the theology of the body pope john paul ii. introduction originally published in four books:...

The Theology of the BodyThe Theology of the Body

Pope John Paul IIPope John Paul II

IntroductionIntroduction

Originally published in four books:Originally published in four books:1.1. Original Unity of Man and Woman.Original Unity of Man and Woman.

2.2. Blessed are the Pure of Heart.Blessed are the Pure of Heart.

3.3. The Theology of Marriage and Celibacy.The Theology of Marriage and Celibacy.

4.4. Reflections on Reflections on Humanae VitaeHumanae Vitae..

Theology of the BodyTheology of the Body

The four original books and the subsequent The four original books and the subsequent book: book: The Theology of the Body: Human The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine PlanLove in the Divine Plan is a compilation of the is a compilation of the 129 weekly messages Pope John Paul II gave 129 weekly messages Pope John Paul II gave between September 1979 and November 1984.between September 1979 and November 1984.

**** Re-translated and re-published in 2006 as: Re-translated and re-published in 2006 as: Man and Woman He Created Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body.Them: A Theology of the Body.

In The BeginningIn The Beginning

Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees is the basis Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees is the basis for Pope John Paul II’s discourse on the nature of for Pope John Paul II’s discourse on the nature of marriage, conjugal love and the human person.marriage, conjugal love and the human person.

““Is it lawful for a man to divorce Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” his wife?” (Matthew 19:3ff and Mark 10:2ff).(Matthew 19:3ff and Mark 10:2ff).

-- “from the beginning it was not “from the beginning it was not so…”so…”

-- Moses allowed divorce as a Moses allowed divorce as a concession to sin.concession to sin.

In the BeginningIn the Beginning

Jesus’ response contrasts:Jesus’ response contrasts:

The state of primitive innocence The state of primitive innocence – – integral nature with...integral nature with...

The state of human The state of human sinfulness – sinfulness – fallen nature.fallen nature.


Jesus refuses to address the question of Jesus refuses to address the question of the Pharisees according to their pre-set the Pharisees according to their pre-set parameters.parameters.

Avoids the test/trap set by the Pharisees.Avoids the test/trap set by the Pharisees.

Instead of simply forcing an acceptance of the divine Instead of simply forcing an acceptance of the divine law, Jesus’ reference to “the beginning” invites man to law, Jesus’ reference to “the beginning” invites man to reflect on the mystery of man at the moment of his reflect on the mystery of man at the moment of his creation and the meaning of conjugal love (TB 26).creation and the meaning of conjugal love (TB 26).


Jesus invites his questioners to Jesus invites his questioners to reflect reflect on the beauty, wonder, majesty on the beauty, wonder, majesty of of God’s original plan present “in God’s original plan present “in the the beginning.”beginning.”

Hardness of heart has obscured it, Hardness of heart has obscured it, but but God’s original plan remains stamped God’s original plan remains stamped

into man’s very being.into man’s very being.


Catechism on the Genesis accounts.Catechism on the Genesis accounts.

The first three chapters of Genesis occupy a The first three chapters of Genesis occupy a special place in Scripture regarding creation. special place in Scripture regarding creation. Read Read in the light of Christ, within the unity of Sacred in the light of Christ, within the unity of Sacred Scripture and in the living Tradition of the Church, Scripture and in the living Tradition of the Church, these texts remain the principal source for catechesis these texts remain the principal source for catechesis on the mysteries of the “beginning”: creation, fall, and on the mysteries of the “beginning”: creation, fall, and promise of salvationpromise of salvation ( (CCC 289CCC 289).).


Jesus’ reference to “the beginning” highlights several Jesus’ reference to “the beginning” highlights several important things initially:important things initially:

God created man in His image and God created man in His image and likeness likeness as male and female (Gen.1:27).as male and female (Gen.1:27).

A man leaves his father and mother and A man leaves his father and mother and cleaves to his wife and they become one cleaves to his wife and they become one flesh (Gen. 2:24).flesh (Gen. 2:24).

Jesus states in Matthew that the two are no Jesus states in Matthew that the two are no longer two but one flesh and that man longer two but one flesh and that man

cannot cannot divide what God has joined.divide what God has joined.

Unity and indissolubility are set forth.Unity and indissolubility are set forth.

Stages of Human ExistenceStages of Human Existence

1)1) Original InnocenceOriginal Innocence..

Man’s original condition ofMan’s original condition ofblessedness. It is markedblessedness. It is marked

by complete harmony with God,by complete harmony with God,himself, others, and himself, others, and nature.nature.


2)2) Historical Man.Historical Man.

-- A state of sin: begins withA state of sin: begins with the Fall.the Fall.

-- The effects of the Original SinThe effects of the Original Sinplunge its roots in every personplunge its roots in every personwithout exception.without exception.

-- Closed to original innocence.Closed to original innocence.

-- Open to redemption.Open to redemption.


3)3) Eschatological / Redeemed Man.Eschatological / Redeemed Man.

-- We await the redemption of ourWe await the redemption of ourbodies (Rom. 8:23).bodies (Rom. 8:23).

-- We participate in salvation byWe participate in salvation bycooperating w/ God.cooperating w/ God.

Original Human ExperiencesOriginal Human Experiences

1.1. Original SolitudeOriginal Solitude

2.2. Original UnityOriginal Unity

3.3. Original NakednessOriginal Nakedness


There remains “a certain There remains “a certain echo” of the original echo” of the original innocence of man. innocence of man.

