Eclipse of the Body : How We Lost the Meaning of Sex, Gender, Marriage, & Family

by Christopher West

The world is experiencing an eclipse of the meaning of the body. The definitions of boy and girl, masculinity and femininity, husband and wife, and mother and father have been obscured, and a shadow of confusion has been cast over gender, marriage, sex, and the family. Everything has been re-defined, and yet none of the new definitions are definite. Where did this come from—and more importantly—what needs to happen for the meaning of the body to become clear again? In this easy-to-read booklet, you’ll discover what lies at the root of today’s sexual chaos and gender confusion, and how it was foretold more than a century ago. You’ll also learn how Saint John Paul II’s Theology of the Body provides the antidote to the crisis of our times and paves the way for the “Triumph” foretold by the Virgin Mary in Fatima.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2018

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 more than a dozen countries, and in over 200 American cities. 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 five children and live in Lancaster County, PA.

Reviews

[Amanda Lauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book packs a powerful punch. The text explains the Catholic Church's teaching on human sexuality through lessons from Fatima, Pope Paul VI in his 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae (Latin: Of Human Life), and Pope Saint John Paul II's Theology of the Body. This book would be ideal for Catholic teens to read so they know the Church's stance on various issues of human sexuality and why these "rules" have been put into place to protect us, not restrict us. Adults would benefit from reading this too. This was the least-complicated book I've read yet on this subject.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very grateful for this little book (it is only 71 pages). It connects a lot of dots and just very concisely and beautifully explains the Catholic worldview regarding marriage and the family and gender issues. I speak with Catholics every day who by our daily discussions reflect that they have little understanding of what is in this book (as I didn't either for decades)...I hope to buy several books and give them away to them (as well as to my children). It is short enough and engaging enough that I think it will be well received and actually get read. Their better understanding may then reflect itself in the young child of the one, the possible children of the recently married one and the large family of the lifelong Mass attending one who recently said that Jesus couldn't have a problem with the same sex "marriage" among one in their family... An "eclipse" seems to be such an accurate word to use, and this little book certainly helps bring forth the bright light of Truth and clarity...may it radiate far and wide.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding little book about the meaning of the body, especially in regards to marriage, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church, in particular through Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body (TOB). Christopher West explores the issues lying at the root of the sexual & gender confusion running rampant in the world today, and demonstrates the beauty of the Church's vision of what it means to be man & woman, what it really means to love. Quick to read, and a great introduction to the deep subject of TOB.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book which examines John Paul II's Theology of the Body, examining how the culture is falling away from the sacredness of marriage and towards merely superficial pleasure, which has led to less happiness in the world. It is a fascinating and short read, though it doesn't exactly take a deep dive into these topics and instead just gives a main overview.

[María Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving TOB EVEN MORE!

This book is a great resource to explore theology of the body in a very simple way! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore the actual crisis of humanity and sexuality, in the light of God’s actual plan for us.

[Joseph Raborg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Important Theology

Very few people go in depth into the theology regarding the human body. This short book seems like an excellent way to start. It opened my mind to new ways of thinking about God's will for human sexuality. A very easy read on a complex topic.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clarion call for redeeming the true understanding of our bodies. Theology of the Body is the answer to the ambiguity and distortion plaguing our society and our families.

[BoB Lever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 71 pages long, it’s almost a booklet. This is a perfect introduction to Theology of the Body - highly recommend.

[C.C. Cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO thin, but what it has to say packs a tremendous impact. Now, I have to read Love and Responsibility and Theology of the Body.

[Paul Keough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best quick summary of theology of the body in an easy to understand format that equates modernity to an eclipse of the sun and that’s the name eclipse of the body.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If we want to know what is most sacred in this world, all we need do is look for what is most violently profaned." Pg. 41

[Barbara Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of truth and insight

[Janie G. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of the info regarding John Paul II’s theology of the body is interesting, but it is cursory. The tone of the book is pretty off-putting and won’t do much to convince people who aren’t already fully invested Catholics that this is information worth considering.