Opinions on JPII's Theology of the Body

[cam100]

I recently heard a conservative priest say that he did not view John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as being beneficial. I had been inteterested in reading it, but haven’t done it yet. I was hoping to get some opinions from others who are familiar with it.

 

[Kolbe300]

I recently heard a conservative priest say that he did not view John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as being beneficial. I had been inteterested in reading it, but haven’t done it yet. I was hoping to get some opinions from others who are familiar with it.

Hi there! I have read the “Theology of the Body For Beginners” by Christopher West. (It’s kind of like the Theology of the Body for dummies. ) I can’t recommend it highly enough. I don’t know what other people got from it, but I will never look at our bodies, our creation, and sexuality the same again. Amazingly enough, this work of JPII is also promoted by many protestants. I am trying so hard to figure out how a priest would find the work as not being a benefit. That is crazy to me. Anyways, I hope that helps. I truly believe you won’t be in the least bit dissapointed and you will walk away with a deeper understanding of many things!

Also, I’ve heard from a few very bright Catholics that the full work of the Theology of the Body can be a bit overwhelming. You may want to start with the one for beginners, then move on to the full work if you’d like. But that’s just a dummy’s opinion!

Have a great day!

 

[rpp]

Like other Kolbe300, I have a great appreciation for ToB.

I have attended two workshops, read several of Christopher West’s books and listened to several of his audio presentations. It is really revolutionary.

It has revolutionized my understanding of all of Catholic and Christian theology, not just sex and marriage, but Marian teachings, Christology, redemptive suffering, the structure of the priesthood and religious life, just everything!

 

[StCsDavid]

It would be helpful to know what exactly was the objection to Theology of the Body. The reason being, there really is not anything that John Paul II states that the Church hasn’t taught from the beginning. The only thing I can think of is that it can be a difficult read and unless you have some background going into it, you might find it hard to grasp in parts. I would suggest read or listen to some Christopher West materials and then get the translation done by Michael Waldstein which has a fantastic introduction to the topic.

 

[fhansen]

Some people seem to prefer ignorance. JPII was not one of them. Theology of the Body was an insightful pastoral work which can only lead to more light being shed on topics which are not well enough understood.

 

[dominicsavio]

i would definitely recommend taking a look. maybe that priest didn’t like but i know tons of people (myself included) it has helped tremendously. take some time to read it and get acquainted with it and if you decide its not something worth pursuing further than you can put it down. at least took a look at something that you thought could have been helpful to you.

 

[Joannm]

Perhaps this priest did not like JPII’s very very positive views on sexuality.

 

[Pax]

I recently heard a conservative priest say that he did not view John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as being beneficial. I had been inteterested in reading it, but haven’t done it yet. I was hoping to get some opinions from others who are familiar with it.

I give it the high fives.

 

[Joey1976]

Amazingly enough, this work of JPII is also promoted by many protestants.

Is JPII actual Theology of the Body being promoted by many protestants or is there some protestant author promoting it as their own work, like they came up with it or put a new spin on it. I hope they are recognizing JPII’s actual work and giving him credit for it/

 

[Kolbe300]

Is JPII actual Theology of the Body being promoted by many protestants or is there some protestant author promoting it as their own work, like they came up with it or put a new spin on it. I hope they are recognizing JPII’s actual work and giving him credit for it/

I got that from an article I read last year, I don’t remember in what publication, but these protestant ministers were actually not only sharing the Theology but letting people know where it came from. As could be expected, they had their hands full convincing some people to listen. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to find others promoting it as their own ideas out of fear of teaching anything Catholic. It was nice to see at least a few people giving credit where credit is due.

Peace!

 

[Beofuse]

“Theology of the Body For Beginners” by Christopher West.

Wondeful book that I plan on sharing with all my Christian friends.

 

[graceandglory]

It would be helpful to know what exactly was the objection to Theology of the Body.

That would be the best starting place. I have talked with several holy Catholic people who are squeamish about the whole subject. It seems (to me) that they haven’t gotten past the repression of their sexuality, to understanding the redemption that JP2 speaks of. ToB is a message for consecrated celibates, married people, singles, and virgins, alike.

It surprises me that more clergy don’t embrace it and run with it, as it gives “Celibacy for the Kingdom” so much meaning.

It has totally changed my outlook on sexuality from a naive prudishness to a redeemed purity of heart.

 

[graceandglory]

I got that from an article I read last year, I don’t remember in what publication, but these protestant ministers were actually not only sharing the Theology but letting people know where it came from. As could be expected, they had their hands full convincing some people to listen. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to find others promoting it as their own ideas out of fear of teaching anything Catholic. It was nice to see at least a few people giving credit where credit is due.

Peace!

Christopher West material can already be linked to at a Focus on the Family website
pureintimacy.org/

I hear that he is in talks with the folks at Focus on the Family, I think to do a radio broadcast with Dr. Dobson on Theology of the Body.

Once they hear the message on a radio broadcast, though, they will be interested in more and more, if they are like me; and like RPP said above, it will introduce them to so much more of Catholicism. Like George Weigel says, “It is a “theological timebomb” perhaps set to go off sometime in the 21st century!”

 

[Mirror_Mirror]

I think that by reading Christopher West’s summary of this book, that has allowed to to have the respect for my wife and have gained a full understading of what it means to have a sexual relationship with my wife. I know understand what sex actually is, not what everyone else thinks.

I recommend checking out Christopher West’s books to start.

 

[Chancellare]

I recently heard a conservative priest say that he did not view John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as being beneficial. I had been inteterested in reading it, but haven’t done it yet. I was hoping to get some opinions from others who are familiar with it.

It depends what you mean by conservative. Opus Dei priests are teaching it.

There is a difference between being conservative and having been ill-informed.

 

[manualman]

Well, you don’t give us much to go on to understand the priest’s objection. Since you call him ‘conservative’ I will assume that he isn’t spouting the usual dissenter’s objections, which are largely based on their own ideology of the difference between men and women being merely plumbing parts.

Like another poster said, perhaps he has simply developed a comprehensive view on sexuality and instead simply repressed it to live out his vows. That’s perhaps unfairly speculative, but if he is going to criticize the TOB, he ought to provide actual counter-arguments to avoid speculation…

 

[stbruno]

The Theology of the Body cannot be simply relegated to marriage and family or sexual ethics. Its scope is much broader, touching on everything concerning the human experience. This theology is the groundwork for a re-articulation of the entire faith in view of a New Evangelization.”

–Fr. Kevin B. McGoldrick,
M.Div., M.A., S.T.B.
Priest, Diocese of Philadelphia​

this is just one testimonial from the Theology of the Body Institute’s website.
tobinstitute.org/

 

[Huiou_Theou]

I have read both the original wednesday audiences of PJPII when he taught the theology of the body, and Christopher west’s summary.
(In that order.)

I had no difficulty reading the pope’s work, except that It was slow because he has a wonderful vocabulary that forced me to use a dictionary occasionally. I understood most of it, except the section on “art” which went over my head at the time.

After reading Christopher West, the basic ideas were there – but a few of them ( Which I can’t remember off the top of my head ) seemed quite deficient compared to what the pope actually said – so a certain amount of reductionist interpretation might have occurred in Christopher West’s work.

If you do read Christopher’s work, and find yourself puzzled by something he says – you can always check that particular area by reading the wednesday audiences from PJP-II himself (and bring a dictionary! )



Also, to answer the OP, yes I have found it very useful over a long period of time in understanding church teaching. To someone already well versed in church teaching – there is perhaps nothing new in the theology of the body, and nothing “all that helpful” so I could understand your (already formed priest) not finding it particularly new. But, at the same time, when I read it – many of the amazingly “obvious” things which the pope says changed the unformed way I thought about the church, to a view which has deepened ever since. I found it well worth the read at my time in life.

 

[turtle18]

I think just because someone doesn’t agree with TOB doesn’t mean they are “repressed” sexually. It is a teaching of Pope John Paul II, not the church and you need to respect people who disagree with it, not criticize them or make fun of them.

There are some wonderful teachings about human sexuality in TOB, but its teachings that the meaning of God is found through human sexuality seems far fetched and a very incomplete view of who God is and how to find God’s love in our society.

 

[graceandglory]

I think just because someone doesn’t agree with TOB doesn’t mean they are “repressed” sexually. It is a teaching of Pope John Paul II, not the church and you need to respect people who disagree with it, not criticize them or make fun of them.

There are some wonderful teachings about human sexuality in TOB, but its teachings that the meaning of God is found through human sexuality seems far fetched and a very incomplete view of who God is and how to find God’s love in our society.

In my post I did mention that it “seemed” that way to me. I have been sharing ToB for three years with people, and have really met holy people who are “squeamish” about it. I really do want to find a good argument against ToB for my own education.

It’s not quite accurate that ToB teaches the “meaning of God” is found in human sexuality. ToB does answer the questions, “Why did God make us male and female?” and “What does it mean to be made in God’s image?”

I don’t think ANYONE in this thread has criticized anyone who is in disagreement with ToB. I really want to know if people are discounting it up front, as if to say, “I’m not married, therefore, it’s not for me.” Or “I’m a consecrated celibate, and I don’t teach marriage prep, so I can ignore it.”

When I first discovered ToB, someone referred me to Daughters of St Paul Publications, rather than to Christopher West, and told me that "Christopher West is too “earthy.”
That’s great! Someone had a reason for why they don’t prefer his style! That’s what I’m looking for, and I think also the OP. WHY don’t some people “like” ToB?

ToB isn’t only a “teaching” of PJPII, rather, it is scriptural, and completely in line with the Tradition of the Church. I don’t think there is anything in ToB that a faithful Catholic can “disagree” with. It’s all biblical. It is also proving to be an amazing tool for evangelizing protestants.