We live in a world that loves to consume. As a consequence, people are treated like objects. People are used and discarded. Sex becomes a ‘casual indoor sport’. Sex becomes nothing other than another opportunity for betrayal.

In his Theology of the Body, John Paul II calls a halt to this type of thinking and living. He says that we human beings are bodily persons. Our bodies are symbolic. Our bodies are meant for love. Our bodies are free and redeemed by Christ.

The Theology of the Body Made Simple will introduce you to the basic experiences and concepts taught by Pope John Paul II between 1979 and 1984. It will give you confidence: confidence to know who you are and in your ability to speak the truth in love.

“The Theology of the Body Made Simple is dynamite. Read it and change your life. Then get others to do the same. Fr. Percy has done an awesome job.” - Adam Morris, Head of Catholic Youth Ministry, Canberra-Goulburn

“The Theology of the Body is part of the legacy of John Paul II to this and future generations. It will speak to people who are searching for the meaning of sexuality for years to come. Anthony Percy is to be congratulated for making it available to a wider audience.” - Ray Campbell, Director, Queensland Bioethics Centre

“Fr Percy's easy-to-read explanation of Theology of the Body was insightful and relevant. It is sure to bring many readers to encounter Christ and learn about the beautiful mystery of their body and vocation. This inspirational book is a much needed tool to reveal the great treasures of this profound teaching in a simple way.” - Clare Pike, Executive Officer, Respect Life Office, Perth

From the Preface
The Theology of the Body is a rather intriguing name given to a body of teaching taught by Pope John Paul II. John Paul was elected to the papacy in 1978 and he began to teach the Theology of the Body in 1979. He finished it some five years later in 1984. Some teaching! The Theology of the Body Made Simple – as the name suggests – attempts to simplify what at times can be a very difficult and complex topic. I hope that I am successful. You be the judge.

It is only in recent times that people have begun to notice the significance of the Theology of the Body. There are probably many reasons for this – we need not go into them here. Suffice it to say that many people – especially young people – have shown considerable interest in this new teaching. In particular, young men find it fascinating an challenging. The Theology of the Body is a new teaching about:

- The human body and human sexuality
- Human relationships
- Marriage and celibacy (single life)

It views these three realities as God would view them. That is, in the light of faith. For this reason, I would say that the Theology of the Body is essentially about the meaning of life. I think this will be become clear after you read Chapter One.

The Theology of the Body has much to say about human sexuality. But it is fundamentally a teaching on human relationships and how these relationships are a reflection of God himself. Sexuality is part and parcel of our lives. Human beings – males and females – are deeply sexual creatures. We know that from experience. The sexual urge is powerful. We don't need textbooks or manuals to tell us that.

But we are – according to John Paul II – more relational than we are sexual. Let’s put it this way. The desire to be loved and to love is much deeper than is the desire to have sex. The Pope is quite insistent on this point. Sex is a wonderful reality. But at the same time it is a means to an end. Sex is supposed to serve fruitful, lasting relationships. Sex, therefore, is subservient to the higher value of marriage and celibacy.

John Paul teaches that the human body is profoundly relational. We reach perfection through relationships. We are called to associate with others; accept others; affirm others; give ourselves to others; forgive others, etc. In short, we are called to love and to accept love. We are called to develop intimate and enduring friendships on earth and these very friendships are an intimation of the true and definitive friendship offered to us by Jesus Christ.

This does not mean, however, that we are necessarily called to have sex with others. Let me paraphrase the Pope’s words. The Pope says that our bodies and our sexuality are not exactly the same. Man is a body and this belongs to him as a human person more deeply than the fact that in his body man is male or female.

Sexuality is critical. No one can deny it. In fact, John Paul II emphatically affirms sex perhaps more than any other pope in history. But – and this is the Pope’s precise point – sexuality should serve a true and lasting communion between men and women – between husband and wife. Indeed, sex should bring us into a true and lasting communion with God. This is so because God is a communion of persons. God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit living a life of love.

Love, then, takes precedence over sexuality and this is why celibate people or those contemplating the celibate vocation will find great encouragement in this new teaching. By the end of Chapter Two, therefore, I hope that you can see that God has created us with a view to relationships with each other and with him.

Chapter Three is about sexuality and sexual acts. What I have attempted to do is to apply Pope John Paul’s teaching to particular sexual activities. As such, you will find no deviation from the Church's traditional sexual teaching, but you will hopefully discover new and more reasonable and satisfying arguments for the teaching. Once again, you be the judge as to whether I have been successful.

The Church's sexual teaching can – and has – developed over time. But it has not – and will not – change over time. This is what John Paul II has done in his Theology of the Body. He has developed the Church's teaching with respect to marriage, celibacy and sexuality. He has brought fresh insights into how we understand the mystery of the human body and sexuality.

In 1962 Pope John XXIII called the world’s bishops together to deepen their understanding of the nature of the Church and her relationship with the world. He noted that the truths of Christianity never change, but the way these truths are expressed and presented can and must change. So, on the one hand, the Church must remain faithful to Christ and his teaching. How could the Church attempt to change or alter the teaching of Christ? What kind of a Church would that be? The simple answer – unfaithful. On the other hand, the teaching must be expressed in a language that modern men and women can understand. How could the Church use language foreign to her members and to the world at large? What kind of a Church would that be? The simple answer – irrelevant.

I hope, therefore, that upon reading the Theology of the Body Made Simple you find encouragement in following the Church's teaching on sexuality. Furthermore, and just as important, I hope that it gives you a language that will enable you to talk to your friends about the deeper issues of life. Many people today are genuinely confused about the meaning of life, human relationships and sexuality. The Theology of the Body can help them. In my opinion, it will act like a foundation stone for future generations.

Quite a few people have helped me with this book. I thank them for their generosity. Of special note is Father John Riccardo from the Archdiocese of Detroit in the United States. We studied together at the John Paul II Institute for Studies in Marriage and Family in Washington, D.C. It was there that we were able to take some time together to digest the Pope’s thoughts. His suggestions have been very helpful.