Book Review: Theology of the Body In Context

I recently had the opportunity to read William E. May's Theology of the Body in Context.  In his book he dissects and explains Love and Responsibility, Familiaris Consortio, Theology of the Body (TOB), Mulieris Dignitatem, and the Letter to Families.  He very clearly explains how the four works that are not TOB are related to it.

The book is only four chapters long, but each chapter deals with one specific work or in the case of chapter four, two.  He breaks down each work and tells the reader what the main points are and then goes on to give a very clear explanation of those points.  Parts of each work that do not pertain to TOB, or in the case of TOB do not pertain to the married state are not covered in this book.  The main focus of the book is to explain the teachings on marriage and family.   Where scriptural references within the works covered are brought to light, May's does a nice job of explaining them in context to the material.  Areas of redundancy between the five works are also not covered twice.  If a certain theme has already been sufficiently covered already, the author makes it known and explains that there is essentially no need to reiterate it once again in the book.

I felt this book was a very readable summary and explanation.  I think this book is best suited to those who are familiar with or are looking to become familiar with TOB and the works which complement it.  If you haven't read TOB, this would be a great book to have at the ready as you make your way through it, since the explanations are very succinct.

This review was written as part of the Catholic books reviewer program from The Catholic Company.  Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Theology of the Body in Context.  The Catholic Company supplied me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.