How to read the theology of the body?

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I have John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and want to start reading it. I also want to read Christopher West’s theology of the body explained.
Would it be best to read that first?
Would it be best to read both books at the same time?
Would it be best to read the Pope’s own words first and then Christopher West’s?

I don’t doubt that I’d be able to understand John Paul II (though I do expect to have to read it slowly and very contemplatively) but what do you guys think?

Peace in The Sacred and Immaculate Hearts,
Mordocai
 
What is John Paul II’s Theology of the Body? I understand it as a concept in theology. Is it an actual book?
 
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Mordocai:
I have John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and want to start reading it. I also want to read Christopher West’s theology of the body explained.
Would it be best to read that first?
Would it be best to read both books at the same time?
Would it be best to read the Pope’s own words first and then Christopher West’s?

I don’t doubt that I’d be able to understand John Paul II (though I do expect to have to read it slowly and very contemplatively) but what do you guys think?

Peace in The Sacred and Immaculate Hearts,
Mordocai
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I would suggest you begin with West’s book - read a chapter at a time and then reference JPII’s book for a more detailed and nuanced discussion of the same theme (I’m pretty sure West will indicate the correlating chapters). The latter is incredibly dense - beautiful, but an exhausting read.
 
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Ham1:
What is John Paul II’s Theology of the Body? It is a series of Wendesday talks that outline a theology linking Body and soul. I understand it as a concept in theology. Is it an actual book? Yes it is a Book. Christopher West has a number of books explaining the theology and the Pope has a book published on the subject.
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Good Question - I gave DH, JP’s “Theology of the body” for Christmas last year. Was wondering if I should also get the Christopher West book. I know DH has glimpsed through it ( maybe I should start reading it)
 
Ok so I started reading it last night lol I couldn’t help it.
Marvelous stuff 🙂
I like how the “chapters” are so short. You can read one a day if you like since when JPII gave the talks, they were weekly papal audiences. I look forward to reading more and then reading Christopher West’s Theology of the Body: Explained
Then maybe I’ll travel around the world catechizing this stuff too 🙂
 
I am on the school commission for my sons’ Catholic school and I am trying to get the Theology of the Body incorporated into the curriculum to replace the current courses on human sexuality (which are not authentic Catholic teachings). Has anybody had any experience with this or have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate it. I have read Christopher West’s book, Theology of the Body for Beginners, and the associate Pastor at my parish actually was the Chaplian for the summer Institute with Christopher West and knows him well. However, I am dealing with the school and they are pretty “clueless” about it.
 
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Mordocai:
I have John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and want to start reading it. I also want to read Christopher West’s theology of the body explained.
Would it be best to read that first?
Would it be best to read both books at the same time?
Would it be best to read the Pope’s own words first and then Christopher West’s?

I don’t doubt that I’d be able to understand John Paul II (though I do expect to have to read it slowly and very contemplatively) but what do you guys think?

Peace in The Sacred and Immaculate Hearts,
Mordocai
Click to expand...
I suggest you read West’s *Theology of the Body for Beginners * first, it’s very easy to read and synthesizes the main components of TOTB. Then go to TOTB Explained simultaneously with TOTB as a reference. West quotes portions of TOTB but you might want the complete text for reference. It’s deep… West also has a study guide/tape series explaining TOTB.
 
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