Theology of the Body — 2011/08/31

"In [1 Corinthians 12:18-25], Paul gives us a realistic description of the human body. It is not realistic because it is scientific, but because it resonates with truth.

"Science … can only describe the body as a physical object. It cannot describe the entire human person, who is expressed through the body and, in a sense, is the body. All of human culture — literature, visual art, sculpture, dancing, theatre, and so on — witness to the importance of the body in expressing the person.

…

"… Because of its divine creation and redemption, the body is worthy of honor. At the same time, this body belongs to sinful men and women. When Paul writes of its 'unpresentable parts,' we remember the shame experienced by the first human beings as a result of sin. That shame reminds us of our original innocence.

"The sexual parts of the body are not unpresentable because of any dishonor. They are only unpresentable because of shame and lust — the fruits of sin.

"At the same time, shame has a positive aspect, encouraging respect for the body. 'The parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty.' Though shame was a result of sin, it can help us overcome sin through self-control.

"Before sin, Adam and Eve … were naked and felt no shame. This harmony was part of God's original plan for the body.

"The disorder we feel in our bodies is a result of sin. … Paul urges us to restore order. How? By controlling our bodies with holiness and honor. Harmony in the body springs from harmony in the heart.

"Purity of heart allowed Adam and Eve to enjoy each other in fullness and simplicity. With sin came shame and lust. But hope is not lost. Through Christ's redemptive power, the heart can gradually gain victory over lust. Victory is not only possible — it is necessary. …"


A reminder: These posts on Theology of the Body are excerpts from Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body in Simple Language, an adaptation and condensation of his massive series of talks on the subject at his Wednesday general audiences.