As the Original Theology of the Body Fangirl, I pay attention to material that purports to present or promote Pope John Paul's thought. This is not a list everything worthwhile on the topic, but of the resources I consider most essential for getting into the heart of the matter. There are tons of other resources available, but these are the foundational ones.
For starters, you might consider Discover Theology of the Body, the 10-part video lecture series by Franciscan Father Robert Sprott for a live-streamed event we did in Chicago back in 2013 (before "live-streaming" was even a thing). It is behind a modest paywall, but there is a free discussion guide (by yours truly), so it can be used by parish groups or organizations.
The essential books are:
Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body, translated by Dr. Michael Waldstein: a critical edition of the Pope's series of biblical reflections. The introductions alone are valuable, content-wise.
The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World, Anniversary Edition, by Pope John Paul II with commentary and discussion questions by John and Claire Grabowski. This is a "Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation," a kind of papal document that sums up in an authoritative way the results of a Synod. In this case, it was the 1980 Synod of Bishops, which met to discuss "The Christian Family." Pope John Paul timed the start of his Theology of the Body talks to coincide with the opening work of the Synod. As you might imagine, there are many convergences between the two.
Love and Responsibility, by Karol Wojtyla (written while the future Pope was still basically a campus minister, doing marriage prep in his own inimitable way; as he wrote them, the chapters would be discussed by the students with a view to editorial fine-tuning). This is the philosophical-ethical study of human love.
Understanding Love and Responsibility, by Richard A. Spinello: because not too many of us are up to reading a philosophical treatment of human love, even one that is so spot-on in terms of its personalist approach.
The Human Person According to John Paul II, by J. Brian Bransfield: an introduction to Theology of the Body.
Humanae Vitae, 50th Anniversary Edition, by Pope Paul VI: an annotated edition of the landmark encyclical that dealt with contraception. Karol Wojtla was a member of Pope Paul VI's expanded "birth control commission," though he could not get a his passport approved from Communist Poland to attend commission meetings. The crowning sessions of the Theology of the Body talks are an application of the Scriptural principles to issues raised in Humanae Vitae.
NOT Theology of the Body, but a kind of catechism in the light of Theology of the Body: The One Thing Is Three: How the Most Holy Trinity Explains Everything, by Father Michael Gaitley. I highly recommend this presentation of the faith which draws inspiration from Theology of the Body and the Divine Mercy devotion.
No comments:
Post a Comment