I’ve done a good amount of reading on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body (ToB), recently reviewing a couple of books on the subject. I’ve read a handful of Christopher West’s books, explored the writings of Dawn Eden and Dr. William May, and have listened to hours of talks on the subject. These teachings have had profound effects in my life: they have oriented my heart against lust, they have acted as guideposts for my marriage, and they have illuminated the truth about my masculinity.
Yet, still, I’m no expert. Most of what I’ve read has been commentaries, though I have read large chunks of John Paul’s original words. This seems to be the case for most devotees of the ToB.
Unfortunately, despite few people having encountered John Paul’s own words, there seems to be a burgeoning tribalism growing in the Church in response to presentations of his theology.
Some people appreciate Christopher West‘s ToB popularization, others decry him as a heretic.
Some emphasize the sexual themes found in the ToB, others minimize them.
Some think ToB holds the fullness of Faith, others believes it’s the other way around.
Sadly, extremism is rampant in this sphere; few find themselves charitably balanced. People are aligning themselves in the camps of different teachers–Christopher West, Dawn Eden, Alice von Hildebrand, and Dr. Janet Smith, among others–creating divisiveness over teachings meant to promote unity.
Mark Shea, one of the best Catholic writers out there, has written a great article on this situation. As someone not particularly interested in the ToB, he provides a cool, detached look at the divisiveness from the outside. Anyone marginally interested in the ToB should read his take: