THE 395 Theology of the Body
Seeks to examine and understand questions regarding the theological significance of embodiment as developed throughout Catholic Tradition. Historical in structure, the course focuses on the development of teachings and practices regarding the body in early, medieval, and modern Catholicism, with particular emphasis on the theology of the body developed by St. Pope John Paul II during a series of 129 Wednesday audiences spanning the years 1979-1984. Practices such as asceticism, sexual renunciation, marriage and procreation, suffering, and dying are examined in light of the Church's central doctrines regarding creation and the fall, redemption and incarnation, and death and the resurrection of the body.