What is the "Theology of the Body"? According to Pope John Paul II, if we live according to the true meaning of our sexuality, we "fulfill the very...
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Apr 28, 2010
Steve
rated it: 
Christopher West's writing is corny. I'll just say it.
I gave this book 4 stars simply because of the content, which is mind-blowing. I give 4 stars to the Bible and John Paul the Great, not Christopher West (although he seems like a nice fella).
This book is mind-blowing to the uninitiated. I can't wait to read the real thing (John Paul the Great). There is no doubt in my mind that this theology of the body is the best, most redeemed, most dignified, most honorable, More...
I gave this book 4 stars simply because of the content, which is mind-blowing. I give 4 stars to the Bible and John Paul the Great, not Christopher West (although he seems like a nice fella).
This book is mind-blowing to the uninitiated. I can't wait to read the real thing (John Paul the Great). There is no doubt in my mind that this theology of the body is the best, most redeemed, most dignified, most honorable, More...
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Sep 17, 2008
Forrest
rated it: 
This was a provocative read. I was intrigued to learn about the lecture series given by Juan Pablo Dos about the "Theology of the Body" -- what a fascinating title. Then I was really taken by John Paul's vision of the created nature of humans, male and female you shall make them. But this book ultimately lost me when he suggests that the rhythm method is an acceptable method to avoid having a child because it takes advantage of the "natural infertility" of the woman's menstru
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Sep 26, 2010
Wil
rated it:
The the theology of the body is a look at sex to discover what we can learn about God. After all God created sex and we can learn about God by studying sex just as we might learn something about an artist by looking at a piece of art. The first thing we see is that God created us male and female. West shows that the union of man and woman in marriage is a picture of the union of God the Father and God the Son and just as the Holy spirit flows from the union of the Father and Son, children are pr
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Feb 26, 2009
Maricris
rated it: 
If you want to know more about PJII's take on love, sex, and marriage this is the best way to start!
The book is real - it ties in very well to the Catholic/Papal teachings and is relatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and encourage everyone to start here to learn the secret to true love ;)
The book is real - it ties in very well to the Catholic/Papal teachings and is relatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and encourage everyone to start here to learn the secret to true love ;)
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Sep 27, 2007
Strib
rated it:
What a great explanation of a recent move in Catholic theology. It just paints a beautiful and full picture of life. A good exploration into the inner motivations of life. Also, a great explanation of Catholic views concerning marriage, celibacy, and abortion. It really has me, a Protestant, considering the morality of contraception.
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Jan 06, 2011
Rebecca
rated it:
A good, to-the-point crash course on Pope John Paul II's views on love, sex, and marriage. Since these are the Church's teachings I struggle with the most, it was nice to have such clear explanations about things like why the Church does not advocate the use of contraceptives (and alternatively, why Natural Family Planning is better), why priests are celibate, and why abstinence is best. Writing was cheesy at times and after I saw the author speak at a public event, a lot of the information seem
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Apr 03, 2009
Cate
rated it:
I thought that this was a good, if someone superficial, overview of Pope John Paul II's "ToB". It was a bit too Cliff's Notes for my taste, but as an introduction to the topic I thought it was very well done and even a little humorous in places.
If you can comprehend it, I really recommend reading JPII's original text.
West also writes "Theology of the Body Explained" which is much more in depth. I'm considering picking it up just out of curiosity.
If you can comprehend it, I really recommend reading JPII's original text.
West also writes "Theology of the Body Explained" which is much more in depth. I'm considering picking it up just out of curiosity.
Jul 04, 2010
Ryan
rated it:
I've thumbed through this so many times, but finally read it cover-to-cover. I'm gearing up for tackling the real deal... JPII's 129 lectures on this topic.
If it's possible to summarize JPII's "Theology of the Body," it might be something like this:
"The body, in fact, and it alone is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and divine. It was created to transfer into the visible reality of the world, the mystery hidden since time immemo More...
If it's possible to summarize JPII's "Theology of the Body," it might be something like this:
"The body, in fact, and it alone is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and divine. It was created to transfer into the visible reality of the world, the mystery hidden since time immemo More...
May 27, 2011
Jeffrey
rated it:
Great introduction to the truths of our sexuality in a downward spiral world of sexual morality. Is enjoyable to read and those with no sexual morality are sure to find inspiration for the pure body. Interesting from cover to cover.
Sep 02, 2010
Ronny
rated it:
Catholicism has a reputation as being guilt-ridden and anti-sex. This book presents the Catholic view of sexuality in a way that is poetic and shows Catholicism's views as an attempt to reach a higher plain rather than being a kill joy.
Jul 06, 2009
Mike
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Why Catholic teachings on sex, birth control, and abortion aren't just the opinions of a bunch of old Italian men. Note the word "beginners". This is just one of West's excellent books on the subject.
Jul 06, 2009
Margaret
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A good introduction to Theology of the Body. Easy to understand. But there's so much more mind blowing information that you get when you go deeper into a study of TOB,
Aug 07, 2009
Karen
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overall, I felt West was condescending to the average person. I have a brain and I can think logically, so reading JPII's book was not a problem.
Mar 09, 2010
Andre
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An excellent introduction to PJPII's TOTB. It all seems like common sense after you read it. But then again, doesn't most wisdom?
Jan 22, 2009
Maria
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Not sure I liked his writing in this one, but the content is good. I need to read JP2's Theology of the Body.
Jul 06, 2009
Margaret
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West does a great job of breaking down JPII's writing in a much more accessible way.
Aug 31, 2009
Erik
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Not sure I learned anything new here, but this is a great summary of Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. Well-organized, scripturally rich, and sourced directly from the pope's talks and writings, this book really does encapsulate the "theological time bomb" (as tagged by George Weigel) that is the pope's commentaries on the Church's view on human sexuality. This book got my thoughts organized and rendered much more beautiful and clear the Church's teaching.
Aug 25, 2009
Kevin
rated it:
West does a great job of explaining the theology of the body and how it relates to marriage, children, fertility, our lives. I could tell that it was a condensation of his longer book though as the "flow" wasn't as good as in other stuff from him that I've read.
Dec 16, 2010
Erin
rated it:
Very interesting Catholic perspective on the interconnection between the body and spirit.
Nov 12, 2007
Maureen
rated it:
Quick read. Kinda cheesy in tone but informative and fairly resonant. Not as good as a conversation with Fr. Mike, but then what is?
Feb 06, 2012
