What Is the Theology of the Body?

The Theology of the Body (TOB) is a bold, compelling, Christian response to the sexual revolution that is transforming lives and renewing relationships around the globe and across denominational lines. Written by the late Pope John Paul II, the TOB offers an in-depth biblical exploration of the meaning of our creation as male and female in the divine image that not only paves the way for lasting renewal of marriage and family life, but, as one of the most captivating articulations of Christian anthropology ever developed, enables everyone to rediscover “the meaning of the whole of existence, the meaning of life” (TOB 46:6).

Here is a sample of what both Catholic and Evangelical leaders are saying about John Paul II’s Theology of the Body:

… a kind of theological time-bomb set to go off with dramatic consequences.”  It “has barely begun to shape the Church’s theology, preaching, and religious education.  When it does, it will compel a dramatic development of thinking about virtually every major theme in the Creed.”

George Weigel
Author of Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II

It would be hard to argue that there is a presentation of human sexuality that is more beautiful or more faithful to Scripture.”  John Paul II “illuminates for all believers … that [our creation as male and female] … connects us to a mystery that is far larger and more profound than each of us can fathom.”  John Paul II’s teaching “helped me see how profound Christianity is in answering the deepest questions we all have about who we are and how we are called to relate to others and to God.”

Glenn Stanton
Focus on the Family

The Theology of the Body is the Church’s answer to the great heresy of our time, the Sexual Revolution.”

Peter Kreeft
Professor of Philosophy, Boston College

“Evangelicals desperately need … an ordered account of how Scripture informs our understanding of the human body … Probably the work that stands readiest for evangelical dialogue is John Paul II’s Theology of the Body … it manages to merge theology, pastoral reflection, and practical teaching in a way that orients the reader toward genuine transformation … without lapsing into moralism.”  It also “provides a way of speaking about sexuality that avoids both profanity and prudish silence.”

Christianity Today
(Matthew Lee Anderson)

I predict that Protestants, especially evangelicals, will embrace the Theology of the Body in greater and greater numbers in the years ahead … those who do will come to an understanding of sexual morality that is grounded in divine revelation … If the church can recover that kind of sexual morality, then I think the church will be in the position to launch the second sexual revolution that John Paul longed for and sought to prepare the way for.”

Dr. Craig Carter
Tyndale University College and Seminary

The TOB “is John Paul II’s masterwork,” his “ catechesis par excellence.”  It “can thus serve as a … lens for reading the [whole of Christian faith as presented in the]Catechism of the Catholic Church.”

Dr. Michael Waldstein
Max Seckler Professor of Theology, Ave Maria University

Led by Christopher West, The Cor Project is a global leader in this mission to spread the Theology of the Body and help build a culture of life. The Cor Project provides an ongoing formation journey through:

  • Weeklong immersion courses taught by Christopher West through the Theology of the Body Institute.
  • Talks and conferences led by Christopher West around the world each year.
  • A huge library of audio talks, best-selling books and study programs. Among the more popular books that provide an excellent summary of the TOB are Theology of the Body Explained, Theology of the Body for BeginnersGood News About Sex & MarriageFill These Hearts: God, Sex & the Universal Longing and Pope Francis To Go: Bite-Sized Morsels from The Joy of the Gospel. 
  • A monthly global membership program, Cor Membership, that provides daily, ongoing formation in the Theology of the Body. Members receive daily benefits including a constantly building archive of talks, free eBooks, greater access to Christopher through a private Facebook Cor Membership group, the Living from the Cor Video Journal three times a week from Christopher, daily inspirational quotes and much more.
  • Online cultural analysis through the lens of the Theology of the Body via twice-a-week blog posts, once-a-week reflections on the coming Sunday’s Mass readings, and daily on social media.