I'm really not sure how many times I can sit and think "this is the best thing she's ever written", but each time it seems as accurate at the last. This is such an excellent primer. I recently read TBB with my church mom's group, I was not familiar with TOB at all prior, even the misconceptions. I feel as if my entire understanding of God and my faith went from black and white line drawings to a mural of the richest color. Take the phrase, "you are doing the Lord's work..." When I think of people "doing the Lord's work" I think of my kids' preschool teacher, my daughter's high school principal, our parish secretary who is doing three jobs in one... What I took personally from reading your book is that, yes euphemistically they are "doing the Lord's work" but actually, theologically, I, myself, can and am doing the Lord's work anytime I use my body to do anything rightly ordered. Cooking dinner, shopping at the store, giving someone a hug, mopping the floor, writing an analysis for my job, caring for patients in a hospital in my job as a physician, wearing a particular sweatshirt, how I drive my car... He created me to be able to do His work in a way that is unique to me and my body. As you said, "Our bodies make visible the invisible truth of who we are. They allow us to express our innermost feelings and desires as we speak, laugh, cry, run, jump, dance, create, and hold the ones we love in our arms." We will not find anywhere how many children we need to birth in order to get to Heaven anymore than we will find how many meals we need to serve to the homeless in order to get to Heaven. There's no prescription. I don't need to use my body like anyone else uses their body, I need to use it how He created me to use it, understanding what that is through reason and prayer (discernment).
Realizing this has also changed dramatically the way I see other people. If my body makes visible the truth of who I am, then other people's bodies make visible the truth about who they are. The more unlike me someone is, the more the opportunity to get to know something about God and His creation that I wouldn't otherwise if I am referencing myself or someone I admire all the time. That's so amazing to me. This has been particular helpful in my relationship with my kids. Anyways, hopefully I'm not really off in my understanding and now laying bare my misunderstanding for all your readers to see haha, [face palm].
I see it this same way! Emily said in the essay, “My body is me. Your body is you.” And this is exactly what my takeaway from TOB has been for years. One time (easily 10+ years ago) I read an article about female tennis players and it was the most misogynistic garbage article but it expressed surprise that someone like Serena Williams could “accept” her body since she wasn’t built in a typical small feminine frame that’s more socially acceptable. And I was like, That body IS Serena Williams! In a different body, she wouldn’t be Serena Williams, tennis superstar, nor would she be Serena Williams, unique human person.
For the record I would love an essay in the future on why The Theology of the Body isn’t as widely known as it could be. I feel like I hear about it a lot but maybe it’s only certain circles.
I would love to hear about this too! My kids’ Catholic school has typically introduced Theology of the Body in 6th grade, and then come back to it in junior high, after first introducing the parents to it. The kids work through the book with their parents first before them talking about it in school. I think it’s a great approach. And the school is actually going to start introducing Theology of the Body elements, like the anthropology element, in first grade with a new curriculum starting next year.
That was incredible. Thank you so much for writing it. I love These Beautiful Bones (everyone needs to read it!) and I refer to the "Sacramental Worldview" with my seventh-grade students all the time, as I try to help them navigate the confusing world they live in.
You have such a gift for stating truths in relatable ways. I can't wait to read your next installment in this series.
I'm so thankful for your writings, and am so sorry that you receive such horrible and unjust comments, you are slandered like Jesus and I pray that those people might be converted! You write the truth, nothing more and nothing less, and I wouldn't be surprised if your name ends up on the list along with Chesteron, the Hildebrands and Sheed for illuminating lofty theological and anthropological truths in a way we can all understand. The truth always has a habit of exposing the heart, for good or ill, but what a grace to submit and conform to the truth whenever it becomes necessary, and a huge sadness when it causes people to lash out and shove the light away to hide more in the darkness.
I can relate to your own personal story in a few key ways, even though I haven't struggled with an eating disorder, I have also had to wrestle deeply with my identity as a woman and especially as a mother, and to reclaim the inherent God-given dignity He has given to us. Thank you for your work; it enriches my prayer life and helps me crack open my heart wider to Jesus to receive healing and re-formation wherever I notice areas of deformation and untruth in my heart.
Thank God for sending the world JPII exactly when He did-- the gems that man spoke have called into consciousness such healing balms for the deadened souls of this age. May women once again reclaim the particular genius of their creative, sensitive, strong and gentle way, call society higher in dazzlingly gorgeous virtue, and make Love present by imitating the Blessed Virgin.
