The Theology of the Body Institute’s certification program attracts Catholics from many walks of life, from actors to NFP instructors. Since our first course in 2004 we have had an increasing number of non-Catholics come to immerse themselves in the teachings of Pope John Paul II. The writings of our late Holy Father answer questions which are shared by all people: what it means to be human and what man’s relationship is to God and to others. The non-Catholics who attend the Institute’s certification program are on the ground floor of bringing theology of the body into the Protestant churches; sharing a proper vision of the human person while offering hope and healing from the over-sexualized culture.

Andy Comiskey, who attended a “Head & Heart” Immersion Course, founded Desert Stream Ministries to provide Christ-centered help for those struggling with same-sex attractions. Desert Stream has developed small group formats to help individuals come to know the love and healing found in Jesus Christ. Their approach includes education on the true nature of sexuality which Pope John Paul articulated so beautifully. The Desert Stream website, dsm.us.churchinsight.com includes Theology of the Body for Beginners as well as Love and Responsibility, by Pope John Paul II, in their recommended reading list. Besides offering counseling and support for those struggling with same-sex attraction, Andy encourages fervent and constant intercessory prayer and fasting for preservation of the sanctity of marriage between individuals and in the laws of our country.

Julie Woodley, a recent Catholic convert, incorporates theology of the body into the curriculums of Restoring the Heart Ministries, which seeks to provide Christian hope to women dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse and abortion. Julie has created a 10-part DVD series, “In the Wildflowers,” to be used in small groups for sexual trauma healing. Included in the series is a segment by Christopher West. Julie’s ministry reaches many people and offers authentic help in healing the wounds of sexual sins.

Besides those who have attended the immersion course many Protestants are turning to the writings of John Paul II for a deeper understanding of who man is and looking for answers as to why practices such as abortion, homosexuality and pornography are harmful to individuals and society. The United Methodist renewal groups Lifewatch and Transforming Congregations hosted a seminar in North Carolina this year entitled “Theology of the Body: An Ecumenical Introduction to John Paul II’s Teachings.” Rev. Karen Booth, Executive Director of Transforming Congregations stated, “United Methodists and other Mainline believers have been arguing over abortion and homosexuality for decades, but we haven’t done a very good job of explaining why the arguments matter. John Paul II’s theology of the body has a profound message for all Christians about God’s created intent for men and women. It gives us the tools we need to reexamine and challenge our post-modern cultural assumptions about human life and sex.”

The Theology of the Body Institute offers resources, courses and speakers to educate Catholics and non-Catholics alike about the writings of Pope John Paul II. Based on over 1,000 Scripture verses theology of the body is an ecumenical pathway bringing all Christians into deeper union with God. Visit theologyofthebody.com to download a free talk for Protestants: “Theology of the Body: A Bold, Biblical Response to the Sexual Revolution.”