Dan J. Brennan

If You're not on Facebook...

Here is 25 random things about me I posted on FB:

Redeeming Sexuality: An Alternative to Pornography

Perhaps my second book should be something along the above title and subject.  I am sure many women would say I well, yes, that part of redeeming sexuality would mean that men would not, in their vulnerability but nevertheless masculine impulses, seek out false intimacy when want they need  and are made for is authentic closeness with the other sex.  Its no secret (although it is a secret activity) that many men struggle with pornography--including men who want to be faithful to their spouses.  The most popular approach even in the church, is to counter pornography through fear, rules and behavior modification.  An interesting thing happened to me and pornography a few years ago.

While I am waiting....

Still no news on the book front.  I haven't posted much here recently because life has been full of family, friendship, and ministry. 

Sunday was a day where I had a long conversation with someone after church.  Then I invited him out to lunch with Sheila and I afterwards.  We had a long talk there.  Then it seemed like I was on the phone praying and talking the rest of the afternoon and evening with various individuals.  I finally got off the phone after 11 at night.

Jennifer's Prayer for Sheila

Recorded and put on youtube.....enjoy...Jennifer praises God for Sheila's strengthening the friendship between us (Jen and me) and then goes on to pray this beautiful prayer for Sheila.   Others too, prayed for Sheila--my prayer is at the end.  You can watch all the videos including the surprise by following this link: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hqP03p467o&feature=PlayList&p=B8005DD3F4CEA905&index=3

Jennifer Ould is a very, very, special friend. 

Surprise!

Lucky or blessed, somehow even through my bungling efforts, I managed to keep Sheila's surprise birthday party a secret and she was surprised.  Here, Jennifer on Sheila's right, is kissing Sheila to get a surprised look on her face.  To Sheila's left, is another long time friend of ours Jennifer Whiting:

CNN & Male-Female Friendships

Here is a story on CNN about cgfs!  Thanks Christa.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/01/23/lw.opposite.sex.friends/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Rick Warren's Prayer

I thought Rick Warren's prayer for Obama was good.  What did you think?

Advancing Conversation

It's in the works:  Jennifer and I will be co-leading a conversation on redeeming sexuality in community at Life on the Vine in March.  I am looking forward to it.  It will be a part of LOV's monthly meeting to promote conversation among Christians on various subjects.

The Beauty of Trust in Community

One of the arguments I make in my book is that we really have think a little deeper than the little boxes we have put people in when it comes to men and women who are friends spending time alone--together--with no one else around, zero, nada.  I don't think the rules of desert fathers, nor the rules of Billy Graham should be thought of as eternal rules of wisdom applicable as wise and good in all contexts, communities, and friendships.   There should be more options on the table than not meeting alone because of fear/suspicion or conformity to certain codes to prevent gossip.    You'll have to read how I argue for that in my book when it gets published.

Cross-Sex Friendship Quote of the Week

"Perhaps more than any other relationship, friendships between men and women are alive with ambiguity, contradiction, energy, paradox." Celia Allison Hahn