Undergraduates, Graduate Students and Recent Graduates (1-4yrs post graduation)
Theology of the body:
An Introduction to the Theology of the Body
A summer series of discussion classes on human sexuality and the gift of love
In this in-depth lecture and discussion series, we will explore how the human body expresses the vocation of each person to lovingly give of herself or himself. By engaging with St. John Paul II’s Man and Woman He Created Them, a series of Scriptural and philosophical reflections on human sexuality, we will see how Trinitarian love provides the ultimate foundation for the gift of self in both marriage and celibacy. After a brief philosophical and theological orientation, we will focus on Chapter One, “Christ Appeals to the ‘Beginning,’” which contains St. John Paul’s reading of the Genesis story, to investigate concepts like original solitude and original unity; original nakedness and innocence; and the human person considered in the dimension of “gift” according to the plan of God.
Reading Materials
There are multiple versions of this work out there. We will be using the translation of Michael Waldstein (Boston: Daughters of St. Paul, 2006; ISBN: 0-8198-7421-3). Within fair use laws, key sections of the text will be made available for class participants. It is recommended but not necessary to purchase your own copy of the book for private reading and study.
PAST EVENTS
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Policy: Elms University Center is dedicated to providing a safe educational environment for those who participate in its activities, especially all minors. It does not tolerate any sexual or physical abuse on the part of staff, volunteers, or participants, including behavior that is objectively intimidating, either physically or verbally. Also, staff and volunteers neither facilitate nor permit the possession or use of any illegal substances by the students. Every adult volunteer commits to follow a set of behavioral guidelines. Staff overseeing the programs, chaperones of overnight events, and those counseling minors submit to a background check and complete Safe Environment Training. If you are aware of any abusive behavior, please report it immediately to the Director of the Center in person or at (312-829-8725) or (elms@elmsuniversitycenter.org). The Director of the Center in conjunction with the Center’s Board will promptly investigate and resolve any such complaints or reports. When necessary the Director of the Elms University Center will inform the Directors of the Prelature of Opus Dei.