Theology of the Body Retreats
What?
These
retreats differ from other TOB workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. in that
they are not merely academic and intellectual, but actually experiential, directly leading to a chaste encounter
with the human body, uniquely created as the image of God, the Blessed Trinity.
Who?
These
retreats are for both those who are new to the theology of the body (TOB) as
well as those who are already very familiar with it. Any adult, male or female,
single, married, clergy or religious, from all Christian denominations are
welcome.
Why?
Too
often, Christians blend truths from the Word with errors from the world. This
is especially true in what concerns the body and sexuality. The purpose of
these retreats is to put off "the Old Man" and put on the mind of the
New Man, Jesus Christ (cf. Colossians 3:9f). Rather than merely conform
ourselves to this age, we strive to be
transformed by the renewal of our minds, so that we may judge what is God's
will--what is truly good, acceptable and perfect (cf. Romans 12:1f).
How?
The
atmosphere of the retreat is very spiritual and meditative, which is most
conducive to putting on a fresh, spiritual way of thinking (cf. Ephesians
4:23f) and of seeing God's greatest material creation--the human body. There is
much silent time for meditation, reflection and study, as well as a series of
talks by accomplished TOB teachers on a variety of themes. Built into this
context are opportunities to privately experience one's own body surrounded by
nature ("the Garden"), and then, through figure-drawing, the bodies
of others as well, learning to see as God sees, and thereby grow in true purity
of heart.
N.B.
The most thorough and logical way to learn all about these retreats is to
proceed through the links below in order:
Upcoming Retreat Dates, staff, Cost
New:
Bibliography
[Coming soon!]
Composed
by: Jim C. Cunningham
Proofreader
& editorial advisor: Linda S. Cunningham
[This
site was first created on April 22, 2007. Last update: June 25, 2007. If you
notice any typos or other errors, please let us know.]