Jun 30 2009
Book Review: Theology of the Body for Teens
I put off reviewing the double book of Theology of Her Body/Theology of His Body by Jason Evert. It’s not that it was a long, difficult read. It’s a pithy book. With footnotes, resource, and “about the author” pages, the girl’s version has just 52 pages. (The boy’s version is shorter.)
Instead, the problem is that I read the foreward (by Christopher West) and the Introduction for each book, then thought, “Isn’t this a little theologically dense for a teen?”
In fact, it is. These books are not the sort to hand to a teenager and say, “Here, read this.” Adult guidance is needed.
But this dual text is good for a parent to use as a tool, or for a parochial school to use as a text.
Of the two sides, Theology of Her Body is the weaker. In part it’s because the Song of Songs is the reference point. It may illuminate the mystery and beauty of feminity, but it’s still a metaphor. However, the section about modesty in dress alone is worth the price of the book.
Theology of His Body is stronger because Evert is a guy. Using the Book of Tobit as a reference point, he focuses on the strength of Man On a Mission. Evert’s dissection of manipulation and, conversely, the fear of commitment is excellent. He addresses homosexuality also, clearly and charitably.
This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Theology of Her Body and Theology of His Body.
