John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” was a good read because it brings a lot of our course themes into a more modern scenario. I thought that was good because it was something that helped me connect a lot of the ideas spoken by other thinkers to different concepts.
The first theme that I saw a connection with was JPII’s ideas on contraception. His thoughts that led to our class discussion on contraception reminded me of Augustin. Augustin previously argued that sex within marriage is more sinful than permanent abstinence. This reminds me of JPII because I feel like both ideas shunned sex in a negative way. JPII argued that sex is about union and procreation and so when it is done it should be recognized that a child could form from the action. I think that contraceptives should be used because I think people can be united without having the idea of a child in their minds. I also think it is a safe alternative for lower income families who are not able to afford children and unmarried couples.
Another theme from JPII’s writings was the difference between the role of motherhood and fatherhood. This reminded me of Hildebrand’s topic of complementarity. While JPII speaks of genders roles in parenting, Hildebrand focused on them in marriage. They both said that they believe that it is important for men and women to have different roles in the family. Gender is a social construct (scientifically proven) but I understand that these thinkers are focusing on a specific type of family. However, a family that does not fit into this gender-based mold is also capable of being healthy.
The possibility of self-gift is argued by John Paul II as he focuses in on the importance of recognition of a person. JPII believes that you can’t fall in love unless you believe the other person loves you because you hold back until the mutual feelings are confirmed. This reminded me of Joseph Ratzinger’s discussion of the Gaze. I was reminded of Ratzinger because of how discuss the importance of the gaze being mutual. His idea of Autism of Love (that we truly love seeing ourselves in other people) reminded me of JPII’s idea that we have to believe that the other person loves us too. I completely agree with this idea behind the meaning of love because I think a lot changes when a couple confesses that they are in love from when they were initially keeping those thoughts to themselves. Also, based on the fear that people have when they are going to tell someone that they love them, it is clear that the mutual aspect of love is necessary.