Reading JPII's theology of the body has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the nature of men and women's complimentary roles. It was so beautiful, how both men and women give themselves to each other during the sexual act. That both the man and woman give themselves AND recieve each other in DIFFERENT ways. He says the orgasm is the most authentic moment at which man and woman become one, and resemble their communion with eachother in God. It has allowed me to develop a better understanding of how men and women compliment eachother in their life in the Church. He explains that ordination is not an issue of social rights, but it lies in the realm of the ontological. When both women and men demand women's ordination, they're not just asking for something that is supposedly owed to them. They are, in fact, rejecting the dignity and beauty of the female vocation, and attemtping to take on a role that is simply not for them. Jesus was a man, given by a woman, who then gave us his life. It is becoming more clear to me, but I'm still a little confused. If anybody can tell me if I've said anything wrong, please help me out. John Paul II truly is a brilliant and holy man.

EC

-- EC (EC@hotmail.com), May 08, 2004

Answers

Bump!

-- Anon (bump@bump.com), May 08, 2004.

The little I know I got from Christopher West's talk on Marriage and the Eucharist. It was an awesome talk and very enlightening. I agree, Pope John Paul II is a very holy man and obviously guided by the Holy Spirit, IMHO. He touched on the subjects you mentioned. From what I understand you got it right on.

-- Andy S ("aszmere@earthlink.net"), May 09, 2004.

EC,

Recommend any good books to better understand Theology of the Body?

-- Andy S ("aszmere@earthlink.net"), May 10, 2004.

I recommend both of Christopher West's books on the Theology of the body: "The Good News about Sex and Marriage", and "The Theology of the Body Explained". The first is a thin Q&A book. The second is much heftier.

EC, sounds good. There is sooo much here, it is hard to sum it up, but you did a decent job. [I like to take to the next level and look at those realities in terms of the spousal nature of the Church and the life giving power of the Eucharist, etc.]

Dano

-- Dan Garon (boethius61@yahoo.com), May 10, 2004.

Thanks Dano.

-- Andy S ("aszmere@earthlink.net"), May 10, 2004.

http://www.theologyofthebody.net/

http://www.ccli.org/marriage/west.shtml

2 great sites if you want to read up on Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body.

-- Ed (catholic4444@yahoo.ca), May 10, 2004.

Thanks Ed.

-- Andy S ("aszmere@earthlink.net"), May 10, 2004.