Customer Reviews:
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 Outstanding! May 6, 2007
22 out of 23 found this review helpful
I had an earlier edition of Theology of the Body and decided to replace it with this new translation with footnotes and an index. I am very glad I did.
This book, and the many beautiful books and lectures that sprang from it by the likes of Dr. Janet Smith and Chris West, has changed my life and my marriage for the better.
I LOVE the Church's teachings on marriage and the family. This book is quite possibly the most important text written on sexual morality in the last century.
Outstanding.
A new, improved translation December 12, 2006
91 out of 94 found this review helpful
For those who may be confused, this is the new translation of John Paul II's 'The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan' (the original title). JPII's "Theology of the Body" is culled from a series of homilies (129 to be exact) he delivered in his Wednesday audiences beginning in 1979. Considering the complexity and profundity of these sermons, it is hard to believe that many in the crowd actually comprehended them. L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, published the homilies, but this was done by a variety of staff translators, thus resulting in an inconsistent translation when published as a whole. Now, for the first time in English, we have a professional, critical translation of these homilies. John Paul's "Theology of the Body" has been highly lauded as one of the greatest (if not *the* greatest) exposition on Christians sexual ethics, with a focus on the human person and the gift of the body. It is perhaps JPII's greatest gift to the Church, especially as it was/is critical in the renewal of the Church after the devastating effects of the sexual revolution of the sixties and the irresponsible and childish rebellion of certain Catholic academics. For a greater appreciation of this work, one can do well to consult the more philosophical works, 'Love and Responsibility' and 'The Acting Person'. The work of Dietrich von Hildebrand would also be a great supplement. On a lighter side, Dawn Eden's 'The Thrill of the Chaste' (recently released) would be a fine example of how JPII's theology of the body is influencing the younger generation.
A Masterpiece October 28, 2006
55 out of 59 found this review helpful
This book is indeed one of the milestones of Christian Philosophy and Theology. This book along with C.S. Lewis' MERE CHRISTIANITY, are the MASTERPIECES of 20th Century Christian Philosophy. Where Lewis turns the tide and challenges the Atheism of Bertrand Russell by giving a powerful case for and introduction to Christianity, John Paul the Great presents a stunningly beautiful look at what it means to be Human. He sets up a dam to the line of reasoning that led to the Sexual "Revolution" and ultimately to the Utilitarian ethics at the root of the Culture of Death. His presentation of the true meaning of Human Sexuality gives one deep insight to what and why we are. His THEOLOGY OF THE BODY is an antidote to the rhetoric of Alfred Kinsey, Peter Singer, and Richard Dawkins who reduce man to mere organic compouds. We are reflections of the One who has made all things. We are Loved children who are called to Love. This insight can radically change the one who accepts it. Please read this work with an open heart and mind.
P.S.- If JPII's work is a bit dense for you, get a hold of Christopher West's THEOLOGY OF THE BODY FOR BEGINNERS and his monumental commentary THEOLOGY OF THE BODY EXPLAINED. Couples should consider his book GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE and Teens should read Jason Evert's IF YOU REALLY LOVED ME.
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