Review: Theology of the Body Explained

Theology of the Body Explained: A Commentary on John Paul II's "Gospel of the Body" by Christopher West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This truly is an amazing book. West explains, in great detail, what John Paul II's catechesis of the Theology of the Body is, and why it is so important and necessary for current Catholics.

This book is not as easy a read as George Weigl claims in the introduction, but it is very rewarding. John Paul II takes traditional Catholic views and turns them on their heads, all the while keeping true to the Magisterium's and the Church's traditional scriptural teachings. Not an easy task, but John Paul II accomplishes it with humility, wisdom and genius.

Although it is always best to read the actual source material instead of relying on second-hand explanations, West quotes extensively from the Pope's published audiences as they relate to the TOB, so the initiate does not feel left out of the conversation.

West follows the Pope's five-year cycle of Wednesday catecheses as he explains the elements of the Theology of the Body. This would be my suggestion to the reader: read the last section first, Cycle 6, and then return to the beginning. Obviously, this way the reader will not understand everything that West is referring to, but Cycle 6 places the Pope's argument in both a theological and historical context, and once you see the need for such a radical theological revision you will want to understand all the details.

Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body (TOB)is an answer to the criticisms that Pope Paul VI (and the Catholic Church) received after issuing in 1968 the controversial encyclical Humanae Vitae, which was the Church's response to the contraceptive use of The Pill. Humanae Vitae is a life-changing document that must be read by every Catholic. In his TOB John Paul II explains the theological underpinnings of Humanae Vitae, and why understanding this document is still needed in our current society.

In TOB John Paul II explains what it truly means to be a man and a woman, and what it means to be in love, and to live a conjugal life. Obviously, a cursory glance at these topics shows their significance as they relate to today's Culture of Death.

Pope John Paul's analysis of love is thorough, thoughtful, and scriptural. Taking his cue from Jesus' reply to the Pharisees' question about divorce, John Paul II returns to Adam and Eve in order to re-examine their relationship, in order to further understand the authentic man and woman, before the Fall. John Paul II also examines extensively St. Paul's controversial letter to the Ephesians and he explains, in great detail, the theological implications of this text.

With constant analysis of specific biblical passages, John Paul II creates an overwhelming case for a new theology, a new way of understanding married life, and of living out our faith more authentically/sacramentally. West also delves into the Pope's analysis of The Book of Tobit and the sensual poetry of The Song of Songs as further evidence of how/why his TOB is not really anything new, and how it has always been in the Bible.

I cannot stress the necessity for the faithful to understand and implement John Paul II's TOB as soon as possible. In fact, I would add West's book to my very short list of necessary documents to guide a Catholic's life: The Bible, The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Humanae Vitae, and The Theology of the Body Explained. Given that the TOB is seen as a stepping stone to The New Evangelization, the task of immediate implementation is all the more pressing!

Whatever you may think of the Catholic point of view about married life and conjugal love (yes, I'm talking to "modern" Catholics who think the Church is outdated and not in touch with the real world) be prepared to abandon your old beliefs and to adopt a more authentic, Bible-based, faithful (faith-filled) way of life. Reading this book (and/or John Paul II's published TOB) will be a liberating, life-changing experience for the Catholic faithful. And it just may convert a few non-Catholics along the way.

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