Description

This episode we are discussing audiences 60-63 entitled “The Ethos of the Body in Art and Media”. JPII explores the ethical dimension of both artists who reproduce or depict the human body in art/media as well as those who look at the human body in art and media. He asks the question: is it possible to portray the human body in art and media while also upholding the dignity of the person? 

Quotes: 

“Artistic objectification of the human body in its male and female nakedness…is always a certain transfer outside of this configuration of interpersonal gift that belongs originally and specifically to the body….the human body loses that deeply subjective meaning of the gift and becomes an object destined for the knowledge of many…” (TOB 61:1) 

“...that of the gift oriented toward the very depths of the personal subject or toward the other person, especially in the man-woman relation according to the perennial order of reciprocal self-giving. (TOB 61:2)

“Herein lies the challenge for artists. If they are to portray the visible structure of the person (i.e., the human body), they must do so in a way that does not obscure but brings to light the interior structure of the person.” (Christopher West, Theology of the Body Explained, pg. 285) 

“...that “element of the gift” is, so to speak suspended in the dimension of an unknown reception and of an unforeseen response, and thereby it is in some way “threatened” in the intentional order in the sense that it can become an anonymous object of “appropriation,” an object of abuse.” (TOB 62:3) 

“Michelangelo’s nudes are not pornographic because he intended to reveal the spousal meaning of the body as a revelation of the trinitarian mystery. It is quite clear, however, that this is not the intention of pornographers, who portray the naked body with the explicit intention of rousing lust and profiting from concupiscence. By doing so, they explicitly violate “the intimate and constant order of the gift and of reciprocal self-giving” inscribed in the human being” (TOB 62:1)” (Christopher West, Theology of the Body Explained, p.288) 

Reflection Questions: 

1. What spoke to you most in this episode? 
2. Have you ever considered how looking at nakedness could be a violation of the person? 
3. Have you ever considered the impact of “taking possession” of a person and not being in a relationship with them? How could this be harmful to you? 
4. Are there shows or movies you watch that may not be in line with the goodness of the dignity of the person? Would you invite Jesus to sit with you and watch? If not, consider taking this to prayer and examining your reasons for watching what you do. 
5. Have you ever seen a work of art portraying the human body that inspired you and drew you closer to God? 
6. When watching a show that portrays the human body, ask yourself: Does this bring to light the interior structure of the person? Or does this obscure or distort the person?
7. When you look at art or other forms of entertainment, where do you see the true, good, and beautiful? Begin to ask the Lord to open your eyes to all He wants you to see.
8. Be sure you pay attention to the movements of your heart as you are entertained. Are you ignoring the prompting of your hearts or being sensitive to God’s voice?
9. Are you desensitized to sexual content? Ask the Lord to show you His will for you in this area and if there are any changes you need to make.
10. Take time to contemplate the image of St. Teresa of Avila in Ecstasy. What are your reactions? Do you desire to be this close to our Lord? 

Resources: 

St. Teresa of Avila’s Ecstasy 

Magdala Ministries (Resource for women) 

Exodus 90 (Resource for men)

Audio: Music from #Uppbeat

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