Although Although we have no we have no experience of the experience of the state of state of original innocence, original innocence, we can we can catch a glimpse of it by inverting our experience catch a glimpse of it by inverting our experience of innocence lost (A photographic negative of innocence lost (A photographic negative reveals something of the positive image – reveals something of the positive image – TBE TBE 6464))


Analysis of the Second Creation Analysis of the Second Creation Story:Story:

The Starting Point: Gen. 2:18.The Starting Point: Gen. 2:18.

““It is not good that man It is not good that man should be alone; I will should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for make him a helper fit for him.”him.”

Original SolitudeOriginal Solitude

- The passage from The passage from Gen. 2:18Gen. 2:18 is taken from the is taken from the second account of creation.second account of creation.

Only in the Yahwist tradition.Only in the Yahwist tradition.

Unlike the first creation story, in the Unlike the first creation story, in the account account of Genesis 2 the creation of man is of Genesis 2 the creation of man is different different and separate (Gen. 2:7) from the and separate (Gen. 2:7) from the creation of creation of woman.woman.

When God speaks, then, about solitude it is in reference to When God speaks, then, about solitude it is in reference to the solitude of “man” (undifferentiated “humanity”) as such, the solitude of “man” (undifferentiated “humanity”) as such, and not just to that of the male (and not just to that of the male (TB 35TB 35).).

Original SolitudeOriginal Solitude- Gen. 2:18.Gen. 2:18.

-- Pope John Paul II contends that this solitude is a Pope John Paul II contends that this solitude is a fundamental anthropological problem that exists prior to fundamental anthropological problem that exists prior to

the the one raised by the fact that man is male and female.one raised by the fact that man is male and female.

-- Not so much chronologically, but in his nature.Not so much chronologically, but in his nature.

-- Man discovers his own personhoodMan discovers his own personhood, being a , being a body body – being – being somebodysomebody in a deeper sense prior to in a deeper sense prior to

his masculinity or femininity.his masculinity or femininity.

-- Experience of this reality?Experience of this reality?

-- Basically man discovers his uniqueness in this solitude Basically man discovers his uniqueness in this solitude and and he becomes conscious of himself through his body.he becomes conscious of himself through his body.


Recognizing that the man needs a helper, God creates Recognizing that the man needs a helper, God creates the animals, brings them to him to see what he will call the animals, brings them to him to see what he will call them.them.

-- Naming is a preparation for the creation of Naming is a preparation for the creation of woman.woman.

****** Through this test the first meaning of the original Through this test the first meaning of the original solitude is manifested.solitude is manifested.


Major Discoveries:Major Discoveries:

1.1. Through naming the animals Adam Through naming the animals Adam becomes aware of his own becomes aware of his own superioritysuperiority before all creationbefore all creation..

2.2. He is “He is “alonealone” – distinguished from the ” – distinguished from the animaliaanimalia (other living beings). (other living beings).

-- Note: Instead of seeing the Note: Instead of seeing the commonalitycommonality between between him and the animals, the man sees first him and the animals, the man sees first ““what he is what he is notnot.”.”


Man becomes conscious of himself through his body. He Man becomes conscious of himself through his body. He is a body among bodies, and yet he discovers that he is is a body among bodies, and yet he discovers that he is alone (alone (TB 39TB 39).).

In naming man’s self-awareness grows.In naming man’s self-awareness grows.-- Self-knowledge grows as his Self-knowledge grows as his

knowledge of creation grows.knowledge of creation grows.

Man recognizes his superiority to the rest of Man recognizes his superiority to the rest of creation.creation.-- Greater capacities and faculties.Greater capacities and faculties.

Unlike animals man possesses self-determination, conscious Unlike animals man possesses self-determination, conscious choice (given choice between good and evil).choice (given choice between good and evil).-- Man authors his own activities. He can, at will, till or not till; Man authors his own activities. He can, at will, till or not till;

name or not name etc…name or not name etc…


The human body, unlike the bodies of animals, The human body, unlike the bodies of animals, expresses the presence of a expresses the presence of a personperson..

In the state of original solitude, man becomes In the state of original solitude, man becomes conscious of the meaning of his own body.conscious of the meaning of his own body.


Alternative between death and immortality.Alternative between death and immortality.

Man is a subjectMan is a subject (An “I”) because of his self- (An “I”) because of his self-awareness and self-determination and also awareness and self-determination and also because of his own body. The human body because of his own body. The human body permits man to be the author of truly human permits man to be the author of truly human activity (knowing and willing). The body activity (knowing and willing). The body expresses expresses a person.a person.


With this knowledge man is placed before the tree of With this knowledge man is placed before the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, “if you eat of the tree, the knowledge of good and evil, “if you eat of the tree, you shall die” (Gen. 2:16-17).you shall die” (Gen. 2:16-17).

-- Man is confirmed as a limited beingMan is confirmed as a limited being who lives who lives a a dependent existence – dependent existence – by his decision and by his decision and choicechoice liable to nonexistence. Distinct from the liable to nonexistence. Distinct from the animals.animals.


Confrontation with the tree Confrontation with the tree of of the knowledge of good and the knowledge of good and

evil – the alternative evil – the alternative between between life and death – life and death – establishes establishes the the eschatological meaning eschatological meaning of the of the body and humanity body and humanity itself.itself.


-- Right “from the beginning” of man’s existence, in Right “from the beginning” of man’s existence, in his solitude, the alternative or free choice his solitude, the alternative or free choice

between between life and death enters the definition of man life and death enters the definition of man ((TB 42TB 42).).

-- The choice to eat of the forbidden tree has roots The choice to eat of the forbidden tree has roots in in humanity itself. It carries with it the absolute humanity itself. It carries with it the absolute loneliness of alienation from God – Death.loneliness of alienation from God – Death.

-- Freedom, then is man’s capacity for eternity: Freedom, then is man’s capacity for eternity: Eternal life in communion with God or eternal Eternal life in communion with God or eternal death of death of alienation.alienation.

Original UnityOriginal Unity

““It is not good that man It is not good that man should be alone; I will should be alone; I will make a helper fit for him” make a helper fit for him” (Gen. 2:18).(Gen. 2:18).


Already noted:Already noted:-- Man as a “body” belongs to his structure as a Man as a “body” belongs to his structure as a personal subject more deeply than sexual personal subject more deeply than sexual differentiation.differentiation.

-- Original Solitude is prior to Original Original Solitude is prior to Original Unity.Unity.

-- Experience of being “human” is prior to Experience of being “human” is prior to the experience of being a man or a the experience of being a man or a

woman.woman.

The The Original UnityOriginal Unity is based upon the two is based upon the two incarnations of humanity: masculinity and femininity.incarnations of humanity: masculinity and femininity.


The Creation of Woman (Gen 2:21-24).The Creation of Woman (Gen 2:21-24).

-- The man falls “asleep” in order to wake up male and The man falls “asleep” in order to wake up male and female. The analogy of sleep:female. The analogy of sleep:

Not so much a passing from Not so much a passing from consciousness to consciousness to

subconsciousness, subconsciousness, as a specific return to as a specific return to non-being – a non-being – a moment preceding moment preceding creation – so that creation – so that “solitary man” may “solitary man” may emerge as male emerge as male and female (and female (TB 44TB 44).).

Possible to translate the Hebrew Possible to translate the Hebrew tardemah tardemah with the Greek with the Greek ekstasisekstasis – – ecstasy in English (ecstasy in English (TBE 74TBE 74).).


-- Man did not find a suitable partner for himself (Gen. Man did not find a suitable partner for himself (Gen. 2:20).2:20).>> Pope John Paul II says that there is no doubt that the Pope John Paul II says that there is no doubt that the solitary man enters the “sleep” with solitary man enters the “sleep” with a desire of finding a a desire of finding a being like himselfbeing like himself. In the “sleep” the generic man is . In the “sleep” the generic man is “recreated” male and female – a unity in two.“recreated” male and female – a unity in two.

>> That the woman is a fit helper, despite the sexual That the woman is a fit helper, despite the sexual difference, is so evident that the man at once difference, is so evident that the man at once accepts accepts

her her with joywith joy when he says “this at last is bone of my bones when he says “this at last is bone of my bones and and flesh of my flesh – she shall be called woman…”(Gen. flesh of my flesh – she shall be called woman…”(Gen.

2:23).2:23).

>> Gen. 2:23 – we see the distinction between Gen. 2:23 – we see the distinction between ‘is‘is and and ‘issah‘issah for the first time.for the first time.


The original experience of Unity is founded on the The original experience of Unity is founded on the mutual reciprocity of the two.mutual reciprocity of the two.

In his original solitude, man saw his In his original solitude, man saw his distinction from all created reality; distinction from all created reality; however, it also opened him up to a however, it also opened him up to a being like himself.being like himself.

In the complementarity of the sexes, In the complementarity of the sexes, man is oriented toward a man is oriented toward a

communion communion of persons.of persons.


The foundation of the communion The foundation of the communion between man and woman can only between man and woman can only

be be formed on the basis of a “double formed on the basis of a “double solitude” in which man and woman solitude” in which man and woman recognize their distinction from all recognize their distinction from all creation and the possibility of a creation and the possibility of a

mutual mutual giving of themselves.giving of themselves.


- The creation of woman:The creation of woman:

-- Overcomes the frontier of solitude.Overcomes the frontier of solitude.

-- Fulfills the creation of the human person.Fulfills the creation of the human person.

““Man becomes the image of God not so much in the Man becomes the image of God not so much in the moment of solitude as in the moment of communion.moment of solitude as in the moment of communion. Right “from the beginning,” he is not only an image in Right “from the beginning,” he is not only an image in

which which the solitude of the person who rules the world is the solitude of the person who rules the world is reflected, reflected, but also, and essentially, an image of an but also, and essentially, an image of an inscrutable divine inscrutable divine communion of personscommunion of persons” (” (TB 46TB 46).).

-- Almost as if only at the sight of woman is the man able to Almost as if only at the sight of woman is the man able to identify what makes them visibly similar, what manifests identify what makes them visibly similar, what manifests humanity: humanity: The body reveals man.The body reveals man.


GiftGift (Gen. 2:24). (Gen. 2:24).

-- Mutual Gift “A man shall leave his father and mother…Mutual Gift “A man shall leave his father and mother…and and the two become one body (Gen. 2:24).the two become one body (Gen. 2:24).

