Theology of the Body Made Simple

por Anthony Percy

Editorial:

Pauline Books & Media

, 2006

Overview

More than sexual, we are relational: meant for true and intimate relationship with each other and with God.

Rather than a casual indoor sport, sex is sacred. And John Paul II’s radical perspective on how we view life, love, and sexuality can transform our relationships into profound experiences of communion.

This is a simple introduction to the basic premise of the theology of the body. It explains how our bodies are symbolic, free, meant for love, and redeemed by Christ. It presents unambiguous reasons for the Church’s teaching on premarital sex, contraception, homosexuality, pornography, and more. And it gives reason to hope that the love we crave so deeply is, in fact, promised us by God from the beginning.

Key Features

• Introduces John Paul II’s theology of the body
• Provides a thorough explanation in clear, precise language
• Covers a wide variety of topics important to the Church and Christians

Contents

• The Original Human Experience
• The Four Qualities of the Human Body
• The Theology of the Body and Sexual Activity
• Forgiveness and Trust

Top Highlights

“What is the essence of Original Unity? John Paul II says it consists in two things: accepting and giving. The man discovers the woman and accepts her for who she is. The man does not try to change her or control her. The man accepts that she complements him—that she helps him to be human.” (Page 25)

“But according to John Paul II, we are more relational than we are sexual. Let’s put it this way: the desire to be loved and to love is much deeper than the desire to have sex.” (Page x)

“The word ‘helper’ is used twenty-one times in the Old Testament. Nineteen times it refers to divine aid. The woman, then, is a divine aid, not ‘merely’ a helper (which can sound disparaging). The woman lifts the man beyond himself; she helps him reach perfection. This is so precisely because the woman complements the man. Of course the reverse is true as well; the man helps the woman attain her perfection.” (Pages 25–26)

“What do the experiences of Original Solitude and Original Unity mean for us? They mean that God created us to be in relationship with him and with other human beings. We are created to be related. Why would this be so? Because God himself is a related being.” (Page 23)

“Freedom finds its fullest expression and meaning when we make of ourselves a gift for others” (Page 33)

Praise for the Print Edition

Finally, a book that presents the thought of Pope John Paul II in a clear and concise manner! It makes his teachings on this often complex subject available to a popular audience.

—Marianne Luthin, director, Pro-Life Office, Archdiocese of Boston

About Anthony Percy

Anthony Percy is a priest of the Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, Australia. His doctorate in sacred theology is from the John Paul II Institute in Washington, DC.