What is the Theology of the Body?

THEOLOGY OF THE BODY (TOB)

The Theology of the Body developed from a series of teachings given by Pope John Paul II at his Wednesday papal audiences in Rome from September, 1979 to November, 1984. At the heart of Pope John Paul II's talks is the unchanging truth that we are all created in God's image and so, we are called to love as God loves, and to express that love in and through our bodies.

The legacy John Paul left us is not new Catholic teaching, but rather a re-presentation of FAITH, not as an imposition but as a proposition. Here he teaches us we are not called to just be more SPIRITUAL, we are called to be more INCARNATIONAL, to put flesh on the spiritual life, that we are embodied souls.

Recognizing this, TOB helps us to answer two profound questions, 'what does it mean to be human?' and 'how do I live my live in a way to bring true happiness?'. To answer these we consider what is the deepest yearning of every human heart? Is it to love and be loved? If so how?

John Paul takes us back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve lived and loved in perfection, our true calling. Here we got a glimpse that they(we) were(are) made in the 'image of God' and called to participate in the Eternal Exchange of Love between Father, Son & Holy Spirit, divine love. That there is a SPOUSAL (nuptial) MEANING OF THE BODY -where we are made in one nature (human) embodied in two ways (male and female) for union and communion through the a sincere and fruitful gift of self. This is one of the major keys to TOB, we are made for SELF DONATION. When are you happiest, when you are giving or receiving?

John Paul goes on to show us how the fall of man put an end to this perfection, but Christ's coming and His redemption gives us all an opportunity to live this way again. He also makes clear that all of this is but a foretaste of our Destiny, marriage to God and the Saints in Heaven. That is just a taste of what has blessed our marriage of 38 years, and changed the lives of hundreds from age 20 to 80 that have studied TOB with us over the last five years.

We offer TOB Workshops through out the year based on John Paul II's revolutionary teaching and presented by world-renowned speaker and best-selling author Christopher West, through his 8-part DVD-based study is designed to give you a solid understanding of God's plan for humanity. Here you will come to see who you really are and what you are called to be. God's plan for us is stamped right in our bodies and understanding this plan will give us a new lens through which to see our lives, our relationships and the world around us.

Click here for more information about TOB Learning opportunities.

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