-- Leads to a communion of persons – man and woman Leads to a communion of persons – man and woman are are created for unity.created for unity.

-- In every aspect of life.In every aspect of life.

-- Through a total and reciprocal gift.Through a total and reciprocal gift.

-- Communion is foremost in “image.”Communion is foremost in “image.”

-- The unity of the two into one flesh is a bond established The unity of the two into one flesh is a bond established as as a gift of God.a gift of God.


- The human person loves and expresses love in The human person loves and expresses love in and though the body.and though the body.

As embodied persons, their masculinity As embodied persons, their masculinity and and femininity allow for a unity of persons.femininity allow for a unity of persons.

The reality of sex appears.The reality of sex appears.

The two discover the immense joy of the The two discover the immense joy of the loving union expressed through their loving union expressed through their

bodies.bodies.

Unity comes through total and reciprocal Unity comes through total and reciprocal donation.donation.

Through their intellect and will, the two Through their intellect and will, the two have dominion over have dominion over their bodiestheir bodies which allows for the expression of authentic love. which allows for the expression of authentic love.


God did indeed create the human body to God did indeed create the human body to express the person. Therefore, God gave express the person. Therefore, God gave

the the minds and wills of our first parents a certain minds and wills of our first parents a certain control over their bodies. They were able to control over their bodies. They were able to express their persons in and through their express their persons in and through their

bodies because their bodies, unlike ours, were under the rule of bodies because their bodies, unlike ours, were under the rule of their minds and wills. Consciousness, efficacy, freedom, their minds and wills. Consciousness, efficacy, freedom, transcendence, and truth were expressed in and through their transcendence, and truth were expressed in and through their bodies. In other words, bodies. In other words, they were integratedthey were integrated. The wills of our . The wills of our first parents did not have to struggle against the desires of their first parents did not have to struggle against the desires of their flesh. Our first parents had no need of will power as we do. The flesh. Our first parents had no need of will power as we do. The experience of original unity was possible for our first parents experience of original unity was possible for our first parents because both, within themselves, were completely in harmony. because both, within themselves, were completely in harmony. There was no opposition, as there is in us, between the mind There was no opposition, as there is in us, between the mind and the will, on the one hand, and the body, on the other.and the will, on the one hand, and the body, on the other.((Hogan, Hogan, Covenant of LoveCovenant of Love, 48, 48).).


Concept of “gift” – made for Concept of “gift” – made for communioncommunion..

JP II – we are created as JP II – we are created as “being-gifts.”“being-gifts.”

The key to sexuality.The key to sexuality.

A total gift of self in a reciprocal relationship.A total gift of self in a reciprocal relationship.

-- No selfish calculations.No selfish calculations.

-- The only proper response to a human being is The only proper response to a human being is love.love.

Original NakednessOriginal Nakedness

““The man and his wife were both naked, yet The man and his wife were both naked, yet they felt no shamethey felt no shame” (Gen. 2:25).” (Gen. 2:25).

Passage seems misplaced or merely Passage seems misplaced or merely an afterthought, rather, it is key.an afterthought, rather, it is key.

Pope John Paul II calls shame the Pope John Paul II calls shame the ““boundary experienceboundary experience” that ” that

separates separates man’s experience of original man’s experience of original blessedness from the blessedness from the

experience of experience of historical man.historical man.


Involves a real non-presence of shameInvolves a real non-presence of shame, not , not simply a lack, an underdevelopment, or a simply a lack, an underdevelopment, or a desensitization.desensitization.

-- e.g., very young children.e.g., very young children.

-- Suppression of shame when it is called for – Suppression of shame when it is called for – examples?examples?


Shame is at its heart a fear for one’s “self”.Shame is at its heart a fear for one’s “self”.

-- We have at the core of our being a need for theWe have at the core of our being a need for theaffirmation/acceptance of this “self” in line with affirmation/acceptance of this “self” in line with

its its proper value.proper value.

-- Involves a fear that the “other” will not recognize Involves a fear that the “other” will not recognize or or affirm the truth of my person revealed by affirm the truth of my person revealed by nakedness.nakedness.

-- e.g., ESPN reporter Erin Andrewse.g., ESPN reporter Erin Andrews


- Nakedness without shame indicates a fullness Nakedness without shame indicates a fullness of consciousness which affirmed the inherent of consciousness which affirmed the inherent value of the person expressed as male and value of the person expressed as male and female.female.

The Fundamental MessageThe Fundamental Message::

The The authentic gift of selfauthentic gift of self involves an involves an experience of joy and innocence.experience of joy and innocence.

The man and his wife were The man and his wife were freefree with with regard regard to themselves.to themselves.

PurityPurity of the gaze. of the gaze.


The Gift of Self (Being-Gift).The Gift of Self (Being-Gift).

-- Man was created to receive the gifts of God. He Man was created to receive the gifts of God. He was the only creation able to was the only creation able to understanding understanding

the the meaningmeaning of the gifts. of the gifts.

-- Life – recognizes the gift.Life – recognizes the gift.

-- Creation – feeling of wonder at the gift.Creation – feeling of wonder at the gift.


Man enters creation as one who receives God’s gifts. Man enters creation as one who receives God’s gifts. Because he is created in God’s image and likeness, Because he is created in God’s image and likeness, he he also desires to give gifts.also desires to give gifts.

