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Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body

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For those who may be confused, this is the new translation of John Paul II's 'The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan' (the original title). JPII's "Theology of the Body" is culled from a series of homilies (129 to be exact) he delivered in his Wednesday audiences beginning in 1979. Considering the complexity and profundity of these sermons, it is hard to believe that many in the crowd actually comprehended them. L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, published the homilies, but this was done by a variety of staff translators, thus resulting in an inconsistent translation when published as a whole. Now, for the first time in English, we have a professional, critical translation of these homilies. John Paul's "Theology of the Body" has been highly lauded as one of the greatest (if not *the* greatest) exposition on Christians sexual ethics, with a focus on the human person and the gift of the body. It is perhaps JPII's greatest gift to the Church, especially as it was/is critical in the renewal of the Church after the devastating effects of the sexual revolution of the sixties and the irresponsible and childish rebellion of certain Catholic academics. For a greater appreciation of this work, one can do well to consult the more philosophical works, 'Love and Responsibility' and 'The Acting Person'. The work of Dietrich von Hildebrand would also be a great supplement. On a lighter side, Dawn Eden's 'The Thrill of the Chaste' (recently released) would be a fine example of how JPII's theology of the body is influencing the younger generation.

I had an earlier edition of Theology of the Body and decided to replace it with this new translation with footnotes and an index. I am very glad I did.

This book, and the many beautiful books and lectures that sprang from it by the likes of Dr. Janet Smith and Chris West, has changed my life and my marriage for the better.

I LOVE the Church's teachings on marriage and the family. This book is quite possibly the most important text written on sexual morality in the last century.

Outstanding.

This book is indeed one of the milestones of Christian Philosophy and Theology. This book along with C.S. Lewis' MERE CHRISTIANITY, are the MASTERPIECES of 20th Century Christian Philosophy. Where Lewis turns the tide and challenges the Atheism of Bertrand Russell by giving a powerful case for and introduction to Christianity, John Paul the Great presents a stunningly beautiful look at what it means to be Human. He sets up a dam to the line of reasoning that led to the Sexual "Revolution" and ultimately to the Utilitarian ethics at the root of the Culture of Death. His presentation of the true meaning of Human Sexuality gives one deep insight to what and why we are. His THEOLOGY OF THE BODY is an antidote to the rhetoric of Alfred Kinsey, Peter Singer, and Richard Dawkins who reduce man to mere organic compouds. We are reflections of the One who has made all things. We are Loved children who are called to Love. This insight can radically change the one who accepts it. Please read this work with an open heart and mind.

P.S.- If JPII's work is a bit dense for you, get a hold of Christopher West's THEOLOGY OF THE BODY FOR BEGINNERS and his monumental commentary THEOLOGY OF THE BODY EXPLAINED. Couples should consider his book GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE and Teens should read Jason Evert's IF YOU REALLY LOVED ME.

It was in 1968 that Pope Paul VI gave the world "Humanae Vitae," his beautiful encyclical on human life: "The transmission of human life is a most serious role in which married people collaborate freely & responsibly with God the Creator.... Responsible men can become more deeply convinced of the truth of the doctrine laid down by the Church on this issue if they reflect on the consequences of methods & plans for artificial birth control.
* "Let them first consider how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity & a general lowering of moral standards....
* "Another effect that gives cause for alarm is that a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, & ...reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires....
* "Finally, careful consideration should be given to the danger of this power passing into the hands of those public authorities who care little for the precepts of the moral law. Who will blame a government which in its attempt to resolve the problems affecting an entire country resorts to the same measures as are regarded as lawful by married people in the solution of a particular family difficulty? ....Should they regard this as necessary, they may even impose their use on everyone"

Few doubt that there has indeed been "a general lowering of moral standards," as well as a growing disrespect for women, in the past four decades. We also see affluent governments trying to impose contraceptive practices on less affluent governments! Yet, in spite of its proven prophetic nature, Humanae Vitae continues to meet with monumental resistance.

Before becoming pope, John Paul II prepared a masterful work, largely intended to lead the Church and the world to a better appreciation of Humanae Vitae. As he became pope before publication, he used his notes to address audiences at weekly catechetical sessions, over five years. Michael Waldstein has published an updated and magnificent translation of these "Theology of the Body" addresses, under the title: "Man & Woman He Created Them." This magnificent and scholarly translation provides a lifestyle challenges, which does not seem to have been so elusive for people of past generations.

As per Pope John Paul II, "The whole of the catecheses...can be grasped under the title, `Human Love in the Divine Plan," or with greater precision, `the Redemption of the body & the Sacramentality of Marriage'....The first part is devoted to the analysis of the words of Christ....The second part of the catechesis is devoted to the analysis of the sacrament based on Ephesians (Eph 5:22 - 23), which goes back to the biblical beginning of marriage expressed in the words of Genesis, `a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will be one flesh' (Gen 2:24)" (11/28/84).

