Of course, there is a positive element in this theology in the sense that John Paul II wanted to transmit to our time that our body, the human body, is not simply a body, like an animal, but a body with a spiritual aim. So we are created, even with our body of God.
And this, I think, is one of the key elements of the Theology of the Body of John Paul II; and also that our body has a characteristic of a spouse. Even when people are living in virginity or celibacy, their body has a means of being a spouse. It is meant to be given to God, for His glory. In marriage, the bodies also of the spouses are to be given with the intention that it is only for one another, in Christ, because it is a sacrament of marriage.
Relationships in marriage have a higher meaning, it is more spiritual, it is not only a simple carnal meaning but it has a higher spiritual meaning. Of course, unmarried people; this is one aspect of the Theology of the Body of John Paul II – they have to live in continence and purity because their body has the meaning of being a spouse. Since they are unmarried, they must keep their body for God or their future spouse and not for others.
I think that this aspect is also important in our time where the body of human beings is so degraded through pornography, for example. This is a great vice of our time, pornography. Unfortunately, the vice of pornography is also present in Catholic men and young men. Even some of those who are trying to be Catholics, unfortunately, are addicted to pornography, and even some seminarians and priests. We have to help them overcome this. This is contrary to the dignity of our bodies.
In this sense, I think what John Paul II gave is a good element. I do not speak for everybody, but I think there are some details in his Theology of the Body, such as themes and aspects of spousal relationships that could be taught to the spouses and avoid going to the opposite extreme of being too sensual.
But in general, I think there are good aspects of the Theology of the body of John Paul II in a sense that, I repeat, it shows that we are created for something greater than just living for the flesh in this earthly life.
Dear visitors of Gloria Dei and all who have already written or who will write a personal message to me. I am grateful for your attention, your kindness, for your spiritual support and especially for your sacrifices and prayers for me. God may reward you!
