This series is “an interdisciplinary effort at further understanding the human person by paying special attention to the body, but not exclusively.”

September 22, 2011. Washington, DC. Consider the human body as a “window to the … soul.”
This is just what an upcoming lecture series sponsored by the Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS) will be doing starting September 30, 2011.  IPS will present “Psychology of the Body,” its 11th Annual Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman Lecture Series.

This series is “an interdisciplinary effort at further understanding the human person by paying special attention to the body, but not exclusively.”  The following from the series’ website explains the theme of the event:

An understanding of the human person as a unity of body and soul is something deeply meaningful to Catholics.  At the same time, our post modern culture tends to either over- or under-value the importance of the body for the person and his or her relationships, leaving important questions about the practical and theological approaches to the body unanswered.

During the lecture series, several distinguished presenters will explore various aspects of the theme.  The program includes our Fr. John Bartunek, L.C., S.T.D., on October 21, speaking on the topic, “Sanctification of Desire: Contemplating the Eucharistic Body of Christ.” 

The program also includes the following speakers and topics:

• September 30, 2011 - Greg Kolodziejczak, Psy. D., “Physiological Factors in the Distortions of Love.”
• November 18, 2011 - Fr. James Brent, O.P., “A Sapiential Account of Chastity.”
• February 3, 2012 - G. Alexander Ross, Ph. D., “Bodies in Relationship: A Sociological View.”
• February 24, 2012 - Gerard V. Bradley, J.D., “Privacy: The Body and Law.”
• March 23, 2012 - Craig Steven Titus, Ph.D., “Body and Virtue: Philosophical Psychology of the Body.”
• April 20, 2012 - Paul C. Vitz, Ph. D., “A Psychology of the Body: A First Approximation.”

IPS is uniquely qualified to present this series.  The Institute is “a Catholic graduate school of psychology offering masters´ and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology and a master’s degree in general psychology.  The comprehensive curriculum brings together the study of empirically-proven psychotherapeutic techniques and the study of philosophical and theological sources, enabling IPS graduates to grasp all the complexities of the human person, including the transcendent and spiritual dimensions.”

All lectures will be held at IPS in Arlington, Virginia, in Classroom II on the first floor, beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by a wine and cheese reception.  The public is invited to attend free of charge, but reservations are required. To make a reservation or for more information, please contact IPS Events Coordinator Nancy Flynn at (703) 416-1441, extension127, or by email at nflynn@IPSciences.edu.

The lectures will also be broadcast live.  To view the September 30th lecture, please register at http://ipsciences.webex.com.  Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing detailed information about viewing the lecture.  Those who register will also receive information at a later date on registering for the other upcoming lectures.