"The reflections about the sacrament of Marriage were carried out in the consideration of the two dimensions essential to this sacrament, namely, the dimension of covenant and grace and the dimension of sign....The doctrine contained in...[Humanae Vitae] remains in organic relation both with the sacramentality of marriage and the whole biblical problematic of the theology of the body, which is centered on the `key words' of Christ....all the reflections dealing with the `Redemption of the Body and the Sacramentality of Marriage' seem to constitute an extensive commentary on the doctrine contained precisely in Humanae Vitae" (11/28/84).

Michael Waldstein has done a great service for the Church, the people of our generation, and the people of future generations.

I'll never forget the way I first heard the Theology of the Body. I was a brand-new sister, having made my first vows the year Pope John Paul II was elected. My community used to read a snippet or two from the Papal Audience talks right after breakfast, before we scattered to the four winds in carrying out the day's mission. Bit by bit, as we made our way through an unusual series of meditations on the book of Genesis, I found that the whole theme of "gift" was beginning to resound within me. It was like a new wine being poured into the wineskin of the Church.
Whatever our vocation, we are each called to be a "person-gift," as the Persons of the Trinity are "gift," given over unreservedly, and unreservedly received. In a vague way, even though I was still very young (!), I realized that something extraordinary was going to come from these talks, and that it would mean great things above all for women.
It took twenty years for that message to begin to seep into the language of our Church culture, but now small groups of young adults and couples are beginning to meet in homes and conferences to ponder John Paul's vast, fully Christian vision of humanity. I've used the Theology of the Body to present the essence of the vow of chastity to our novices and junior sisters, and I keep looking for ways to introduce it to others, especially to people who find themselves struggling to understand the Church's teaching in all those areas that touch on our vocation to love. The beauty of its truth is hard to resist.
This new and carefully researched translation offers more than just a consistent translation of key terms: previously unpublished units came to light; the Pope's original title and subtitles have been added; the whole content appears in the order in which the Pope meant for it to be covered. Yes, Dr. Waldstein's careful and scholarly introduction can be a bit overwhelming, but this book is worth taking the time simply to sit with.
That's what you do with beauty anyway.

This is a very valuable addition for scholars and for the general reader. The book is very well produced and easy to handle; the print is large enough to read easily with clear setting out. There are excellent additional features such as indices, bibliography, standardised referencing, table of contents, etc.

I have little to add to the positive commentary on the philosophical/theological content of this masterwork. But if you are choosing between versions of this book, Waldstein's commentary and footnotes are excellent and certainly enhance the understanding of John Paul II's thoughts.

While some readers may find John Paul II's writing style a bit circular or highly philosophical, the message presented in this text will change your life. Still, it is not easy reading. It is a collection of 129 audiences given by John Paul II commonly called the Theology of the Body. The audiences are based on Sacred Scripture. In this new translation audiences that were not delivered are now included. The Theology of the Body treats sexuality, marriage, celibacy, anthropology, family life, responsible parenthood, the wound of sin, redemption, and the resurrection of the body. This book is in my top five of best books.

I have read both translations and Michael Waldstein's is much easier to read than the first edition. The new headers at the beginning of each section that directly indicate what is being dealt with in the text. The introduction that Waldstein provides gives a theological and philosophical vision for understanding the text.

This book is worth your time. It stands against the culture of death and promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It holds the answers the hunger that society is so desperately grasping at.

If you don't know much about the Theology of Body it would prove useful to read an introductory text by West, Hogan, or Percy & Schmitz. Christopher West, who is properly described as a catechist, has excellent presentations on the Theology of the Body in DVD and CD format that could prove helpful to a first time reader.

On a personal note: The Theology of the Body has helped me so much. I am in Holy Orders and I don't think I would be where I am except for this message (and God's grace and His will). This isn't some message that you can simply read and understand - it is something that you have to approach with an open heart and mind with prayer.

I really hope you read this book and promote it's message.

This book is beautifully done. The introduction is very helpful and accurate. It gives JPII's philosophical and theological perspective and the modern philosophical problems (beginning with Francis Bacon) the pope is addressing. This call to holiness renews our call to salvation as embodied children of God from the beginnning. John Paul's reflections are moving, powerful, and pursuasive.

This book is the best translation of John Paul II's work. Because of new findings, it is even better than the Italian version. The first 100 pages provide a background-research on the subject. The Theology of the Body is a must for all who want to know what the new revolution in the Church will be!