Theology of the Body

Theology of the Body Vocations

Preface • Authored by Pope John Paul II • Via a collections of teachings • Delivered between 1979 1984 • TOB provides teaching about: • The human body and Sexuality • Human relationships • Marriage and celibacy (the single life0 • TOB is modeled on the relationship of God in the Trinity • A reflection of the relationship with himself

Preface • We are more relational than we are sexual • I.e. Our desire to love is much greater than our desire for sex • Sex is wonderful, but it is a means to an end • Sex should serve fruitful, lasting relationships and therefore is subservient to marriage and celibacy's higher value • Sexuality should serve a true and lasting communion between man and woman (husband and wife) • We are called to love, and accept love

Preface • Love than takes precedence over sexual activity • Which is why celibate people can be encourage by the TOB • TOB discusses sexual acts in Ch 3. • JP II does not deviate from traditional Church teachings • Most find the TOB to be to be more reasonable and satisfying rationale for the teachings • The Church’s sexual teachings can develop over time; but they cannot change over time

Preface • The Church must remain faithful to Christ and His teaching • To deviate would make the Church unfaithful • Thus the need to provide a language that enables healthy discussion, understanding and adherence

Introduction p.1 • Theology (of the Body) • Theology = “a word about God” or the study of God • Theos - God • Logos – Word • Normal study of the body focuses on: • Health, biology, physics, chemistry, economics • Alone, these are incomplete to have “full” knowledge of the truth • JP II starts his study with the Word of God • He relies heavily on the book of Genesis • The “first humans” experinece

Introduction p. 2-3 • TOB has two Parts • The Words of Christ • The Sacrament • Each part has three chapters • In Part One Chapter One • JP II develops four “original experiences and then discusses four qualities of the human body • The Chapters look at: • Original human experiences • Qualities of the human body • Sexual morality • Mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ

Introduction p. 4 • The lectures were delivered at the pope’s Wednesday audiences at the Vatican • CK Chesterton (1917) • Foretold of the coming sexual revolution in the 1920’s • The impact of this “revolution” has brought an upsurge in: • Pain and suffering • Divorce and a breakdown of family values • Sexual promiscuity • The Culture of Death

Introduction p. 5 • Sexuality is a paradox • It is a marvelous but difficult reality • The Church has always taught about: • Sinful sexual acts • Adultery, masturbation, contraception, deviant sexual behavior and fantasies • People were asked to trust the Church’s teaching • For fear of the punishment of God • After the 1960’s, people no longer trusted institutions • Thus the need for a new language; a positive approach • Positive, reasonable, and conversational

Introduction p. 6 • Sex Is Important • We (our bodies) are temples of the Holy Spirit • Living free of sin makes sense • The media seems obsessed with sex • But how should it fit into our lives • JP II – sex means something • TOB is not a reaction to the need, rather it is a response to the need to discuss this important topic

Introduction p. 7 • How to Understand the Church’s Sexual Teaching • A discussion guide, not a textbook

Theology of the Body