Product Description

According to Pope John Paul II, if we live according to the true meaning of our sexuality, we "fulfill the very meaning of [our] being and existence." The human body is a "theology" because it is meant to be a sign of God's own life and love in the world. With clarity and precision, Christopher West unpacks John Paul II's Theology of the Body, translating it into a language everyone can understand. Theology of the Body for Beginners explores the profound interconnections between sex and the deepest questions of human existence, including: What is the meaning of life? Why did God create us male and female? How do we attain true happiness on earth? What kind of joys await us in heaven? Why is there evil in the world and how do we overcome it? How can we experience the love we long for in the depth of our hearts?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #224204 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 164 pages

About the Author
Christopher West is widely recognized for his work popularizing John Paul II's theology of the body. His books (Good News About Sex & Marriage and Theology of the Body Explained), extensive lecturing, and numerous tapes have sparked an international groundswell of interest in the subject. Christopher teaches the theology of the body at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, the Institute of Priestly Formation in Omaha, and at the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Melbourne, Australia. He and his wife Wendy live in Pennsylvania with their three children.

Customer Reviews

Could be better
This book was suggested to me, so I thought I may as well.

However, I really wish I hadn't have bothered. Thinking about it, the 'for beginners' is really quite accurate. If you don't regard yourself as a real beginner (i.e. you know one thing about the Catholic understanding of sexuality), read the bigger books by the same author. In fact, Mr West misses out some parts and tells the reader to look at the other, larger edition which focuses on the entirety of John Paul II's teachings. Just cut out the middle man and ignore this publication.

Otherwise, it's good - for beginners.

Truly revolutionary!
I was given this book by a friend. The clarity of teaching is truly remarkable. It has been life-changing for me, in terms of a clear vision of the purpose of sexuality. Just a few of my favourite quotes from the book:

-The problem in society is not that sex is overvalued, but that it's grossly undervalued.

-The Pope invites us to reflect on our experience, and embrace your dignity. The message is one of sexual healing and redemption, rather than condemnation.

-In general, men use love to get sex. Women use sex to get love.

-The opposite of love is not hatred, but using someone for selfish ends. The adultery of lust is precisely because a man looks in a way that objectifies. He can just as easily do this to his wife, and marriage does not justify lust!

-Marriage is an icon, ie a sign of something much greater. It points to the marriage of the Lamb. Our body is a sacrament: ie it makes visible the invisible. The body and union are prophetic! True union is free, total, faithful and fruitful. All these standards need to be applied to sexual morals: none are open to debate.

-Celibacy is not a rejection of sexuality, but a skipping of the earthly sacrament in anticipation of the heavenly union. Ie ultimate fulfilment is found in God, and celibacy points to the ultimate meaning of sex. The world needs the witness of celibacy! Celibacy is a sacrifice of the icon for the sake of the kingdom. The reality is much more attractive than the icon: if not, the icon has become an idol. Celibacy gives an intense foretaste of the coming communion with God. Celibacy is an exceptional vocation; the normal vocation is marriage and family, but marriage without God's plan can lead to heartache.

Highly highly recommended. (And, like the previous reviewer, I'll now read JP2's original book)

Excellent book
I found this book to be really interesting and informative, and an excellent introduction to the topic. Christopher West is a great author!