Theology of the Body Questions & Answers (Part 1)
There are many misconceptions about what the Catholic Church teaches regarding marriage, sexuality, and responsible parenthood. Theology of the Body offers a deeper vision—one that reveals the dignity of the human person, the meaning of the body, and God’s design for love within marriage. This teaching helps us understand not only what the Church teaches, but why.
What does the Church really teach about marriage and sexuality?
There are a lot of misconceptions about what the Catholic Church teaches regarding marriage and sexuality. It may surprise you to know that the Church actually has a wonderful vision for marriage and teaches that the marital embrace—the unique joining of husband and wife—is an incredible gift from God.
Does the Church teach that sex is only for having children?
There are many misconceptions regarding responsible parenthood. Many believe that the Church says couples must have as many children as possible, and the purpose of sex is solely to have children. This is simply not true.
What does the Church mean by responsible parenthood?
Married couples are called to generosity in the service of life, but they are also called to prayerfully discern how many children are right for them. So, while one purpose of the marital embrace is procreative, another purpose—and it is just as important—is the unitive: the joining of husband and wife in one flesh.
What’s important, then, is for couples to prayerfully discern together the number of children that is right for them based on their physical, economic, psychological, and social conditions. To be in a true marriage in the Church you must promise an openness to God’s will with children. That means trusting God through prayer for having children and caring for the ones that come.
Why does the Church say the human body has such great dignity?
This special privilege—to be a visible image of God—confers an incredible dignity and value on the human body. We will begin to see each other with the dignity and value that God gave us, and that as human persons, our bodies are much more than the “sum of our biological parts and functions.” We are much more than just what our bodies can do.
How does the body reveal the mystery of the human person and of God?
The entire body expresses the mystery that each of us is an image of God. It expresses the mystery of the human person and even the mystery of God himself.
Sex can allow you to give yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually at the same time. When it does that, it becomes a more perfect reflection of God’s love. The union of marriage is strengthened by God. Sex then becomes truly life-giving—at times in the form of a child. Always in a way that deepens the bond God has created.
As husband and wife, the sexual powers are the primary means by which we express love. It is the most intimate act of love possible. This is the language that Natural Family Planning classes will help you to read. Reading the language of the sexual powers leads to the mystery of the person and even to the mystery of God.
Take a look at CCL’s TOB Information Page.
This Q & A article continues in Theology of the Body: Questions & Answers, Part 2 & Part 3.
Excepts taken from CCL NFP Class video with Bishop Erik Pohlmeier. Click here for all of CCL’s NFP class options.