Theology of the Body

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The invisible made visible through the physical... the body as a sacrament

John Paul II, at the beginning of his pontificate (1979-1984), chose to deliver his weekly Wednesday audiences as a catechetical series addressing two questions: what does it mean to be human? how we can find happiness? He takes the idea of a body having a theology and seeks what this means by using Scripture. A compilation of his addresses can be found in Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body, translated and introduced by Michael Waldstein. The Theology of the Body covers topics such as what it means to be created male and female, the nature of human sexuality, the human need for community, the meaning of love, the difference between lust and love, and the complementarity between celibacy and marriage.

Although the Theology of the Body is a dense read, it is well worth the time. Try reading it with a study group. Click here for groups that already exist. To start your own group, click here and here. If you are interested in starting a group in the Diocese of Rockford, contact Deborah Irwin, NFP Coordinator, for help.

More info coming soon...

Theology of the Body for Teens
Theology of the Body for Teens, a curriculum for teens based on the Theology of the Body, can be taught by high school teachers or youth ministers. It answers questions such as why did God give us our sexual desires? What does it mean to be created in the image of God? What is the difference between love and lust? What is authentic freedom? Is there any hope for overcoming lust and pornography?

Resources
Many people have attempted to make JP II's work accessible to a wider audience. If you don't feel like you are quite ready for the text, watch these DVDs, listen to these CDs, and/or read these books.






Church Documents related to the Theology of the Body

Study Guides

Links