Aquinas and the Theology of the Body: The Thomistic Foundations of John Paul II's Anthropology

Thomistic Ressourcement Series #7

by Thomas Petri

"Readers interested in the origin and development of Wojtyła's early thought on marriage, sexuality and the family, or on Aquinas's metaphysical, moral and teleological suppositions, or on his teaching on marriage, will find rich resources, clear prose and illuminating exegesis, calmly and accessibly presented. The treatment of Aquinas's theology of marriage is the best I have read." – Theology

" Fr. Petri's work will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the philosophical and theological assimilation of St. John Paul II's thought and magisterial teaching." - Thomistica.net

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Catholic

368 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2018

Reviews

[Santiago Pinzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much-needed contribution to the discourse surrounding Theology of the Body. It treats TOB not as a novel work to be taken on its own terms, but rather as a work that (1) is focused on responding to particular moral issues, (2) is the culmination of years of sustained and evolving reflection, (3) presupposes a certain objective metaphysical framework which is helpful for understanding St. John Paul II’s themes in TOB, and (4) must be interpreted as being in continuity with the church’s previous teachings on sexual ethics.

[Patrick Bouchard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good background in history. Need new information cause I knew too much beforehand. Useful for theology majors.

[Matthew MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book to understand Aquinas influence on John Paul II forming TOB, while recognizing TOB as going beyond Thomas at the same time but not contradicting him. The author stresses that a correct reading TOB will see both its uniqueness and how it is tied to Thomas and the tradition of the Church. It can be a thick read at times but nonetheless this is an important book well worth one's time.