I'm really not sure how many times I can sit and think "this is the best thing she's ever written", but each time it seems as accurate at the last. This is such an excellent primer. I recently read TBB with my church mom's group, I was not familiar with TOB at all prior, even the misconceptions. I feel as if my entire understanding of God and my faith went from black and white line drawings to a mural of the richest color. Take the phrase, "you are doing the Lord's work..." When I think of people "doing the Lord's work" I think of my kids' preschool teacher, my daughter's high school principal, our parish secretary who is doing three jobs in one... What I took personally from reading your book is that, yes euphemistically they are "doing the Lord's work" but actually, theologically, I, myself, can and am doing the Lord's work anytime I use my body to do anything rightly ordered. Cooking dinner, shopping at the store, giving someone a hug, mopping the floor, writing an analysis for my job, caring for patients in a hospital in my job as a physician, wearing a particular sweatshirt, how I drive my car... He created me to be able to do His work in a way that is unique to me and my body. As you said, "Our bodies make visible the invisible truth of who we are. They allow us to express our innermost feelings and desires as we speak, laugh, cry, run, jump, dance, create, and hold the ones we love in our arms." We will not find anywhere how many children we need to birth in order to get to Heaven anymore than we will find how many meals we need to serve to the homeless in order to get to Heaven. There's no prescription. I don't need to use my body like anyone else uses their body, I need to use it how He created me to use it, understanding what that is through reason and prayer (discernment).
Realizing this has also changed dramatically the way I see other people. If my body makes visible the truth of who I am, then other people's bodies make visible the truth about who they are. The more unlike me someone is, the more the opportunity to get to know something about God and His creation that I wouldn't otherwise if I am referencing myself or someone I admire all the time. That's so amazing to me. This has been particular helpful in my relationship with my kids. Anyways, hopefully I'm not really off in my understanding and now laying bare my misunderstanding for all your readers to see haha, [face palm].
I see it this same way! Emily said in the essay, “My body is me. Your body is you.” And this is exactly what my takeaway from TOB has been for years. One time (easily 10+ years ago) I read an article about female tennis players and it was the most misogynistic garbage article but it expressed surprise that someone like Serena Williams could “accept” her body since she wasn’t built in a typical small feminine frame that’s more socially acceptable. And I was like, That body IS Serena Williams! In a different body, she wouldn’t be Serena Williams, tennis superstar, nor would she be Serena Williams, unique human person.
For the record I would love an essay in the future on why The Theology of the Body isn’t as widely known as it could be. I feel like I hear about it a lot but maybe it’s only certain circles.
I would love to hear about this too! My kids’ Catholic school has typically introduced Theology of the Body in 6th grade, and then come back to it in junior high, after first introducing the parents to it. The kids work through the book with their parents first before them talking about it in school. I think it’s a great approach. And the school is actually going to start introducing Theology of the Body elements, like the anthropology element, in first grade with a new curriculum starting next year.
That was incredible. Thank you so much for writing it. I love These Beautiful Bones (everyone needs to read it!) and I refer to the "Sacramental Worldview" with my seventh-grade students all the time, as I try to help them navigate the confusing world they live in.
You have such a gift for stating truths in relatable ways. I can't wait to read your next installment in this series.
I appreciate your elucidation. Sorry you are getting hateful reactions. May Love surround and protect you
Thank you, Emily, for the gift of your writing!
Thank you for taking the time write these essays! I learn so much and it helps me to help others.
This is so beautiful! I want to dive more into TOB and really need to get your book. :)
Love this excellent and concise summary of the theology of the body, Emily! You’ve expressed it so clearly and beautifully.
I'm so thankful for your writings, and am so sorry that you receive such horrible and unjust comments, you are slandered like Jesus and I pray that those people might be converted! You write the truth, nothing more and nothing less, and I wouldn't be surprised if your name ends up on the list along with Chesteron, the Hildebrands and Sheed for illuminating lofty theological and anthropological truths in a way we can all understand. The truth always has a habit of exposing the heart, for good or ill, but what a grace to submit and conform to the truth whenever it becomes necessary, and a huge sadness when it causes people to lash out and shove the light away to hide more in the darkness.
I can relate to your own personal story in a few key ways, even though I haven't struggled with an eating disorder, I have also had to wrestle deeply with my identity as a woman and especially as a mother, and to reclaim the inherent God-given dignity He has given to us. Thank you for your work; it enriches my prayer life and helps me crack open my heart wider to Jesus to receive healing and re-formation wherever I notice areas of deformation and untruth in my heart.
Thank God for sending the world JPII exactly when He did-- the gems that man spoke have called into consciousness such healing balms for the deadened souls of this age. May women once again reclaim the particular genius of their creative, sensitive, strong and gentle way, call society higher in dazzlingly gorgeous virtue, and make Love present by imitating the Blessed Virgin.
Love this and TBB!! Thank you for the gift of your writing. Would love more TOB topics!
Beautiful and beautifully written.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you!