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"The Theology of the Body is a
theological time-bomb set to go off with
dramatic consequences ... perhaps in the
twenty-first century."
George Weigel, author of
Witness to Hope
Is true love possible? How should we love -- and
what is the role of sexuality? For many today,
the answers to such questions are sought in
television programs like "Desperate Housewives".
Yet, all too often, our culture only distorts
the true meaning of human sexuality ... and it
is not "desperation" -- but "hope" that is the
deepest longing of the human soul.
To truly answer the above questions, a bold and
clear vision of human sexuality is needed ...
one that provides sure guidance and does not ask
us to compromise our integrity (or that of
others). Such a vision of human sexuality would
have to surpass the distortions of love from our
culture -- and offer real wisdom on our deepest
needs.
"Theology of the Body" is such a vision of true
human freedom -- and so much more. It does not
ask us to simply "hope for the best", to offer
or accept empty promises, or to live in
desperation or shame. Rather, Theology of the
Body offers a practical and intelligent
"roadmap" in regard to human loving --
especially as it concerns marriage
relationships, sexuality and family life. It is
an integrated vision of the total human person -
body and soul.
As Pope, John Paul II dedicated his first major
teaching project to sexuality and the dignity of
the human person. He called the project
Theology of the Body and delivered it in 129
short talks in Rome, between 1979 to 1984.
Because the Holy Father offered it as catechesis
at his Wednesday audiences, they are not
intended as merely his private thought, but as
key teachings for the entire Church -- and for
the entire world.
As John Paul II explained, our physical bodies
have profound meaning and reveal to us the truth
of who we really are, and what we were created
for. When Jesus was asked, "Why did Moses allow
for divorce?" He begins His response by saying
that "in the beginning" it was not so. With
these words, John Paul II takes us back to the
beginning of human reality in Genesis, to help
us re-discover the true meaning of human love
and sexuality ... and to give and receive love
in true freedom.
George Weigel, author of Witness to Hope: The
Biography of Pope John Paul II, calls
Theology of the Body: "a theological
time-bomb set to go off with dramatic
consequences ... perhaps in the twenty-first
century.”
On this webpage you will find resources, events
and links to find out more about TOB ... and
authentic love.
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The following are
recommended resources for learning about
Theology of the Body.
For beginners ...
If
you have heard about Theology of the Body but
are new to it, you may want to begin with the
following excellent resource by Mary Healy:
Men & Women are from Eden: A Study Guide to John
Paul II’s Theology of the Body (Cincinnati,
Servant, 2005). Also recommended is "Theology of
the Body for Beginners" by Christopher
West (West Chester, PA: Ascension Press, 2004).
Both are short and very readable introductions.
New edition of
Theology of the Body now available ...
In October, 2006, a revised version of John Paul
II's Theology of the Body was made available.
Dr. Michael Waldstein, a distinguished professor
of Scripture and Theology completed the new
translation that is clearer and truer to the
original catechesis given by the Pope. It also
contains a 150-page Introduction. Purchase the
new edition
here
and
here.
Theology of the Body
and Teens ...
The Theology of the Body is a new
understanding of the human person and God’s plan
for humanity that is founded upon Scripture and
the teachings of the Church. It takes us beyond
the "thou shall nots" we often associate with
Christianity to a fresh, new approach to the
gift of human sexuality. It is an excellent
resource for small group discussion (e.g. youth
group) and is available as a workbook, along
with a leader's guide.
Online version
...
An online version of the original translation of
the text is available. The EWTN Library contains
all 129 addresses of the Theology of the Body.
here
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Want your parish to
more actively promote Theology of the Body?
Let your parish priest
know about our TOB Resource Page for Clergy
here
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Other
Related Writings of John Paul II
The following documents complement the Holy
Father's teaching in Theology of the Body:
Evangelium Vitae
(The Gospel of Life). Boston: Pauline,
1995.
