“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.