Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). Last month, we began exploring Pope St. John Paul II’s reflections on “eschatological” man, which completed his threefold meditation on the human person in TOB. We saw that the term …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). Up to this point in our reflections on TOB, we have been exploring Pope St. John Paul II’s reflections on “original man” and “historical man.” “Original man” refers to the …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). Over the last several months, we have been exploring Pope St. John Paul II’s reflections in TOB on “historical man”—that is, human beings who are fallen, who struggle with sinful …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). We have seen in previous articles that purity of heart is necessary if we are to fulfill the commandment “thou shall not commit adultery.” This purity requires conversion of heart …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). In his effort to show us the true meaning of “purity of heart,” Pope St. John Paul II meditated on Christ’s words in the gospels before pondering St. Paul’s teaching. …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). Christ brought the Old Law to fulfillment through His example and teaching. Rather than focus exclusively on mere exterior conformity to the moral law, He emphasized conversion of heart, for …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). Central to Jesus’ moral teaching, which I have referred to as the New Law of the Gospel, is His appeal to the human heart. In his Theology of the Body …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus reaffirmed the sixth commandment and brought it to fulfillment by teaching that one must refrain not only from overt acts of adultery but also the interior …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that every one who looks …

Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). The New Law of the Gospel given to us by Christ calls us to conversion of heart. External conformity to the moral law is not sufficient. God desires the whole …