Familiaris Consortio
(The Role of the Christian Family in the
Modern World). Boston: Pauline, 1981.
Mulieris Dignitatem
(On the Dignity and Vocation of Women).
Boston: Pauline, 1998.
Letter to the Bishops
(On the Collaboration of Men and Women in
the Church and in the World)
Redemptor Hominis
(The Redeemer of Man). Boston:
Pauline, 1979.
Veritatis Splendor
(The Splendor of Truth). Boston:
Pauline, 1993.
Love and Responsibility
(Revised edition. H.T. Willets,
trans. San Francisco: Ignatius, 1993.) Buy it
here
More TOB
related books
West, Christopher.
Good News About Sex and Marriage: Answers to
Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching.
Cincinnati: Servant Books, 2004 (revised
edition). A clear, honest and readable
presentation of Catholic beliefs about
sexuality, including a number of sensitive
issues.
Healy, Mary. Men & Women are from Eden: A
Study Guide to John Paul II’s Theology of the
Body. Cincinnati, Servant, 2005.
Hogan, Richard M. and John M. Levoir.
Covenant of Love: Pope John Paul II on
Sexuality, Marriage and Family in the Modern
World. San Francisco: Ignatius, 1992.
Shivanandan, Mary. Crossing the Threshold of
Love: A New Vision of Marriage. Washington:
Catholic University of America Press, 1999.
Audio
resources
Check out this link to hear some audio clips of
Christopher West on the theology of the body:
www.theologyofthebody.com/hearnow.htm
Theology of
the Body/John Paul II Bibliographies
http://www.theologyofthebody.net/documents.htm
http://www.omsoul.com/totbbib.phtml
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/listmania/list-browse/-/2DQ1T19JUXH39/002-3034888-0848803
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Additional
Resources on the Web
Gaudium et Spes
(The Pastoral Constitution on the Church
in the Modern World). Boston: Pauline, 1965.
www.theologyofthebody.com
Information, books, tapes, CD’s by Christopher
West, a leading voice on Theology of the Body (TOB).
www.theologyofthebody.net
National and international support and
assistance for those promoting the theology of
the body. Includes books, materials, and
conference tapes and CD’s.
www.catholicculture.com
Resources on the Holy Father, Pope John Paul’s
writings especially his book, Love and
Responsibility, and the Theology of the
Body. Also contains an excellent Bibliography on
John Paul II.
www.johnpaulii.edu
The official site of the Pope John Paul II
Institute for Studies in Marriage & Family in
Washington, D.C., the American branch of
the program of theological studies Pope
John Paul II founded in Rome at the beginning of
his pontificate. The faculty, staff, students,
and alumni are devoted to the ongoing study and
integration of the rich anthropological,
systematic, biblical, philosophical and moral
theology rooted in the Person of Jesus Christ.
www.davidhajduk.com
The site of David Hajduk, author of, “God's Plan
for You: Life, Love, Marriage, & Sex", published
by Pauline Books & Media in the spring of 2006.
It is especially well-suited for teens and young
adults.
www.godofdesire.com
God of Desire brings good news about God’s plan
for love, sex, and relationships, in a way that
is relevant to modern people everywhere,
especially for young adults.
www.reallove.net
Mary Beth Bonacci is a popular speaker on "Why
True Love Waits" and other related topics for
teens and young adults.
www.loveforlife.com
Grace Abruzzo is a native New Yorker and speaker
on teenage sexuality and the wisdom of
abstinence.
www.christendom-awake.org
A site devoted to promoting the work of Fr.
Adian Nichols and a number of other highly
respected Catholic intellectuals.
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Here are some events in the Greater New York
area focusing on the Theology of the Body:
Theology of the Body
Discussion Group, Times Square
This ongoing discussion group meets the 1st and
3rd Wednesday of each month at St. Malachy's
Parish in Manhattan near Times Square. Contact
Peter McFadden at
peter@catholicculture.com for more
information.
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212.371.1011 x3184
