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Theology of the Body in Simple Language
"This fully ecumenical understanding of sexuality is less about following the rules than about discovering the freedom of living in truth." — First Things
In September of 1979, about a year after becoming pope, John Paul II began a series of reflections on love, sexuality, and the human person. These 15-minute talks, which continued for several years, became known collectively as the "Theology of the Body." This book paraphrases 86 of Pope John Paul II's talks in easy-to-understand English.
"An absolute 'must have' for Catholic Studies reference and resource shelves." —Midwest Book Review
"Masterfully distills the essence of the pope's talks." — National Catholic Register
"Succeeds in bringing papal teaching on the body within the reach of the average reader."— The British Columbia Catholic
In September of 1979, about a year after becoming pope, John Paul II began a series of reflections on love, sexuality, and the human person. These 15-minute talks, which continued for several years, became known collectively as the "Theology of the Body." This book paraphrases 86 of Pope John Paul II's talks in easy-to-understand English.
"An absolute 'must have' for Catholic Studies reference and resource shelves." —Midwest Book Review
"Masterfully distills the essence of the pope's talks." — National Catholic Register
"Succeeds in bringing papal teaching on the body within the reach of the average reader."— The British Columbia Catholic
198 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
491 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Pope John Paul II
1,053 books628 followersSaint Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus II), born Karol Józef Wojtyła was elected Pope at the Conclave of 16 October 1978, and he took the name of John Paul II. On 22 October, the Lord's Day, he solemnly inaugurated his Petrine ministry as the 263rd successor to the Apostle. His pontificate, one of the longest in the history of the Church, lasted nearly 27 years.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 3, 2021
Phew. This is a primer on a typological view of the body and gender. JPII's unpacks the nuptial meaning of the body in a way that speaks of maleness and femaleness as gift, instead of in the language of roles and power. Highly recommend as a ground level reading for those diving into gender conversations. Have we divorced gender from the vocations of marriage and celibacy? How could JPII's vision of the whole person (vs a divided soul/body) guide us through conversations in the church about male and female roles?
Maybe it's my very limited knowledge of Catholic theology, but the chapter on lust was unlike any other material on "fighting sin" that I've come across before. Lust is a diving of the spirit and body of the other person. Refusing to see person as a site of grace and gift and honoring that gift as something other than yourself.
I'll be coming back to this one on the regular. Highly recommend.
Maybe it's my very limited knowledge of Catholic theology, but the chapter on lust was unlike any other material on "fighting sin" that I've come across before. Lust is a diving of the spirit and body of the other person. Refusing to see person as a site of grace and gift and honoring that gift as something other than yourself.
I'll be coming back to this one on the regular. Highly recommend.
February 3, 2025
No funny business or goofy conversational explanations. Just an accessible, succinct version of the original text for us common folk.
June 5, 2025
3.5
Amazing book. Just so much of it went over my head. I am no theologian! In spite of this, there were some really good lessons on sex and sexuality that hold up well even in the modern context of life. I really enjoyed the piece on the role of shame in society in particular.
Amazing book. Just so much of it went over my head. I am no theologian! In spite of this, there were some really good lessons on sex and sexuality that hold up well even in the modern context of life. I really enjoyed the piece on the role of shame in society in particular.
September 12, 2022
While I have not read direct translations of John Paul II's 129-lecture series on the Theology of the Body, this distillation of the series by Philokalia Books is for me a masterful work in itself, and, I assume, a faithful reflection of the initial work. Far more than the expected treatise on marriage and sexual love (as good and as useful as that more limited subject might have been), the book focuses on the profound understanding that the body is God's primary means of making the invisible visible—of revealing the mysteries of Who he is.
The book speaks with power, clarity, and eloquence in simple, but effective and timeless language. As I read through it, I found myself feeling as though I was not reading something generated in a single time and place (the Vatican, 1979-84), but it had more the feeling of universality about it. The ideas and concepts presented could have originated in either the 3rd century, or the 23rd.
