Theology of the Body and Human Sexuality Reviewer

Vocabulary flashcards covering key principles, terms, and forms of love from the Theology of the Body notes.

Imago Dei

The Biblical concept from Genesis 1:27 stating that humanity is created in the image and likeness of God.

Theos

Greek word meaning GOD.

Logos

Greek word meaning WORD.

Incarnation

God becoming one with humanity, as stated in John 1:14: 'And the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us.'

Theology

The study of God and His teachings.

Theology of the Body

The study of God and the purpose of human existence as revealed through our bodies, based on a series of teachings by Pope John Paul II.

Human Dignity and the Image of God

The first principle of the Theology of the Body, stating that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, endowing each human person with inherent dignity and value.

The Body as a Gift

The second principle of the Theology of the Body, calling each person to honor their own body and respect the bodies of others as temples of the Holy Spirit.

The Spousal Meaning of the Body

The principle of the Theology of the Body highlighting that the human body has the capacity to express love through self-giving and communion.

Original Solitude

The original experience wherein man discovers who he is before God, showing unique dignity as being alone with God who alone can fully satisfy human longing.

Original Unity

The original experience of fulfillment found in giving oneself to another, where man and woman were created for communion to reflect God's image in relationship.

Original Nakedness

The original state of experiencing no shame, no barriers, full freedom, trust, and transparency in love.

The Redemption of the Body

The fifth principle of the Theology of the Body, wherein Jesus Christ's redemptive work restores the original meaning of the body.

The Sacramentality of Marriage

The principle stating that Matrimony unites a married couple as loving partners and signifies the union between Christ and the Church.

The Language of the Body

The principle stating that the human body communicates a language of love and truth essential for living authentically.

Embodied Spirit

The Christian understanding of the human person as an inseparable unity of physical body and spiritual soul.

Rational Being

An aspect of the human person characterized by having a Mind/Intellect to think, observe, compare, analyze, and critique, and a Will to judge, choose, decide, and love.

Immortality

One of the four original praeternatural gifts given by God to humanity, which was lost to death due to sin.

Innocence

One of the four original praeternatural gifts given by God, which was lost and replaced by malice and shame due to sin.

Impassibility

One of the four original praeternatural gifts given by God, which was lost to suffering due to sin.

Freedom (Praeternatural Gift)

The single original praeternatural gift retained by humanity after sin, enabling humans to mirror God's image and likeness to one another.

Storge

Familial love; the affection existing between parents, children, and family members whose love catalyst is causal memories.

Philia

Affectionate love or deep platonic friendship characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and brotherly/sisterly bond, whose love catalyst is the mind.

Eros

Romantic love fueled by chemistry, physical attraction, and passion, named after the Greek god of love and fertility, whose love catalyst is the physical body.

Agape

Altruistic, unconditional, and selfless love, representing the highest level of love centered on giving without expecting anything in return.

Vertical Dimension of Relationship

The sacred, personal, and foundational bond between the human person and God.

Horizontal Dimension of Relationship

The bond between human persons governing how individuals love, respect, and live in community with others.

Love as Attraction

The first aspect of love according to St. John Paul II, which involves admiring the goodness and beauty of the other person and recognizing their worth.

Love as Desire

The second aspect of love according to St. John Paul II, involving a longing to be united with the beloved.

Love as Goodwill

The third and highest aspect of love according to St. John Paul II, defined as wanting what is truly good for the other, even at a personal cost.

Church Triumphant

The state of believers in Heaven who are fully united with God.

Church Purgative

The state of souls in Purgatory being purified before entering glory.

Church Militant

The state of believers on earth journeying, striving, and fighting to remain faithful to God.

Chastity

The virtue that teaches how to love with purity, respect, and self-control, successfully integrating sexuality within the human person.

St. Francis de Sales

A Doctor of the Church born August 21, 1567, in Thorens, Savoy, France, who served as Patron Saint of writers, journalists, and the deaf.