Comments on: Book Review: Unhooked

By: Ray McFillin

Ray McFillin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:11:10 +0000

In follow up to Linda M.’s suggested reading, I too strongly recommend the writings on The Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II. He gives deep insights into God’s design for man and woman from the beginning. And God’s design for man and woman not only in the context of the marriage covenant but also in the context of the celibate life. It is a reading very rich and deep! Christopher West does an awesome job in presenting the Pope’s teachings. I attended one of his weekend sessions last year in Charlotte, NC, where he gave 8 one-hour lectures on the Pope’s insights. And this just scratched the surface. Christopher West also has a dramatic personal story he shares.

By: Holly E. Ordway

Holly E. Ordway — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 15:31:37 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Linda! I actually have a copy of The Theology of the Body on the to-read shelf, but I admit I’ve been neglecting it in favor of books that were… shorter I’ll see if I can give it a shot soon, or maybe try one of those Christopher West books to get me started.

By: Linda M

Linda M — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:58:30 +0000

Great insights. We, who are shaped by post-Christian culture and then find Christ, must wrestle through many misconceptions. One of the big ones is our body, what we do with it, and the consequences of our choices. The world has effectively pushed a set of lies – “Our culture treats the body as just another material possession . . .” Exactly right! as is your observation that this is “ultimately destructive.” Sadly, there are lots of Christians who swim in the culture and do no better than non-Christians. But, if we really accept that our bodies are not our own, they were bought at a price (1 cor 6:19-20), then what we do becomes enormously important. How should we understand our bodies and our sexuality? The misguided prudishness of some Christians is better than the bacchanalia the culture promotes, but still not the right idea. What I want to know, and what I think you care about, is what God intends for us. How does He see us, body and spirit, and how did He design us? For the answer, I suggest you add “The Theology of the Body, Human Love in the Divine Plan” to your reading list. This is a compilation of talks given by Pope John Paul II and is breathtaking. Another route is to read one of Christopher West’s new books based on the Pope’s insights, “Theology of the Body Explained” or quick and easy “Theology of the Body for Beginners.” I highly recommend this “theology” to you. The former Pope’s understanding of God’s plan for us is deeply moving and, for me, liberating. My understanding of sex was incomplete and filled with wrongheaded notions that limited my connection with my husband. Who knew? I am deeply grateful to have learned the full, glorious meaning of sex. Anyway, I hope you check it out – no need to be Roman Catholic – this stuff is for everyone.