-- Man offers himself manifested in the body.Man offers himself manifested in the body.

-- Spousal meaning of the bodySpousal meaning of the body – from the – from the beginning beginning the body has a capacity to express the body has a capacity to express lovelove in which the person becomes a gift and fulfills in which the person becomes a gift and fulfills the meaning of his/her existence.the meaning of his/her existence.


The Gift of Self (Being-Gift).The Gift of Self (Being-Gift).

-- “Man is created as a person first to receive the gift of “Man is created as a person first to receive the gift of God’s God’s gratuitous love and then to recapitulate that love by being gratuitous love and then to recapitulate that love by being

gift to others” (gift to others” (TBE 96TBE 96).).

-- In the original experience, man accepts the woman as In the original experience, man accepts the woman as she she is willed by God, “for her own sake;” woman accepts man is willed by God, “for her own sake;” woman accepts man

as he is willed by God, “for his own sake.” as he is willed by God, “for his own sake.” Not Not possessed possessed for one’s own use; for one’s own purposesfor one’s own use; for one’s own purposes..

-- Reciprocal and total gift of self in love.Reciprocal and total gift of self in love.-- The absence of shame underlines the peace and The absence of shame underlines the peace and

tranquility of the “interior gaze” mutually bestowed.tranquility of the “interior gaze” mutually bestowed.-- Serenity shows the interior harmony with God’s Serenity shows the interior harmony with God’s

plan.plan.


The Gift of Self (Freedom).The Gift of Self (Freedom).

-- In the beginning man and the woman are free with In the beginning man and the woman are free with regard regard to themselves.to themselves.

-- “Free with the freedom of the gift” (TB 64). Adam “Free with the freedom of the gift” (TB 64). Adam was under no compulsion to satisfy an “instinct” at was under no compulsion to satisfy an “instinct” at the sight of Eve’s naked body. Instead the sight of the sight of Eve’s naked body. Instead the sight of her inspired him to make a sincere gift of himself her inspired him to make a sincere gift of himself

to to her.her.-- Basis of the Basis of the spousal meaning of the bodyspousal meaning of the body. .

Involves a trust in initiation and in receiving.Involves a trust in initiation and in receiving.-- Mastery of self – man cannot give himself away if Mastery of self – man cannot give himself away if

he he is not in control of himself/desires.is not in control of himself/desires.-- A A disinteresteddisinterested giving of self – interested, but not giving of self – interested, but not

motivated by motivated by self-seekingself-seeking..


HumanHuman Freedom Freedom Gift of Gift of NatureNature SelfSelf (Image of God)(Image of God)

-- Our freedom is a freedom Our freedom is a freedom FORFOR self-giving, loving, self-giving, loving, communion – possible in Original Nakedness.communion – possible in Original Nakedness.

>> Similar to the freedom of God in whose image Similar to the freedom of God in whose image man is created.man is created.

>> It is not a freedom It is not a freedom FROMFROM something as it is something as it is often often supposed.supposed.

Original NakednessOriginal Nakedness- Significance of Gen. 2:25:Significance of Gen. 2:25:

“…“…the affirmation contained in Gen. the affirmation contained in Gen. 2:25 about nakedness mutually free 2:25 about nakedness mutually free from shame is a statement unique in from shame is a statement unique in its kind in the whole Bible. It will its kind in the whole Bible. It will

never never be repeated. On the contrary, we be repeated. On the contrary, we can can quote many texts in which quote many texts in which nakedness nakedness will be connected with will be connected with shame, or in an shame, or in an even stronger sense, even stronger sense, with ignominy with ignominy (TB 68).(TB 68).

-- Original innocence irretrievably gone – can’t go back.Original innocence irretrievably gone – can’t go back.

-- All is not lost.All is not lost.

-- Redemption in Christ – “Where sin increased, grace Redemption in Christ – “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom. 5:20).abounded all the more” (Rom. 5:20).

Historical ManHistorical Man

The FallThe Fall..

““The woman saw that the tree was good for The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom” (Gen and desirable for gaining wisdom” (Gen

3:6).3:6).

“…“…Then they eyes of both of them were Then they eyes of both of them were opened and they realized that they were opened and they realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together naked. So they sewed fig leaves together

to to make themselves loin cloths” (Gen 3:7).make themselves loin cloths” (Gen 3:7).

““Where are you?...I heard you in the garden and I was afraid, Where are you?...I heard you in the garden and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself” (Gen. 9-10).because I was naked, and I hid myself” (Gen. 9-10).


““Fruit” of the Breach of the Covenant – Lust.Fruit” of the Breach of the Covenant – Lust.

- It comes from doubt about the original gift.It comes from doubt about the original gift.

Questioning the gift and the Questioning the gift and the love love of God (after they had seen the of God (after they had seen the

wonders of God’s creation).wonders of God’s creation).

Questioning if God is truly what Questioning if God is truly what he claimed, or a liar.he claimed, or a liar.

God of love or God the tyrant.God of love or God the tyrant.


