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Electric Sex, Sticky Love, and Complex Marriage: Religion, Sex, and the Oneida Community Monday, March 7, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. ZOOM Presentation: Register by March 4, or call 757-455-3129
For many Americans, the word “Oneida” is associated with fine silverware. The origin of the utopian community that came to make such silverware is less well known. In the mid-19th century, John Humphrey Noyes established a revolutionary community in rural New York centered on achieving a life free of sin through God’s grace. Yet it also espoused equality of the sexes and “complex marriage,” a system of free love where sexual relations with multiple partners was encouraged. In Oneida: From Free Love Utopia to the Well-Set Table, Dr. Ellen Wayland-Smith—a scholar and a descendant of John Humphrey Noyes—describes the captivating story of the community’s evolution. In this Zoom presentation and discussion, she introduces us to the community and focuses on its most unusual and misunderstood practice: “complex marriage.” Ellen Wayland-Smith, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Writing at the University of Southern California. |
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The Religious Case for Female Genital Cutting Monday, March 21, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. ZOOM Presentation: Register by March 17, or call 757-455-3129
In The Female Circumcision Controversy, Dr. Ellen Gruenbaum points out that Western outrage and efforts to stop genital mutilation often provoke a strong backlash from people in the countries where the practice is common. While she looks at the validity of Western arguments against the practice, she concentrates particularly on the complex attitudes of those who practice it and on indigenous efforts to end it. Dr. Gruenbaum humanizes the adherents of the practice, shows the complexities of it, helps readers move beyond indignation, and gives them hope. In this Zoom presentation and discussion, she shows us an important method in working toward social change and then answers our questions. Ellen Gruenbaum, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita and former Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Perdue University. |
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No Justice, No Peace: How Black and White Americans Define Peace Differently Dedication of the Peace Pole at VWU Thursday, March 24, Noon – 1:00 p.m. Lighthouse Center for Exploration and Discovery, Clarke Hall
Most White Americans describe peace as the absence of war or the lack of threat of direct violence from an individual or group. Black Americans, on the other hand, frame peace as the absence of direct, structural, and cultural violence of systemic racism. For the first 30 minutes of this event, Dr. Jeff Toussaint shares insights from his research on how Black and White Americans conceptualize peace differently and then offers practical tips for how to become more effective peacemakers. Afterward, we will move to the Peace Garden to dedicate the planting of a Peace Pole and share refreshments. The Peace Pole is made possible by the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia Peacemaking Committee in recognition of the legacy of peacemaker William Granville Sale, Jr. Jeffrey Toussaint, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Sociology-Criminal Justice at VWU. |
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Virginia Wesleyan Theatre Presents ROE by Lisa Loomer Thursday, March 31 – Saturday, April 2, 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2:00 p.m. Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center Free to VWU students, faculty, and staff
Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion, is still fiercely debated fifty years later. In this incisive play, acclaimed writer Lisa Loomer cuts through the headlines and rhetoric to reveal the divergent personal journeys of lawyer Sarah Weddington and plaintiff Norma McCorvey ("Jane Roe") in the years following the fateful decision. In turns shocking, humorous, and poignant, ROE reflects the polarization in America today while illuminating the heart and passion each side has for its cause.
ROE is directed by Professor of Theatre Dr. Sally Shedd. The Robert Nusbaum Center joins with the Office of Gender and Sexuality Equity and VWU Theatre to host opportunities following each show to reflect on and discuss issues raised in the play. |
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ROBERT NUSBAUM CENTER
Dr. Craig Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies and the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center
Kelly Jackson, Associate Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center
Dr. Eric Mazur, Gloria and David Furman Professor of Judaic Studies and Robert Nusbaum Center Fellow for Religion, Law, and Politics
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