I should say here that while I am not of the Catholic tradition, I have nevertheless been touched and changed forever by the same inescapable, rescuing grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. And though not being Catholic, I found Theology of the Body in Simple Language to speak powerfully of the same truths held universally by all believers in Jesus Christ. The book seems, to me, devoid of anything I would classify as obviously originating in, or directed to, only those of the Catholic tradition. Protestant evangelicals need not approach this work with either trepidation or suspicion, and they will find much here to embrace and praise.
One of the central theses of the book is presented in this brief passage—
Theology of the Body is saturated with scripture—primarily through the words of Jesus, and later, the words of Paul, (with Genesis and Song of Songs also frequently cited). The specific passages referenced seem not wedged in to simply prop up and add weight to a previously built argument, but they form the foundation and springboard from which the exposition grows.
In total, Theology of the Body stands upon the centrality of Christ, the necessity of His Holy Spirit, and the revealing power of His word. It lays out in clear, and occasionally poetic language, the majestic sweep of God's redemptive work among humankind—from the original glory of innocence, through the history of Christ's glorious work of grace poured out upon his fallen creatures, and to the final and greater glory of ultimate resurrection—not only of our own human bodies and spirits, but of the entirety of creation.
The worthy aim of Theology of the Body is to elevate our view and understanding of the body—this "enlivening of matter by spirit." And it surely did that for me.
The book speaks with power, clarity, and eloquence in simple, but effective and timeless language. As I read through it, I found myself feeling as though I was not reading something generated in a single time and place (the Vatican, 1979-84), but it had more the feeling of universality about it. The ideas and concepts presented could have originated in either the 3rd century, or the 23rd.
I should say here that while I am not of the Catholic tradition, I have nevertheless been touched and changed forever by the same inescapable, rescuing grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. And though not being Catholic, I found Theology of the Body in Simple Language to speak powerfully of the same truths held universally by all believers in Jesus Christ. The book seems, to me, devoid of anything I would classify as obviously originating in, or directed to, only those of the Catholic tradition. Protestant evangelicals need not approach this work with either trepidation or suspicion, and they will find much here to embrace and praise.
One of the central theses of the book is presented in this brief passage—
"The body is a primordial sacrament, a visible sign of God's invisible mystery. This is the mystery of truth and love, of the divine life, in which the human person participates. The body alone is capable of making the invisible visible. It was created to be a sign of God's love in the visible world."
Theology of the Body is saturated with scripture—primarily through the words of Jesus, and later, the words of Paul, (with Genesis and Song of Songs also frequently cited). The specific passages referenced seem not wedged in to simply prop up and add weight to a previously built argument, but they form the foundation and springboard from which the exposition grows.
In total, Theology of the Body stands upon the centrality of Christ, the necessity of His Holy Spirit, and the revealing power of His word. It lays out in clear, and occasionally poetic language, the majestic sweep of God's redemptive work among humankind—from the original glory of innocence, through the history of Christ's glorious work of grace poured out upon his fallen creatures, and to the final and greater glory of ultimate resurrection—not only of our own human bodies and spirits, but of the entirety of creation.
The worthy aim of Theology of the Body is to elevate our view and understanding of the body—this "enlivening of matter by spirit." And it surely did that for me.
June 18, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. You would think a book on Theology would be hard to grasp, but Blessed Pope John put's into plain and simple language the purpose of our created bodies, and God's plan of GOODNESS for each of us from the very beginning of creation. ♡
I also loved how each of the chapters was broken down to one or two pages, making it easy and enjoyable to read and ponder.
I also loved how each of the chapters was broken down to one or two pages, making it easy and enjoyable to read and ponder.
January 25, 2024
Breaking news: Pope thinks celibacy is super awesome
Sorry Jaden I got bored and this book was good so I had to finish it
Sorry Jaden I got bored and this book was good so I had to finish it
April 7, 2025
A beautiful insight into God’s true plan and vision for the human body. A great read for young adults as the book presents a stark contrast between societies depiction and use of the body and the heavenly objective. Important read for young adults of any faith background.
December 3, 2024
Importante leer y aprender sobre las foundations de la fe. San Juan Pablo II es una eminencia y “Theology of the Body” es de sus contributions mas grandes para el catolicismo.
July 26, 2024
Although I have heard before the teaching about the theology of the body, this book brought a new light to it. I love how Pope Sf. John Paul II has taken the reader through the Holy Scripture, showing God's design for the nuptial love in the beginning as shown in Genesis, then as Jesus presented it to the sadduceesin the Gospels, and finally how Paul understood it and explained it in his apostolic letters. It has also renewed my understanding of marital union and I am forever grateful and in awe at how much wisdom and understanting this man had for the things of the Lord.
July 14, 2022
3.5 Wow, this book attempts to summarize the theology of the body in simple language. In many ways it succeeds but at times it oversimplifies to the determent of meaning. In a few places the editor's own ideas and interpretation are confused with the original. It does not cover all of the original content
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June 20, 2020There were positives in this in terms of seeing sexuality in the context of the whole person and not despising the body. It is set within reference to the Bible which is not a surprise as it is a pope writing.
Yet at the same time, I think the book lacks because there is no mention, let alone discussion of how the lives of those who identify within the LGBTQ+ community fit into what is expressed. Nor is there much about those who are divorced and how they might know wholeness in the framework presented.
Perhaps I am being unfair in asking of the book, questions the author was not seeking to address. Yet writing about identity including sexuality surely needs to be as comprehensive as possible?
This was a re-read on my part.
Yet at the same time, I think the book lacks because there is no mention, let alone discussion of how the lives of those who identify within the LGBTQ+ community fit into what is expressed. Nor is there much about those who are divorced and how they might know wholeness in the framework presented.
Perhaps I am being unfair in asking of the book, questions the author was not seeking to address. Yet writing about identity including sexuality surely needs to be as comprehensive as possible?
This was a re-read on my part.
September 14, 2019
Wonderful elaboration of Jesus's teaching on sexuality. The book gives a complete view of man based on the Bible. Focusing on the non duality of spirit and body. Though the book is lacking in inputs from the scientific perspective, theologically the book is fascinating and can be used for meditation on the human sexuality. St. John Paul tries to answer some questions like why we have a body? Why do we marry? Why is there male and female? Why lust is a negation of love? What is the final destination of the human body? Why celibacy can be good?. All these questions are answered in the light of the Bible.
November 4, 2022
Excellent, simple analysis on the beauty and splendor of the human body. I especially appreciated the statement that our redemption won't be complete until the body's redemption. God created man perfect with bodies; bodies are not the product of sin, and therefore, we are not merely spirits trapped in bodies, but are complex, beautiful creations made up of both body and spirit which will continue through eternity. Because of this, the body must be respected and we must flee all kinds of sexual immorality, whether physical or "artistic". Sex and marriage are beautiful, but only according to their creation.
October 9, 2017
This book is excellent, not just to read but to use for a prayer and meditation guide. It takes St. John Paul II's ground breaking Theology of the Body and puts it in simply, easy to understand terms. Each section corresponds to one of the Pope's presentations but instead of being 10 pages steeped in deep theology, it is 2 pages that a layperson can understand. If you want more theology and more fleshing out of the topic go to the original presentation, but I would recommend that you read this book first.
April 14, 2020
I started reading the original very large book in Pope John Paul's words. As I had borrowed it and had to return it, I thought I would read this shorter and simpler version. I think I would have liked the original better but it would have taken me a long time to read it. (My problem is I read several books at one time - not a good habit.) This version was also good but I like St John Paul's style of writing. Absolutely everyone should read one version! It is for those who are married and those who are not.
April 19, 2024
Recommended at Mass by our Transitional Deacon
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. The first few chapters in seemed a little repetitive and I wasn’t sure why our Transitional Deacon (completes seminary in a month and will be ordained as a priest) recommended it.