““Questioning in his heart the Questioning in his heart the deepest meaning of the deepest meaning of the

donation, donation, that is, love as the specific that is, love as the specific motive motive of creation and of the of creation and of the original original covenant (Gen. 3:5), covenant (Gen. 3:5), man turns his back on God-Love, on the man turns his back on God-Love, on the Father. In a way he casts God out of his heart. Father. In a way he casts God out of his heart. At the same time, he detaches his heart and At the same time, he detaches his heart and almost cuts it off from what is ‘of the Father.’ almost cuts it off from what is ‘of the Father.’ Thus, there remains in him what is ‘of the Thus, there remains in him what is ‘of the world’” (TB 111).world’” (TB 111).


““Fruit” of the Breach of the Covenant – Lust.Fruit” of the Breach of the Covenant – Lust.

““For all that is in the world, For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the is of the world. And the

world world passes way, and the passes way, and the lust of lust of it, but he who does it, but he who does the will of the will of God abides forever” God abides forever” (1 Jn. (1 Jn. 2:16-17).2:16-17).


Three-fold concupiscence (temptations of Three-fold concupiscence (temptations of Jesus).Jesus).

-- “Good for food” – lust of the flesh.“Good for food” – lust of the flesh.

-- “Pleasing to the eyes” – lust of the eyes.“Pleasing to the eyes” – lust of the eyes.

-- “Desirable for gaining wisdom” – pride of “Desirable for gaining wisdom” – pride of life.life.


The Sermon on the Mount.The Sermon on the Mount.

““You have heard it said, You have heard it said, ‘you ‘you shall not commit adultery,’ I shall not commit adultery,’ I

say to you that anyone who say to you that anyone who looks lustfully at a woman looks lustfully at a woman has already committed has already committed adultery with her in his adultery with her in his heart.”heart.”

-- Not merely exterior acts, Not merely exterior acts, but interior motivation; but interior motivation; interior desires.interior desires.


Three Results of the Breach:Three Results of the Breach:

1)1) Nakedness and Shame.Nakedness and Shame.

2)2) The Body – Contains a Center of The Body – Contains a Center of Resistance.Resistance.

3)3) “Domination” in Interpersonal “Domination” in Interpersonal Relations.Relations.

Nakedness and ShameNakedness and Shame

FearFear..

““I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself” I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself” (Gen 3:10).(Gen 3:10).

Breaking the relationship with God.Breaking the relationship with God.

Breaking the trust between each Breaking the trust between each other.other.

Ultimately involves a disruption of the Ultimately involves a disruption of the whole order of nature: (1) dominion whole order of nature: (1) dominion becomes domination; (2) man becomes domination; (2) man becomes subject to the earth “by the becomes subject to the earth “by the sweat of your brow…”sweat of your brow…”

Thus, they were not only hiding themselves from God, Thus, they were not only hiding themselves from God, but from each other and creation.but from each other and creation.


Nakedness and shame are new to the consciousness.Nakedness and shame are new to the consciousness.

-- ShameShame is the boundary experience between is the boundary experience between the the man of lust and the man of innocence.man of lust and the man of innocence.

Gen. 2:25Gen. 2:25 “naked and not “naked and not ashamed.”ashamed.”

Gen. 3:10Gen. 3:10 “afraid because of “afraid because of nakedness.”nakedness.”

The nakedness of the body, which The nakedness of the body, which once revealed God’s gift of love in once revealed God’s gift of love in which they participated, now reveals which they participated, now reveals their alienation from God and each their alienation from God and each other.other.


LustLust..

Lust lies at the heart of man’s fear and shameLust lies at the heart of man’s fear and shame..

““Man is ashamed of his body because of lust. In fact, he is Man is ashamed of his body because of lust. In fact, he is ashamed not so much of his body as precisely of lust. He is ashamed not so much of his body as precisely of lust. He is ashamed of his body owing to lust” (ashamed of his body owing to lust” (TB 116TB 116).).

>> Lust explains why shame exists and shame reveals Lust explains why shame exists and shame reveals the damage or injury caused by lust.the damage or injury caused by lust.

Man may believe that the body and gender difference is the Man may believe that the body and gender difference is the origin of his shame, but this almost always is a deflection from origin of his shame, but this almost always is a deflection from the true source of shame which is his own lustful heart.the true source of shame which is his own lustful heart.


Lust threatens man’s dignity (image and likeness).Lust threatens man’s dignity (image and likeness).

Immanent shameImmanent shame – experienced within oneself due to – experienced within oneself due to the loss of freedom (the loss of freedom (self-masteryself-mastery) to self-gift. “I can ) to self-gift. “I can no longer control myself.”no longer control myself.”

Flip-side of original solitude.Flip-side of original solitude.

Loss of man’s dignity; he stopped, Loss of man’s dignity; he stopped, through his own body, being through his own body, being

above the above the world of living beings or world of living beings or animaliaanimalia. (. (TB TB 116116).).


Relative shameRelative shame – – experienced in relation to the experienced in relation to the otherother. The body becomes a “thing” for my use.. The body becomes a “thing” for my use.

Flip-side of original unity.Flip-side of original unity.

Fear for one’s self – must Fear for one’s self – must cover cover nakedness from the nakedness from the lustful eyes lustful eyes of the other.of the other.


Double meaning of shameDouble meaning of shame::

Negative meaningNegative meaning: The other’s body : The other’s body is is no longer a revelation of God’s no longer a revelation of God’s

mystery, as a revelation of the mystery, as a revelation of the person, person, but as a “thing” to be used for but as a “thing” to be used for

gratification.gratification.

Positive meaningPositive meaning: Because man still : Because man still retains a sense of his own dignity retains a sense of his own dignity

and and his knowledge that he/she should his knowledge that he/she should not not be used as a means (satisfying lust), be used as a means (satisfying lust),

shame indicates an innate need to shame indicates an innate need to protect the value of the person from protect the value of the person from lust.lust.

Resistance of the BodyResistance of the Body

Body Contains a Center of Resistance.Body Contains a Center of Resistance.

-- Breakdown of spiritual and somatic unity.Breakdown of spiritual and somatic unity.

-- The body is no longer subordinated to the spirit.The body is no longer subordinated to the spirit.

-- St. Paul’s letter to the Romans:St. Paul’s letter to the Romans:

“…“…but I see in my members another principle at but I see in my members another principle at war war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law law of sin that dwells in my members…” (Rom. 7:23).of sin that dwells in my members…” (Rom. 7:23).

-- Lust is the threat to the structure of self-mastery.Lust is the threat to the structure of self-mastery.

Domination of RelationshipsDomination of Relationships

Domination in Interpersonal Relations.Domination in Interpersonal Relations.

Lust causes a distortion.Lust causes a distortion.

The simplicity and purity of the The simplicity and purity of the original experience disappear – original experience disappear – lust replaces the sincere gift of lust replaces the sincere gift of self.self.-- The body, which was the The body, which was the

“substratum” of the “substratum” of the communion communion of persons, now of persons, now becomes an becomes an obstacle in the obstacle in the personal personal relationship of relationship of man and woman.man and woman.


““Second discovery of sex.”Second discovery of sex.”

-- What once unified, now divides or What once unified, now divides or opposes.opposes.

-- Persons are no longer subjects for their own Persons are no longer subjects for their own sake, sake, but objects for sexual gratification.but objects for sexual gratification.

-- Lust is ultimately a reduction of a person in all Lust is ultimately a reduction of a person in all his/her richness, to the single value of physical his/her richness, to the single value of physical gratification.gratification.


““Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you” (Gen. 3:16).rule over you” (Gen. 3:16).

-- Not to be understood as an inequality of personhood.Not to be understood as an inequality of personhood.

-- These words indicate a These words indicate a violationviolation, a fundamental loss of , a fundamental loss of the original community-communion of persons.the original community-communion of persons.

-- First, this communion was intended, in the reciprocal First, this communion was intended, in the reciprocal offering of persons to make man and woman happy, offering of persons to make man and woman happy, and second, they were to be made happy by the and second, they were to be made happy by the blessing of fertility and procreation.blessing of fertility and procreation.


With the break caused by Adam With the break caused by Adam and Eve’s choice, their and Eve’s choice, their relationship changed – the relationship changed – the capacity of full and mutual capacity of full and mutual communion ends.communion ends.


““Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you” (Gen. 3:16).rule over you” (Gen. 3:16).

““They are no longer called only to union and unity, but are also They are no longer called only to union and unity, but are also threatened by the insatiability of that union and unity. It does threatened by the insatiability of that union and unity. It does not cease to attract man and woman precisely because they not cease to attract man and woman precisely because they are persons called from eternity to exist in communion” (TB are persons called from eternity to exist in communion” (TB 121).121).

-- Man and woman are divided and even opposed to each Man and woman are divided and even opposed to each other. They desire unity, but they can’t satisfy their other. They desire unity, but they can’t satisfy their

longing.longing.

-- They can no longer give completely to each other.They can no longer give completely to each other.

-- The lust of the flesh directs their desires to satisfy The lust of the flesh directs their desires to satisfy the body, often at the cost of a complete the body, often at the cost of a complete

communion communion of persons.of persons.

Domination in RelationshipsDomination in Relationships

Distortion in Man:Distortion in Man:

-- Lust distorts the original masculine initiation of Lust distorts the original masculine initiation of love.love.

Because man is tainted by lust, Because man is tainted by lust, oftentimes what he initiates is not a oftentimes what he initiates is not a “sincere gift of self” but the desire to “sincere gift of self” but the desire to appropriate the woman for his own appropriate the woman for his own sexual gratification. sexual gratification.

-- The man of lust no longer seeks to make a gift of himself The man of lust no longer seeks to make a gift of himself to to the woman, but instead to use her for his own ends, to the woman, but instead to use her for his own ends, to

possess, dominate and control her.possess, dominate and control her.


Distortion in woman:Distortion in woman:

-- The distortion in the woman’s heart can take The distortion in the woman’s heart can take different forms:different forms:

1)1) A disregard for her own A disregard for her own dignity dignity in which she allows in which she allows herself to be herself to be used .used .

2)2) To apply her instincts to To apply her instincts to direct direct the man as she wills. Thus, the man as she wills. Thus, the the woman can also use the man woman can also use the man

for her purposes.for her purposes.

-- In the case of the man or the woman, the relationship In the case of the man or the woman, the relationship has has changed from self-gift to self-appropriation.changed from self-gift to self-appropriation.


The Problem of Domination.The Problem of Domination.

-- The woman caught in adultery.The woman caught in adultery.

She is exposed to “her” sin while the She is exposed to “her” sin while the man, equally guilty, escapes notice.man, equally guilty, escapes notice.

