Transcript A New Language Study Series on John Paul II’s Theology of

A New
Language
Study Series on
John Paul II’s
Theology of the
Body
Prepared by
Women Affirming Life, Inc.,
Imago Dei, Inc.
and
Mary Shivanandan, S.T.D.,
Professor, Pontifical John Paul II Institute for
Studies on Marriage and Family,
Catholic University of America
What is the “theology of
the body”?
The "theology of
the body" is a
series of Scriptural
reflections on the
meaning of human
love and sexuality
developed by Pope
John Paul II in a
series of 130
homilies.
Why is it
called the
“theology of
the body”?
John Paul II called
these reflections
the “theology of
the body” because
in some way, the
body itself reveals
the mystery of
God and….
the one-flesh
union of man
and woman
images divine
Trinitarian
communion.
How does the
“theology of the
body” help us
understand the
Christian
meaning of
marriage and
sexuality?
It helps us reclaim
the Christian
understanding of
sexuality and the
human person as
GIFT in order to
show us the true
meaning of human
love and life and….
. …it offers a
model for selfgiving love
and true
happiness for
all Christians,
whether
single, married
or religious.
What is
A
New
Language?
FORMAT:
A four-season group study series with 8 –
12 participants. Each season consists of 6
weekly 90 minute sessions.
PURPOSE:
• explore the Holy Father's teachings on the
theology of the body
• prayerfully reflect on the lived experience of selfgiving love
• grow in a deeper knowledge and appreciation of
our identity as men and women
• develop a stronger commitment to integrate faith
into everyday life
The group facilitator has:
OR
Each participant has:
AND
Core texts: Crossing the Threshold of Love by
Dr. Mary Shivanandan and the Study Guide
A New Language containing:
– references to excerpts from John Paul II’s
writings on theology of the body
– relevant Scripture passages
– cross references to the Catechism of the
Catholic Church
THE FOUR SEASONS:
•
•
•
•
Original Unity of Man and Woman
Blessed Are the Pure of Heart
Life in the Spirit
Marriage and the Language of the
Body
Season One: Original Unity of
Man and Woman
Lays the foundation for
understanding the theology of the
body by discovering God’s
original plan for the human
person as man and woman and
their loving communion in the
creation account in Genesis.
Season One Topics
• Introduction to the Major Themes/The Importance
of Experience in Understanding Revelation
• Original Solitude
• Original Unity
• Original Nakedness and the Nuptial Meaning of
the Body
• The Blessing of Fertility
• The Person, Gift and Communion
Season Two: Blessed Are the Pure
of Heart
Considers the redemption of
sexuality after the fall by
reflecting on Jesus’ words on
“adultery in the heart” in
Matthew 5: 27-28
Season Two Topics
• The Fall and Its Consequences for Man/Woman
Relations
• Lust: A Deception of the Heart and a Distortion of
the Language of the Body
• Christ’s Words on Adultery of the Heart: A Call to
Conversion
• Redemption of the Body in Christ
• Resurrection of the Body and Celibacy for the
Kingdom
Season Three: Life in the Spirit
Explores the meaning of
marriage and the relations
between men and women in light
of the analogy of marriage with
the ‘great mystery’ of Christ’s
union with the Church as
described in Ephesians 5:21-33.
Season Three Topics
• Ephesians 5: A Key Text for Marriage and
Understanding Man and Woman
• The Head/Body Analogy - Bisubjectivity
• Submission: An Experiencing of Love
• Sacrament of Christ and the Church: Source of All
the Sacraments
• Sacrament of Creation and the Indissolubility of
Marriage
• Eros and Agape in Marriage
Season Four: Marriage and the
Language of the Body
Further develops an
understanding of marriage as the
symbol of Christ’s self-giving
love for the Church, especially in
the intimate link between the
love-giving and life-giving
aspects of the one-flesh union.
Season Four Topics
• Teaching of Vatican Council II
• Significance of Humanae Vitae for
Anthropology
• Primacy of Love and the Language of the
Body
• Truth and the Language of the Body
• Ethos of Redemption and Motherhood
• Foundation of a Civilization of Love
Study group facilitators are formed
and trained by Imago Dei.
Study group format is based on
experiential learning.
• Provides the context for an encounter
between Revelation (as interpreted by the
Church) and experience.
• Offers sound doctrinal content.
• Recognizes that the truth penetrates best
when it is experienced and shared.
• Enables participants to learn from the heart
and form small Christian communities.
• Looks beyond transmittal of information to
a transformation of mind and heart.
• Four seasons of six sessions each allow time
to begin to grasp the depth of the Holy
Father’s comprehensive and countercultural teaching.
A Major
Purpose is
growth in the
spiritual life.
Begins and ends with prayer
Includes Scriptural reflection
Offers Catechism references
for further study & reflection
Helps participants discern
how to live out the teaching
in daily life
Evangelization
is an
essential
component.
Participants are
encouraged to
spread the good
news.
“If you don’t
give it away,
you lose it.”
Reactions from Participants
“This was something I totally
appreciated…whether you’re a
man or woman, whether you’re
married or single, this is a rich
experience.”
“We all thought this
was a wonderful way
to learn about the
Pope’s theology of the
body.”
“It’s really an extraordinary vision –
very powerful, joyful, positive,
dynamic. It’s really wonderful.”
“It will be the intellectual underpinnings
for building the culture of life.”
“Once you are there, it will take on a
life of its own… It’s something that is
so needed… It is something we are
being called to… what John Paul II has
elevated marriage to is beautiful.”
“The Holy Father’s insights are
desperately needed by parents
both to enrich their marriage and
to equip them to guide and nurture
their children….”
“…Just before completing the
study series, my 11 year old
daughter said to me, “Mom, when
you talk about sex to me it is so
beautiful, but when my friends
talk to me, they make me feel
dirty.…”
“…Thanks a lot, Mom.
I love you.”
For more information
on starting a study group:
See www.imagodei-tob.org
or email: TOBStudy@ imagodei-tob.org
or call: 1-202-962-0040.
©2009 Imago Dei, Inc.