If Pope John Paul II's theology of the body is a "theological time bomb set to go off" (George Weigel), this book lights the fuse. With clarity and precision Christopher West unpacks the pope's weighty talks and translates them into a much more accessible language. Theology of the Body Explained makes the perfect companion to the Pope's text. For the first time ever, readers have a commentary that follows the complete series of general audiences, explained in an appealing way. Scholars and average readers alike will find this commentary greatly rewarding.

"In my biography of the Pope, I wrote that the theology of the body needs explication for those who aren't specialists in biblical studies, theology, or philosophy.  I am delighted that Christopher West has taken up that challenge.  With intellectual care, with the experience bred of long years of teaching this material in the classroom and the parish, and taking account of his own experiences as a husband and father, Christopher West has put us in his debt by making the "Theology of the Body" available to a wide and, I hope, appreciative readership. "  -George Weigel

Christopher West is a research fellow and faculty member of the Theology of the Body Institute. He is also one of the most sought after speakers in the Church today, having delivered more than 1000 public lectures on 4 continents, in 9 countries, and in over 150 American cities. All three of his books – Good News About Sex & Marriage, Theology of the Body Explained, and Theology of the Body for Beginners – have become Catholic best sellers. Christopher has also lectured on a number of prestigious faculties, offering graduate and undergraduate courses at St John Vianney Seminary in Denver, the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne, Australia, and Creighton University’s Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha.