We Are Made for More: What Our Bodies Tell Us

I’ve heard of the “Theology of the Body”, but I’m not really familiar with it. What is it?

The Theology of the Body (TOB) refers to the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II about the meaning given to our bodies made in the “image and likeness” of God. He expounded this teaching during weekly audiences from September 1979 to November 1984, and in various letters during his papacy.

So . . . what does the body mean?

In short, John Paul II explained that the body reveals God because it is designed in his likeness. This summary has as many applications as there are aspects of human life, because every human area is in relation to the body.

Our hands can be used to create music or hold a baby, embrace a loved one or plant a garden. Each one of these uses has much to say about God, and that’s just reflecting on the hands!

Where can I learn more about the TOB?
Author and 2014 Catholic Women’s Conference speaker Emily Stimpson joined host Nan Balfour and Danielle Smith, to talk about Emily’s book, These Beautiful Bones: An Everyday Theology of the Body.