Jesus renovates the old law allowing Jesus renovates the old law allowing a a man to divorce his wife. He calls man to divorce his wife. He calls men men and women back to the beginning.and women back to the beginning.



-- Throughout history, women have borne the Throughout history, women have borne the largest largest share of the burdens regarding sexual sin.share of the burdens regarding sexual sin.

-- Pressured to conform to male demands (body Pressured to conform to male demands (body size / size / shape; styles of dress; attitudes etc…).shape; styles of dress; attitudes etc…).

-- Often she alone pays – and pays all alone.Often she alone pays – and pays all alone.

-- Often abandoned with pregnancy.Often abandoned with pregnancy.

-- Often required to subject herself to potential harm Often required to subject herself to potential harm in in order to allow the man to “rule” – contraceptives.order to allow the man to “rule” – contraceptives.

-- She bears the consequences of abortion.She bears the consequences of abortion.-- Many physical and psychological Many physical and psychological

problems.problems.



-- How has the contraceptive mentality furthered How has the contraceptive mentality furthered the the domination of women?domination of women?

-- Who suffers most as a result of the breakdown Who suffers most as a result of the breakdown of of the family?the family?

Redeemed ManRedeemed Man

The Redemption of Man.The Redemption of Man.

The form of the new man can The form of the new man can emerge emerge from this way of being and from this way of being and acting, to acting, to the extent to which the ethos the extent to which the ethos of the of the redemption of the body dominates redemption of the body dominates the the lust of the flesh and the whole man lust of the flesh and the whole man of of temperance and mastery of temperance and mastery of desiresdesires, that is, at the very root, already in the purely interior , that is, at the very root, already in the purely interior sphere. The ethos of redemption contains in every area – and sphere. The ethos of redemption contains in every area – and directly in the sphere of the lust of the flesh – the imperative of directly in the sphere of the lust of the flesh – the imperative of self-control, the necessity of immediate continence and habitual self-control, the necessity of immediate continence and habitual temperance.temperance.

-- Selfishness / depersonalization is the enemy of authentic Selfishness / depersonalization is the enemy of authentic love.love.


Ephesians 5:21-35 refers to the Ephesians 5:21-35 refers to the relationship between Christ and his Bride, relationship between Christ and his Bride, the Church.the Church.

This is the model for the relationship This is the model for the relationship between husband and wife.between husband and wife.


Ephesians 5:21-35.Ephesians 5:21-35.

-- Be subordinate to one another out of reverence Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for for Christ.Christ.

-- Wives be submissive to your husbands as to the Wives be submissive to your husbands as to the Lord.Lord.

-- Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.Church and gave himself up for her.

-- Husbands should love their wives as their own Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.bodies.


Ephesians.Ephesians.

For no one hates his own flesh For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes it and but rather nourishes it and cherishes it, even as Christ cherishes it, even as Christ

does does the Church, because we are the Church, because we are members of his Body.members of his Body.

-- For this reason a man shall leave his father and For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh.become one flesh.

-- This is a great mystery. I speak in reference to Christ This is a great mystery. I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.and the Church.


The Gospel Innovation.The Gospel Innovation.

Be subject to oneBe subject to one A restoration of theA restoration of the

another out of another out of original equality inoriginal equality in

reverence for Christreverence for Christ marriage.marriage.


The Gospel Innovation.The Gospel Innovation.

Husbands love yourHusbands love your The author takesThe author takeswife as Christ lovedwife as Christ loved account of the realaccount of the realthe Church and gavethe Church and gave situation of women situation of women himself for herhimself for her and challenges it.and challenges it.

The headship of theThe headship of thehusband is like that husband is like that

ofofChrist. An affirmation Christ. An affirmation of the woman’sof the woman’sdignity.dignity.


Love in a Christ-like Manner.Love in a Christ-like Manner.

Husbands love your wives.Husbands love your wives.

A fundamental affirmation of A fundamental affirmation of the the woman as a person.woman as a person.

This is the way Christ acts as This is the way Christ acts as the the bridegroom of the Church. He bridegroom of the Church. He

desires that she be in splendor, desires that she be in splendor, without spot or wrinkle (Eph. without spot or wrinkle (Eph. 5:27).5:27).


Love in a Christ-like Manner.Love in a Christ-like Manner.

One can say that this fully captures the whole “manner” One can say that this fully captures the whole “manner” of Christ in his interaction with women.of Christ in his interaction with women.

Husbands should make their Husbands should make their own own the elements of this style in the elements of this style in

regard to their wives.regard to their wives.

Analogously, all men should do Analogously, all men should do the same in regard to the women the same in regard to the women they encounter in any situation.they encounter in any situation.

In this way a “sincere gift of self” is possible.In this way a “sincere gift of self” is possible.


The Symbolic Dimension in Ephesians.The Symbolic Dimension in Ephesians.The Great Mystery.The Great Mystery.

God’s love for his people has a God’s love for his people has a spousal quality.spousal quality.

The Bride, the Church, is a collective The Bride, the Church, is a collective subject.subject.

Christ has loved the Church which is Christ has loved the Church which is also called his own body.also called his own body.

Christ has entered into human history and remains in it as the Christ has entered into human history and remains in it as the Bridegroom who gives himself.Bridegroom who gives himself.-- “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life life for his friends” (Jn. 15:13).for his friends” (Jn. 15:13).

the theology of the body pope john paul ii. introduction originally published in four books:...

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