Theology of the Body for Teens FAQ

1. What is the Theology of the Body?

   The Theology of the Body refers to the series of 129 lectures given by Pope John Paul II during his Wednesday audiences in Rome between September 1979 and November 1984. These addresses were later compiled and published as a single work entitled The Theology of the Body According to John Paul II (now called Male and Female He Created Them). The Theology of the Body covers such topics as the bodily dimension of the human person, the nature of human sexuality, the human need for communion, and the nature of marriage.

2. Is this something that will really interest teens?

   Absolutely! Many teens do not understand their sexuality, let alone their purpose in life, yet they have a strong desire to do so. The Theology of the Body speaks to the deepest meaning of why they were created, the purpose of love and sexuality, and the meaning of life.

   Not only will teens be interested in the Theology of the Body, they crave it—even though they may not know it at a cognitive level. Teens are yearning for answers to life^'s deepest questions, as well as a positive portrayal of their sexuality. John Paul II's vision for the meaning of our bodies and our sexual desires is a topic that will connect with teens in a way that speaks to the deepest desires of their hearts.

3. What is the Theology of the Body for Teens program?

   The Theology of the Body for Teens is the first published curriculum which applies the Theology of the Body to the lives of teenagers, specifically addressing questions relating to chastity and sexuality. It is a multifaceted, twelve-part program that can be used in a variety of different contexts.

4. Is this a chastity program?

   Yes, but it is also much more. While Theology of the Body for Teens addresses for teenagers the real questions they have about their sexuality, it is much more comprehensive than traditional chastity programs. Such programs often take a ^"no^" approach to sex, placing an emphasis on abstinence. This, of course, is good, but the Theology of the Body language offers us much more. It offers us a new language that is rooted in human freedom. The TOB looks at the human experience and proposes to each of us a vision for love and life that resonates in a profound and satisfying way. In short, it is a very positive presentation of the gift of human sexuality.

5. If I am already running a chastity program, should I still introduce my teenagers to the Theology of the Body?

Absolutely. The Theology of the Body is not just about sexual virtue, but sexual meaning. It is this meaning that provides one with the understanding and tools to develop sexual virtue as a result

of an appreciation of God^'s plan for their lives. Even still, the understanding of sexuality offered through the pope^'s ^"new language^" of the Theology of the Body will greatly enhance any chastity outreach you are currently doing.

6. Why do teens need the Theology of the Body?

   Human beings were made for greatness. We were made to know God, know truth, and live life in a way that brings us peace and happiness. These pursuits, though, are hard to come by in today^'s distracting and permissive culture. As a result, it is perhaps harder to live as a teenager today than any other time before. The wounds our teenagers experience are deep and manifold.

   Today^'s teens are starving for real love; they are looking for meaningful and lasting relationships. They have witnessed firsthand the pain of divorce and seen how permissive sex plays out in their own lives and the lives of those around them. Due to our culture^'s focus on immediate gratification, many teens have lost their way, and in the process, have lost hope. The Theology of the Body will help restore their hope because it reveals for our teenagers a road map to real love and authentic happiness.

7. What will Theology of the Body for Teens do for my students?

   TOB for Teens will help them understand the meaning of their lives. It will answer the questions they have about their own bodies, about the Church^'s teachings on sexual morality, and how they were created for greatness. This curriculum will help them to unlearn the misguided teachings of the modern culture and provide them with the very key to life—the key to happiness and peace. It will help them discover the ultimate purpose for which God created them—communion with him.

8. Will this curriculum make them feel guilty about bad decisions from their past?

   The beauty of the Theology of the Body is that it brings hope to the hopeless and redemption to the fallen. While some teens may become convicted by the truths they hear and feel sad or guilty for past decisions, they will ultimately feel free and be filled with hope as they pursue God^'s plan for love and life.

9. Is this curriculum designed for youth groups, high schools, or parish CCD programs?

   All of the above. Theology of the Body for Teens works anywhere teens meet. It can be used in a high school class, a youth group study, a CCD program, or as an after-school program.

10. What is the age range recommended for Theology of the Body for Teens?

    This curriculum in intended for all teenagers (i.e., ages thirteen through nineteen). Discretion should always be exercised, though, when discussing topics related to sexuality as attitudes on the part of parents greatly vary. We recommend you seek the appropriate approvals before conducting any chastity program.

11. Is there a particular grade level this program works best with?

Our experience has shown that Theology of the Body for Teens is most suitable for use with tenth and eleventh-grade students. Nonetheless, as we noted in the previous answer, this program will edify all teens—indeed, people of all ages. As many high-school religious