Theology of the Body

[let_go_let_God]

My boyfriend and I have been talking about ways that we can further our relationship not only with each other but becoming closer to Christ as well. One idea that we had talked about and that was thrown out by a couple of our friends on campus is to read Theology of the Body together.

I am just asking your guys opinion of reading it together and such, even though I have been planing on buying it and reading it myself for quite a while. Also I am planning purchasing and reading Love and Responsibility too.

God bless-
LGLG

[Thy Geekdom Come]

Without insulting your intelligence, I'd start by reading a little lighter first.

I still haven't gotten to JP the Great...

[qfnol31]

What is your philosophical background?

[Luthien]

Love and Responsibility is a little less theologically heavy. I'd read that after L&R.

[photosynthesis]

that sounds like such a beautiful thing to do!

[Fides_et_Ratio]

Read "Love & Responsibility"... it's AWESOME! and will shed a lot of insight into TOTB.

[Laudate_Dominum]

I think it's a great idea! Well.. It is kind of a tome, especially for reading a book together. I've only seen that work out when the couple chooses short books. Unless of course both of the people involved are remarkably avid readers.

I might set a goal to just read on of the sections together, such as "Life in the Spirit", and if that works out, maybe take on another of the sections. Just an idea.

God bless.

[Guest Eremite]

I say read the TOTB. It's great. Even though it can be a bit dense, you'll get through it fine. It's not THAT hard as to render it unintelligible.

[qfnol31]

Eremite, have you read it then?

I think it's a little denser than most people are used to, and I might start off with something a little simpler...

[Guest Eremite]

Yah, L&R is pretty good too.

[amy]

If its too tough for you guys you could always listen to Christopher West's TOTB cd's, he breaks it down and makes it pretty easy to understand. Otherwise it can be a tough read.

[Brother Adam]

Check out the Gift Foundation too. It may be easier (and much cheaper) to listen to listen together instead of read it. They will send you a 10 cd set for $3.90

[Old_Joe]

Not only would I recommend Theology of the body, but there are several companion books that you should consider.

They include:
Love & Responsibility
Sex and the Sacred City
Good News about Sex and Marriage
Theology of the body explained
Theology of the Body for beginners
(last 3 by Christopher West)

[mariology21]

I would say most definatly read it.....or something related to it. Love and Responsibility was awesome as others have said. I read that one first about a year ago and it was a great "introduction" to the Theology of the Body. I started reading ToB a few weeks ago and have found that it is awesome but it takes time to sit and read and really understand. I liked the suggestion someone had of reading sections. Also Christopher West's Theology of the Body explained might be good too.

But I say most definatly do something like this together.....it's such an awesome idea!!

~Jen

[Laudate_Dominum]

A former roommate of mine read all the marriage encyclicals with his fiance. I thought that was neat.

[Laudate_Dominum]

I had another roommate who would listen to a tape with his fiance almost every day. Usually something regarding the Theology of the Body. They would talk about it for a while and then pray the Rosary. That was a typical date. I'm not the regimented type of person he was so I don't think I would do quite that. But it was still cool.

[Laudate_Dominum]

I wish there were more practical books on Catholic married life. I've seen a few but none are quite what I have in mind. Something like the Men are from Mars... book but totally integrating Catholic spirituality and the Theology of the Body. I think this would help couples adjust to married life because it would be very practical.

[Cam42]

Theology of the Body is a bit deep, theologically, but if you think that you can handle it, read away, it is a fantastic book.

Love and Responsibility is a good book too. I enjoyed reading it....it is an easier read than the above.

[immaculata]

Christopher West - Theology of the Body for Beginners

[url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1932645349/qid=1122428298/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/104-5089224-3204713?v=glance&s=books&n=507846"]http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...=books&n=507846[/url]

[HomeTeamFamily]

Good News is a good point by point explanation of TOTB....probably a bit less of a true read than the others but informative nonetheless.....i wouldnt start wtih this one because it would be too easy