By the end of the book I wanted to read more but all my lifelong questions were answered about relationships, marriage and Catholic vocations.
I wish I had read this as a teenager.
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. The first few chapters in seemed a little repetitive and I wasn’t sure why our Transitional Deacon (completes seminary in a month and will be ordained as a priest) recommended it.
By the end of the book I wanted to read more but all my lifelong questions were answered about relationships, marriage and Catholic vocations.
I wish I had read this as a teenager.
September 29, 2019
Good content
The importance of The Theology of the Body cannot be overstated, and this book does a good job of making the information accessible. The only hesitation I have is that the author's tone is quite dry. Others have done a better job of engaging the reader and presenting the information dynamically.
The importance of The Theology of the Body cannot be overstated, and this book does a good job of making the information accessible. The only hesitation I have is that the author's tone is quite dry. Others have done a better job of engaging the reader and presenting the information dynamically.
June 8, 2023
Really helpful in thinking about a Christian view of love and marriage, with fairly simple meditations on the negative affects of the fall on our sexual relations, but also the restoring affects of redemption which raises us out of slavery to lust and allows us to relate to one another truly once again.
February 4, 2024
halfway through and i just can’t force myself to read it anymore. not because it’s bad, the message is great. but this book is very repetitive and i feel like i got the point about 20 pages in. now it’s just different angles of the same truth, which is great and needs to be practiced, but not read 50 times over.
January 9, 2025
A nice argument for the Catholic teaching on marriage, celibacy and chastity. Feels like there could have been more to it but helpful and thought provoking all the same. JP2 connects creation, the fall, Christs love for his bride the Church into beautiful theology of the body for all of us in the modern world.
January 31, 2018
Essential for every human
Profound and enlightening. Good, true, and beautiful exegesis of Sacred Scripture. An antidote to the poison of the Sexual Revolution which pervades our culture.
Profound and enlightening. Good, true, and beautiful exegesis of Sacred Scripture. An antidote to the poison of the Sexual Revolution which pervades our culture.
July 2, 2018
This book distills the almost five years of papal audiences into a simple volume that focuses on the essential teachings of Saint Pope John Paul II on this subject. It is wonderful in its simplicity and an easy read that will hopefully prompt further contemplation and study for its readers.
January 6, 2019
Amazing
Great insight on the body and drama of man. A must read for anyone interested in understanding the fundamental differences in the sexes and the conjugal and celibate unions we are all called to with the Lord.
Great insight on the body and drama of man. A must read for anyone interested in understanding the fundamental differences in the sexes and the conjugal and celibate unions we are all called to with the Lord.
July 25, 2020
I tried so hard to get through this book because I enjoy JPII’s works. I couldn’t do it with this one. I felt that the book repeatedly itself every 15 minutes (audio version) and I got annoyed. I made it about an hour into the audiobook and had to call it quits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 29, 2021Helpful to navigate 21st century social life
I really appreciated this version having read the TOB beginners edition. This built on that and I hope to continue learning on this journey.
I really appreciated this version having read the TOB beginners edition. This built on that and I hope to continue learning on this journey.
February 27, 2023
Wow! What a great insight into the Theology of the Body. I absolutely love the feeling of finishing a book and being absolutely mind blown and educated. I feel more confident about my own sexuality, vocation and purpose. Great read!
June 26, 2024
Pretty substantial reading. The writer drive us into the meaning of the body according the Scripture and how can we manage that knowing it’s purpose. I learned couple of new things.
Reading recommend!
Reading recommend!
July 17, 2017
Unexpected paradigm shift
Excellent arguments that made me change my mind about how we view the Flesh and body in terms of its spiritual purposes.
Excellent arguments that made me change my mind about how we view the Flesh and body in terms of its spiritual purposes.
December 28, 2019
great
August 30, 2022
This was an interesting read. Not what I was expecting, but still interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews