An excellent series of homilies that sets the foundation of theological study of the human body and sexuality in this day. Although it can at times be soporific for its repetitiveness (being a series of homilies, not a singular discourse), and many criticize it (unfairly) for what topics it leaves out or does not discuss in detail, I believe it is a must-read not only for theologians, but also for intelligent Christians genuinely interested in the place of the human person in God's plan. Once again, it must be recognized that this book is a starting point, not a conclusive resource, and it is very much the culmination of Catholic theology of the body, not a departure from traditional thought (although people will find it far different from any misconceived negative notion of the body that the Church is wrongly thought to have). At the same time, it contains many interpretations of the scriptures that are intelligent, informed, but also spiritual interpretations, contrary to a literalist or fundamentalist understanding of the scriptures. Although it was written by the Pope, it is not a magisterial document or an infallible ex cathedra teaching, but a theological and pastoral exposition of the Church's tradition and doctrines. As such, it will be incredibly useful both for theological development and for pastoral/catechetical illumination. ( )