Although the English term is “not incorrect,” he said, it doesn't necessarily portray “the entirety of the Catecheses.”
The Theology of the Body “is not a wrong expression, on the condition that we see the intention of John Paul II,” Bishop Laffitte said.
“He was talking about human love and not only the partial focus we could have only on the body and on sexuality – which is ultimately a bodily expression of love.”
“Certainly the body has a theological dimension, but this dimension is given by God's design on human love and what, in the nature of man and woman, belongs to the fulfillment of the design.”
Teaching Sexuality in the Modern World
Although Bishop Laffitte praised the intent behind popularizing John Paul II's teachings on human sexuality, he underscored the “risk” of transmitting a narrowed vision of them. He stressed that in today's world, human love and sexuality have been “disfigured,” and Church teachings on the subject need to be spread as a means of evangelization, accessible to all people.
In response to those who say the philosophical and anthropological topics involved in the late Pope’s teachings are too complex for the average person, Bishop Laffitte said he believes anyone “of good faith can always be sensitive to mystery.”
“Even when a person cannot read and write, when he falls in love with someone he enters into an extraordinary mystery,” the bishop said.
Regardless of a person’s level of intellectual knowledge, he “has the same experience” when he falls in love as even the most educated person.
Bishop Laffitte also cautioned against taking a casual or “vulgar” approach to discussing human sexuality in the context of Church teachings.
“Man and woman have sinned,” he explained, “and in our bodies we bear the consequences of this wound in our nature.”
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He said it's ultimately “unrealistic” to think that we can discuss or treat the issue of human sexuality in a casual or indifferent way, or ignoring the reality of sin.
“There is a dignity” and a “respectful expression of love and design” needed, Bishop Laffitte emphasized.
To read the full interview, please click here.
Marianne is a journalist with a background in writing and Catholic theology. When not elaborating on the cinematic arts, she enjoys spending time with people, reading thick books and traveling anywhere and everywhere.