The Catholic Marriage

Essay # 65163

This paper discusses the theology of the Catholic marriage as revealed by Pope John Paul II in his book "Theology of the Body".

1,750 words () | 0 sources | 2003 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in John Paul II's "Theology of the Body", he focuses on Genesis Two, or the Yahwist text, which contains the three original experiences of man---original solitude, original unity and original nakedness, through which man and woman discover the nuptial meaning of the body. The author points out that procreation assumes the most important end of the conjugal act because it is through offspring that the love of man and woman becomes manifest, imaging the relational existence of God. The paper stresses that fidelity safeguards against the destruction of God's indissoluble bond, actualizing the commitment made by the spouses.

From the Paper:

"The nuptial meaning of the body finds its roots in original unity. Humanity only discovers itself in a sincere gift of self to other where man and woman become "one flesh." The union of the two through their bodies suggests a spiritual union as well, an intimate realization of existing with someone and for someone. John Paul II states that the nuptial meaning, "confirms completely that the creative giving, which springs from Love, has reached the original consciousness of man. It becomes an experience of mutual giving" (62). The whole reality of their bodies and masculinity and femininity coalesce in the gift of self, ensuring their freedom attained through Love. Marriage represents this special way of encountering God and the world, where the fundamental element is the free consent between two individuals."