1. Theology of the Body: An Introduction for the Whole Family The Three Fundamentals
Monica Ashour’s Notes to Parents: This power point first brings to the foreground the thesis of St. John Paul—that the body reveals the person (the invisible aspect of the person) and the body reveals God (for our bodies are directed toward others as a gift, and God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are gifts to each other). Then, the 3 fundamentals for all humans are shown, with examples given.

2. When your family members say that we know we are human because we have an intellect and will, or that we have a soul, or that we can make decisions, or that we are free, etc. Those are all true. But…the most obvious sign is….

3. …the most obvious feature—which is visibly apparent—is the body
…the most obvious feature—which is visibly apparent—is the body. So, if we see a human body, we know we see a human. Parents can hold two fingers apart and ask, “What about a body just this big” (1/2 inch—one could mention an unborn baby). “What about someone with wrinkles or who is severely handicapped? Yes. There is still a body—therefore a person.”

4. This can be a “make-up” quiz…There will be laughter, but it reinforces that the body matters. It lets us know whether we are male or female. You might not want to ask, “How do you know?”, for it may be awkward, but instead, “Who has a boy body?; Who has a girl body?”

5. Part of the significance of this seemingly insignificant slide is that this perspective is setting the integral foundation to one’s sexual identity (often called gender identity). As Pope Benedict XVI stated that with gender identity, “From now on there is only the abstract human being, who chooses for himself what his nature is to be. Man and woman in their created state as complementary versions of what it means to be human are disputed” (Address to Curia, Dec 21, 2012). In other words, we are to accept/receive our body as a GIFT from God; we are not to try to change our nature. None of this needs to be discussed with children; rather, it helps you to guide them at a young age to submit to the meaning of the body.

6. Some video games have “avatars,” figures/characters with bodies that represent the person playing. Also, movies like Avatar, Inception, Surrogate, and Her (though well-done movies) make it seem like “reality” takes place outside the body…that the body doesn’t matter. That the body is a mere shell. But St. John Paul says….

14. Biting—food, not to hurt another; laughter not to make fun/divide but bring unity

20. Sin …holiness—replace in words in middle of person…
Sin …holiness—replace in words in middle of person….put matter matters, etc. in notes (vice vs. virtue). It doesn’t matter; it matters.

27. When it feels good

30. Recap w cheating

34. Single life caveat

36. PARENT’S GUIDE: Theology of the Body for Teens: Middle School Edition, Ascension Press. Author, Monica Ashour, MTS; M Hum.