Theology of the Body: Insights for the Synod on the Family

Joseph Known to His Brethren, by Harold Copping (1863-1932)

Theology of the Body: Insights for the Synod on the Family | Dr. Peter Khan | Homiletic & Pastoral Review

Introduction

The upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Family, in October 2015, faces a huge challenge. The preparatory document for the synod reminded us that many families find themselves crushed and abandoned. 1 The document also acknowledged that a crisis of faith underlies this crisis in marriage and the family. The bishops and cardinals, and the Holy Father, see the many difficulties that arise when family life becomes separated from the faith of the Church. No one can just walk away from those who experience difficulties. Equally, though, the word of truth and hope that families need to hear is not necessarily easy to uncover. The earlier Synod on the Family (in October last year) found this challenging, by all accounts.

There is a great deal that the next synod could gain from looking to the theology of the body as it seeks to offer this word of truth and hope. After all, we have seen in recent years how the teaching of Pope St. John Paul on the theology of the body has brought great hope and life to the Church where it has been welcomed. The synod last year, though, did not look towards this theology for answers to the difficulties that we face in our marriages and families. Why might this have been the case? Fr José Granados argued earlier that there is a missing chapter in the theology of the body, the transition between the fallen and redeemed states of humanity. 2 The theology of the body does, of course, pay most attention to human nature before the Fall, to the Fall itself, and to the redeemed state. I believe that people sometimes see the theology of the body as pertaining to an unattainable ideal state. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden; aren’t the images so often sentimental and wistful? It can be easy to think that life in the beginning has little to do with couples who are struggling today.

I would like to explore this missing chapter in the theology of the body, the transition between the fallen and redeemed states. I will principally use the method of the theology of the body, rather than expound its substantive content. While this remains somewhat uncharted territory, William Kurz has highlighted how the method, for instance, involves a close reading of Scriptures in light of these various states of human nature. 3 Reflection on human experience also forms an integral part of the approach, along with careful philosophical underpinnings. Writing on the theology of the body typically remains within the immediate lines on which John Paul laid out his ideas. In order to address the transition, though, I will follow Granados in stretching the boundaries. My focus won’t just be on sexuality as it pertains to couples, but on the wider life of the family. In this, we follow indications that John Paul gave, when he indicated that, in principle, the theology of the body applies to such areas as suffering, 4 work 5 and children. 6

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This article focuses on a single family, on the family of  Jacob. 

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