Theology Of The Body Explained - A Commentary On John Paul II's

 Our Description

If Pope John Paul II's theology of the body is a "theological time bomb set to go off" (George Weigel), this book lights the fuse. With clarity and precision Christopher West unpacks the pope's weighty talks and translates them into a much more accessible language.

Theology of the Body Explained makes the perfect companion to the Pope's text. For the first time ever, readers have a commentary that follows the complete series of general audiences, explained in an appealing way. Scholars and average readers alike will find this commentary greatly rewarding.

"In my biography of the Pope, I wrote that the theology of the body needs explication for those who aren't specialists in biblical studies, theology, or philosophy.  I am delighted that Christopher West has taken up that challenge.  With intellectual care, with the experience bred of long years of teaching this material in the classroom and the parish, and taking account of his own experiences as a husband and father, Christopher West has put us in his debt by making the "Theology of the Body" available to a wide and, I hope, appreciative readership. "  -George Weigel

About the author: Christopher West is a research fellow and faculty member of the Theology of the Body Institute. He is also one of the most sought after speakers in the Church today, having delivered more than 1000 public lectures on 4 continents, in 9 countries, and in over 150 American cities. All three of his books – Good News About Sex & Marriage, Theology of the Body Explained, and Theology of the Body for Beginners – have become Catholic best sellers.

Christopher has also lectured on a number of prestigious faculties, offering graduate and undergraduate courses at St John Vianney Seminary in Denver, the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne, Australia, and Creighton University’s Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha. Hundreds of thousands have heard him on national radio programs and even more have seen him defending the faith on programs such as Scarborough Country, Fox and Friends, and At Large with Geraldo Rivera. Of all his titles, Christopher is most proud to call himself a devoted husband and father. He and his wife Wendy have four children and live in Lancaster County, PA.

 General Description:

With clarity and precision Christopher West unpacks John Paul II's Theology of the Body, translating them into a language everyone can understand. Theology of the Body Explained is the perfect companion to the Pope’s text. For the first time ever, readers will have a commentary that follows the complete series of general audiences, explained in an appealing way. Both scholars and everyday readers will benefit from this easy-to-read commentary.

"This book will be of enormous pastoral value to those seeking to put forth the Church's liberating teachings on sexuality. Reading John Paul's text directly can be quite daunting for those without a background in philosophy and theology. This is what makes this book so exciting--it succeeds in "translating" the Holy Father's insights into a much more accessible language."
- Monsignor Lorenzo Albacete, Founding Professor, John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage & Family, Washington D.C.

"Christopher West makes John Paul's theology of the body available for the first time to people at all levels within the Christian community. Love, sexuality and human flourishing are inseparable. Those who have doubted this will find West's book a transforming experience, and those who have been wounded will find in it liberation, healing and peace."
- George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney

"This is a book rich in substance for the serious scholar, but accessible and rewarding for the average reader as well--an excellent resource from one of our most insightful and committed Catholic authors."
- Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver

"Christopher West has done a splendid job in providing an intelligent and accurate explanation of John Paul II's theology of the body."
- William E. May, Professor of Moral Theology, John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family

"The vibrancy of Christopher West, his infectious enthusiasm and penetrating understanding of the thought of Pope John Paul II is well-known to those who have heard his lectures and tapes. This lucid explanation of the Pope's theology of the body conveys the same enthusiasm and intelligence."
- Janet E. Smith, Professor of Life Issues, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit

Christopher West teaches the theology of the body and sexual ethics at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. He is also a visiting faculty member of the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Melbourne, Australia. His extensive lecturing, numerous tapes, and his best-selling book Good News About Sex & Marriage have sparked an international groundswell of interest in John Paul II’s theology of the body.

Imprimatur: Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver, February 27, 2003

A solid intermediate exploration of the