★★★★★ 5
Excellent
Format: Paperback
While some readers may find John Paul II's writing style a bit circular or highly philosophical, the message presented in this text will change your life. Still, it is not easy reading. It is a collection of 129 audiences given by John Paul II commonly called the Theology of the Body. The audiences are based on Sacred Scripture. In this new translation audiences that were not delivered are now included. The Theology of the Body treats sexuality, marriage, celibacy, anthropology, family life, responsible parenthood, the wound of sin, redemption, and the resurrection of the body. This book is in my top five of best books.
I have read both translations and Michael Waldstein's is much easier to read than the first edition. The new headers at the beginning of each section that directly indicate what is being dealt with in the text. The introduction that Waldstein provides gives a theological and philosophical vision for understanding the text.
This book is worth your time. It stands against the culture of death and promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It holds the answers the hunger that society is so desperately grasping at.
If you don't know much about the Theology of Body it would prove useful to read an introductory text by West, Hogan, or Percy & Schmitz. Christopher West, who is properly described as a catechist, has excellent presentations on the Theology of the Body in DVD and CD format that could prove helpful to a first time reader.
On a personal note: The Theology of the Body has helped me so much. I am in Holy Orders and I don't think I would be where I am except for this message (and God's grace and His will). This isn't some message that you can simply read and understand - it is something that you have to approach with an open heart and mind with prayer.
I really hope you read this book and promote it's message.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2009
