Theology of the Body Institute: The Writings of John Paul II on Gender, Marriage and Family (ONLINE)
At a time of great concern and confusion over the fundamental meanings of sexuality, gender, marriage and family, this online course will reexamine the main themes and proposals of the following works of St. John Paul II: On the Christian Family in the Modern World, On the Dignity & Vocation of Women, Letter to Women, and Letter to Families. The writings of Pope Benedict XVI, in particular the Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Collaboration of Men and Women in the Church and in the World, as well as the writings of Pope Francis, in particular his Joy of Love, will be used supplementally. Particular attention will be given throughout the course to the Wednesday Catecheses on the theology of the body by St. John Paul II, which will serve as a watermark behind the entire weeklong study.
Contemporary concepts and ideas regarding gender, marriage, and family will be alluded to and juxtaposed with the Christian anthropological vision of St. John Paul II at given points in the course.
Meet Your Instructor
Bill Donaghy, M.A.
Bill is an instructor, international speaker, and curriculum specialist for the Theology of the Body Institute Certification Program. Bill worked for nearly a decade teaching theology at Malvern Preparatory School as well as Immaculata University, while giving talks, retreats, and conferences for the Theology of the Body Institute. He has worked in the fields of mission and evangelization since 1999 and has given talks and retreats to bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and the lay faithful throughout the United States, as well as Canada, Mexico, Chile, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. He and his wife, Rebecca, live just outside of Philadelphia, PA with their four children.