Theology of the Body
“This is revolutionary stuff. This is
‘rock your world’ theology.
This is a journey into the heart of the mystery of God,
the mystery of the cosmos, and the mystery of our humanity.”
-- Christopher West --
What is the Theology of the Body?
The “Theology of the Body” is John Paul
II’s integrated vision of the human
person—body, soul, and spirit.
The first major teaching project of his
pontificate, it was originally presented in
129 general Wednesday audiences
between 1979 and 1984. It is a biblical
reflection on the meaning of embodiment,
sexual desire, and married love.
As he explains, the human body is capable
of revealing answers regarding
fundamental questions about us and our
lives:
- What is the meaning of life?
- Why were we created male and female?
- Does it really matter if we are one sex or another?
- What exactly is “Love”?
In his biography of Pope John
Paul II, Witness to Hope, George
Weigel described the theology of
the body as a “theological time
bomb” and “one of the boldest
reconfigurations of Catholic
theology in centuries.”
His ‘Theology of the Body’ promises to
be one of Pope John Paul II’s most
enduring contributions to the Church and
the world.
Parishes throughout the Diocese of Madison are encouraged to explore the possibility of bringing this
teaching to their adults and teens. The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis can assist
through a number of training opportunities.
