The Thomistic Institute Theology of the Body – Prof. Paige Hochschild
Nov 26, 2025
Prof. Paige Hochschild, a theology expert from Mount St. Mary's University, delves into John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, critiquing contemporary purity culture and exploring the impact of dualism on human sexuality. She discusses the significance of bodily integration and the transformative power of grace in relationships. Hochschild emphasizes that true fulfillment stems from divine love and community, while also defending celibacy as a valuable vocation that enriches understanding of marriage. Her insights connect classical theology with modern social issues.
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Early Purity Culture Examples
- Paige Hochschild recounts purity culture practices like father-daughter rings and abstinence-only education from the 1980s–90s.
- She notes some families treated purity like a promise to dads, causing shame and objectification in extremes.
Dualism Undermines Personhood
- John Paul II diagnoses modern Manichaean dualism as treating the body as other than the person.
- He argues bodily life is integral to personhood, not merely instrumentally useful.
Nakedness As Ease And Gift
- Original nakedness symbolizes ease of being oneself and receiving others as gifts.
- John Paul II links that ease to integration of body and soul rather than mere absence of sexual shame.
