The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

What Catholics Do (and Don’t) Believe About the Body

Sep 26, 2024

Fr. Mike, a captivating speaker and theologian, delves into the Christian understanding of the body and soul, referencing St. John Paul II's insights. He discusses how society often swings between neglecting the body and idolizing it, while Christianity promotes a balanced view. Fr. Mike emphasizes that our bodies, though important and worthy of care, should not define our purpose. This profound perspective invites listeners to respect their bodies as part of a greater spiritual journey, encouraging deeper exploration of the Theology of the Body.

08:18

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Fr. Mike

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Quick takeaways

Christianity promotes a profound understanding of the body as intrinsically connected to the soul, rejecting both neglect and idolization.

Fr. Mike emphasizes that while caring for our bodies is essential, they should not become the ultimate focus of our lives.

Deep dives

The Distorted Perspectives on the Body

The world presents two distorted perspectives on the body that deviate from the Christian view: the idea that the body does not matter and the belief in the cult of the body. The first perspective minimizes the significance of the body, as seen in Gnostic thought, which posits that the real essence of a person lies in the mind or soul, detached from the physical self. This leads to contemporary beliefs, such as gender ideology, where individuals can identify a gender separate from their biological sex, resulting in a disregard for the body's relevance. Conversely, the cult of the body elevates physicality to the ultimate pursuit, emphasizing health, appearance, and fitness to the detriment of recognizing the holistic nature of human identity as a unification of body and soul.

Understanding the Christian Perspective on the Body

8min

Did you know Christians have a radical view of the body? While society often swings between two extremes—either dismissing the body as insignificant or idolizing it—Christianity offers a balanced and profound understanding of the unity between body and soul.

Fr. Mike, drawing on St. John Paul II's teachings on the 'cult of the body,' explains that while we are called to care for and love our bodies, they are not our ultimate purpose. He says we can get caught up in focusing on health, beauty, and physical perfection. Our bodies are good, destined for redemption, but they should not be the center of our lives. Understanding this teaching can help us honor our bodies as God intended.

Want more content like this? Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces the Theology of the Body and invites us to his 4-part series diving deeper into these incredible mysteries. Sign up for the whole series for FREE here: https://www.ascensionpress.com/tobtalk/

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