idND presents the 2012 Edith Stein Project

The student club the Identity Project (idND) will host its annual Edith Stein Project on February 10 and 11. This year’s theme is “Encountering Vulnerability: Courage, Hope, and Trust in the Twenty-First Century.”

“Vulnerability is an especially interesting topic; in today’s society we are accustomed to being able to fix things and change things, but we can’t run away from our vulnerability to sin, we can’t change that we will face evil,” Margaret Kennedy, conference co-chair, said.  The conference will discuss the nature of human vulnerability, how we can embrace this vulnerability, and discuss the issues associated with trying to defy this vulnerability.

This student-run conference offers college students and adults alike the chance to listen to respected speakers discussing a variety of topics, including keynote speaker Wheaton Philosophy Professor Sarah Borden Sharkey’s presentation on the theme of vulnerability in Edith Stein’s works and Vicki Thorn, founder of Project Rachel, a ministry for women who have experienced abortion, who will discuss the role biology plays in physical attraction.

In 2004, controversy erupted when THE VAGINA MONOLGUES came to campus.  From this controversy, one group of students decided begin the Edith Stein Project, aiming to open a theological view of current issues and a dialogue about the nature of Church teachings on gender, sexuality, vocation, and other key topics.

The Edith Stein Project aims to discuss human dignity, emphasizing especially the dignity and complementary nature of women.  The conference takes its name from Edith Stein, also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, a convert from Judaism, philosopher, and Carmelite nun who was martyred in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1942.

The conference has expanded its audience to include males and females of all ages.  This year, for example, Notre Dame Philosophy Professor David O’Connor will be presenting on the topic of masculinity and vulnerability.

Kennedy explained that they are expecting a larger number of people from outside the Notre Dame community to attend the event this year than in the past.  She said that she is excited that the conference is showing growth and broadening its theme so as to relate to all people.

Liz Everett, a sophomore PLS and English major who is conference advertising chair, said, “I got involved with the Edith Stein Project because I had been to the conference when I was in high school and loved the presentations about how to be a genuine woman in the twenty-first century. Helping out with this conference gives me the opportunity to discuss issues about authentic identity and relationships in college, which is really relevant to me right now. I’m really looking forward to John Van Epp’s talk about how to build secure relationships.”

Sophomore history and art history major Madeline Gillen, venue and hospitality chair, commented, “I got involved in the Edith Stein Project because of my older sister, Claire Gillen. I’ve participated in the conference for the last three years, and each year it has been a wonderful experience.”

Registration for this event is free for all Notre Dame, St. Mary’s College, and Holy Cross students.  Students from other colleges and adults from the area will need to purchase tickets.  More information can be found at idND’s website (www.nd.edu/idnd).  In addition to the Edith Stein Project, idND hosts weekly meetings, with free Starbucks coffee and baked goods, on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in 312 LaFortune to discuss readings related to the year’s topic.

Ellen Roof is a business and English major from Pangborn Hall.  Contact her at eroof@nd.edu.