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Theology of the BodyOffice of Evangelization and CatechesisThe Theology of the Body is St. John Paul II’s profound reflection on what it means to be human and how our physical nature reveals God’s purpose for love, marriage, and identity. Originally delivered through a series of Wednesday audiences, this teaching offers a rich vision of human dignity and the divine plan for sexuality.
In the Diocese of Madison, we encourage parishes and individuals to engage with this life-giving message. Whether you're exploring it for the first time or seeking to bring it to your parish, we are here to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is It?Theology of the Body
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Pope John Paul IIThe “Theology of the Body” is John Paul II’s integrated vision of the human person – body, soul, and spirit.The first major teaching project of his pontificate, it was originally presented in 129 general Wednesday audiences between 1979 and 1984. It is a biblical reflection on the meaning of embodiment, sexual desire, and married love.
As he explains, the human body is capable of revealing answers regarding fundamental questions about us and our lives:
- What is the meaning of life?
- Why were we created male and female?
- Does it really matter if we are one sex or another?
- What exactly is “Love”?
In his biography of Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope, George Weigel described the theology of the body as a “theological time bomb” and “one of the boldest reconfigurations of Catholic theology in centuries.”
His ‘Theology of the Body’ promises to be one of Pope John Paul II’s most enduring contributions to the Church and the world.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsTheology of the Body
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These topics have taken over our cultural conversation. Parents often don't understand just how different the world is today from that in which they grew up. Even the terms have often taken on different meanings, and unfortunately, a common strategy in many contentious cultural battles is to obscure things by coopting the terminology.
Some of the words framing this particular cultural struggle include:- Sex - Usually, most folks are willing to accept this in its traditional meaning, referring to biological distinction as male or female.
- Gender - In recent years, this has come to mean a cultural construct in which being a man or woman (or something else; see 'non-binary') is not determined by one's biological sex, but by culture.
- Gender Identity - A fairly new term given to a person's self-perceived gender, which is ascribed greater relevance than one's biological sex (or any other objective, observable criteria).
- Sexual Orientation - Used to identify the group to which a person feels erotic attraction. Nowadays, 'heterosexual' and 'homosexual' have been joined by 'bisexual,' 'asexual,' 'pansexual,' 'omnisexual,' etc.
- Transgender - An assertion that a person's gender identity doesn't match their biological sex.
- Nonbinary - An assertion of a gender identity that isn't "confined" to the two traditional male/female scenarios.
Resources
- Sex, Gender and Identity by Dr. Ana Samuel of CanaVox.
- The Transgender Question by Fr. Mike Schmitz of CanaVox
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The Catholic Church wants to walk with you in this journey! Below are links to some resources that might be of help.
LifeTeen
LifeTeen has many excellent articles and blogs about questions of gender and sexuality.Eden Invitation
Eden Invitation is aimed at young adults seeking a way to integrate and understand their sexuality and who God created them to be.Courage
Courage is a ministry and support group for men and women who experience same sex attraction.
EnCourage is the sister support group for family members who want to support their loved ones in an authentic way.The Third Way
These films feature interviews with Catholics who share about their journeys understanding their sexuality, and discovering the immense love that God has for each of them as his children.
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Resources coming soon!
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In a nutshell, it's good! We are made "in the image and likeness of God," and are created for love! To unpack some of what that means, check out the resources below.
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Fr. Mike Schmitz has spoken at length on and written helpful articles about the Catholic understanding of sexuality. Here are links to some of those:- Defining homosexuality
- Beyond No: What the Catholic Church has to Say About Same-Sex Attraction
- Does defending traditional marriage make me a hater?
- Love and Same Sex Attraction
And if you want to go straight to the sources...
- Casti Connubii: On Christian Marriage
- Letter to Families
- Letter to Women
- Mulieris Dignitatem: On the Dignity and Vocation of Women
- Gaudium et Spes: Joy and Hope
- Humanae Vitae: On Human Life
- Veritatis Splendor: Splendor of the Truth
- Familiaris Consortio: On the Christian Family in the Modern World
- The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality
- Educational Guidance in Human Love
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- Eden Invitation
- Courage
- EnCourage
- CanaVox - Sex, Gender, and Identity
- Person and Identity Project Website
- Person and Identity Project - Who Am I? Christian Anthropology
- Person and Identity Project - Competing Views of the Human Person
- Person and Identity Project - Counseling and Support Groups
- Person and Identity Project - Kinds of Transgender Surgery
- Person and Identity Project - Frequently Asked Questions
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ContactOffice of Evangelization and Catechesis
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Office of Evangelization and Catechesisoecmadisondiocese.org
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