Theology of the Body

Dear Friends,
I am very happy to write a foreword to Steve Kellmeyer's book, Sex and the Sacred City. I have been grateful to have gotten to know Steve and become familiar with his works since my arrival in the Diocese of Fort Worth.

When I was a graduate student in Rome from 1981-1985, a student in Canon Law at the Angelicum while residing at the Casa Santa Maria of the North American College, Pope John Paul II was in the midst of his catechetical series at the Wednesday audiences on the "nuptial meaning of the body." I heard a number of these myself. Little did any of us back then realize the impact that these would have in the future, and continue to have today on Faith formation, moral theology and the formation of virtue in the life of those who are disciples of the Lord.

I very much appreciate the easy reading format of his book - meditations followed by questions for reflections. His nine chapters treat not only some of the major concerns today about authentic discipleship and virtue, but situate these concerns of Christian life in the life of the Holy Trinity, Creation and the Fall and the Incarnation. The section on the Sacraments clearly teaches of the "nuptial meaning of the body" when it opens with the words of Pope John Paul II who teaches that "The Eucharist is the Sacrament of our Redemption. It is the Sacrament of the Bridegroom and the Bride... Christ is united with this 'body' as the bridegroom is with the bride..."

I thank Steve for this understandable and easy to read presentation of the "Theology of the Body". I pray and hope that it will be a source not only of theological formation for those who read it, but even more so, an occasion for formation in a life of virtue and holiness for all who seek to be authentic disciples of the Lord in this new millennium.

Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann J.C.D., D.D., Bishop of Fort Worth, January 9, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas

"In just a hundred pages Steve Kellmeyer distills the rich and complex "Theology of the Body." Sex and the Sacred City. is a masterpiece of clarity. It's size, stylistic grace as well as it's logic should guarantee this book wide readership. Rarely is such a dense topic so delightfully explained and for adults as well as adolescents at that!"
- Al Kresta, Host, "Kresta in the Afternoon", President-CEO Ave Maria Radio, father of five, husband of 27 years, veteran broadcaster

I would like to say congratulations on a well-written and succinct book explaining Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body in practical terms. I like the study guide approach, as well.
- Nancy Brown, book reviewer

I was visiting my sister in Wash. DC last summer, and brought along my copy of "Sex and the Sacred City" with me to read. My host (I was staying with one of my sister's friends) picked up the book while I was out -- I'm guessing he throught the title was provocative -- and read parts of it. He was so impressed he asked to borrow it after I was done.

The neat thing is that he is 1) Presbyterian and 2) a Mason. Yet the Theology of the Body appealed to him.

I do plan in the new year to buy a couple more copies of S and the S City to give as gifts one to him.

- Seann

I thought you might like to know how our Adult Formation Class is going with your book Sex and the Sacred City. Well, we had our first class a couple of weeks ago and about 10 people showed up. The size was rather disappointing but everyone who attended loved it.

The next class we had about 30 people show up. (The word had gotten out.) After the class, people were thanking me for leading the group discussion and for introducing them to the Holy Father's Theology of the Body. All of them love your booklet. Father Tom, our Pastor, said that he wishes they would have taught him this in the Seminary 35 years ago. He tells people that this understanding of Christian worship and morality will light the Church on Fire. In fact, it is already starting to do that in our parish.

After the class, one lady came up and thanked me for helping her to see that sex is something holy and she now feels that she can discuss moral issues with people who ask her about the Church's views on sex and morality with more confidence. A lady who has six kids and is teaching them at home said that she can now explain to her daughter who is scheduled for first communion this year why she dresses as a bride for this event. She says that most of the material has deepened her appreciation for the sacraments herself.

A young woman who is studying to become a nurse attended the class so she can learn how to express her opposition to abortion and contraception more effectively when asked. (She was just recently required to do a clinical observation at the local Planned Parenthood Clinic.)

This is just a smattering of the responses. I am sure Father has heard more. Please keep us in your prayers.
- Jeff Schwem, St. John the Evangelist Parish

I think the book is phenomenal!!
- Maria van den Bosch, book reviewer

It is awesome. Perfect for high school and college students, perfect for pre-Cana classes (it is all anyone would need for Pre-Cana except good luck and a good choice).
- Roxanne Shento, book reviewer

"Thanks again for taking the time to talk to Peter Boyles. I must tell you that in the years I have worked with Peter, I have never seen a listener reaction quite like the one we have gotten from your radio interview. It has been HUGE! I have answered more calls than I can count about you, your book and your website. You really made an impact on Peter's audience. Much appreciated!"
- Kris Berard, Producer, The Peter Boyles' Show

JPII's theology of the body has been a subject of long-standing interest for my husband and me, and plays an important thematic role in my novel, The Mystery of Things... Sex and the Sacred City. really is a concise little treasure about a huge and epochal ('old but ever new') development/re-discovery in Christian theology...
-Debra Murphy, book reviewer

Chris West's TOB, but I must tell you, [was] a period of Purgatory for me. I'm a writer, albeit not professionally. Still, I know writing. So you will understand when I say that Chris West says more than he needs to say. Your writing is more lyrical, introspective, more organized.
- Mamie Farish, NFP and RCIA instructor

I purchased your book online a few weeks ago. I am thrilled with your presentation. I have been reading / studying TOTB for a about five years. I was introduced to it through Christopher West. His presentation is wonderful however very intimidating to many people. I have shared your book with many others. I have based talks to moms, classes to HS students and raise my children with TOTB as the foundation. I am encouraging others to go to your site and purchase it also, in order to help you financially. If I had the money I would gladly support you for this wonderful gift you have given. However we have 7 children, one and the way and only one low end income ourselves. If there is anything I can do to help spread your name I will be glad to! Thanks for your work. Right now I am praying that your words are helping to convert my OB (whose family is Catholic) to become a NFP doctor. May God bless you and your family.
- In HIS love and peace, Lynn

First of all, I wanted to say thanks for the preview of Sex and the Sacred City.. I liked it so much that we're making it one of the textbooks for our Vocations class next year. What a concise, powerful reflection on Theology of the Body.
-Kevin Kiefer, Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, Roswell, GA

"Our Holy Father has given humanity a masterpiece for understanding our true nature and dignity as sexual beings made in the image andlikeness of God. Because of its compelxity, most of us must piece together this teaching like a puzzle in order to fully appreciate its beauty. Steve Kellmeyer's Sex and the Sacred City. is a marvelous tool to help us understand how the pieces of the puzzle go together."
- Greg Schleppenbach, State Director, Nebraska Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities.

I left your book lying around after it arrived during the holidays, and, as I hoped, it attracted the attention of my 22-yr-old daughter, home for the holidays, but away from practice of the faith at present. She's just home again this weekend. She returned some other books I'd encouraged her to read, but said she'd like to take your book back with her to read. The title is what aroused her curiosity! Things like that are very important! So I am trying to read as much as I can before she goes off with it; then I'll order a few more copies.

One for myself, and one to give to one of our priests, who I've been encouraging to lead a study group at our parish on the theology of the body. I gave him the Pope's book, and Christopher West's newest one months ago, but he's still working through them. Your book might be the perfect vehicle for starting something like that. The title will get people's attention, it's short, yet full of material to ponder, and it has study questions, scripture and catechism references at the end of each chapter. Hopefully, this will work! Thanks so much for the wonderful work you do!
- Diane Royal, book reviewer