By Hannah Hirang
Staff Writer
The Culture Project hosted another Theology of the Body night talking about original solitude on March 6 at 9 p.m. in the International Lounge.
Jacob Street, a Culture Project missionary, helped present the topic for the night on “Living in the Echo.”
“From the words of John Paul II, the meaning of our bodies, the meaning of what it means to be human is ‘inscribed in the human heart as a distant echo of original innocence.’ Theology of the Body breaks up these experiences of original innocence into three: original solitude, original unity and original nakedness,” said missionary Alex Miller.
Miller explained that original solitude expresses that Adam realized he was different from the animals by observing his own body.
“Through this very difference, we come to the realization that as a body-soul composite, we have a particular calling as human beings to be in a relationship with God, the creator of our bodies,” said Miller.
“We all have this ache to be in communion with another person,” said Street.
Culture Project missionary Marshall Fike discussed how original unity then occurred after God created Eve, allowing Adam to find his fulfillment in being in communion with a fellow human being who is complimentary to him.
“In that first gaze, Adam and Eve discovered that their bodies were made for each other,” said Fike.
Fike went on to explain original nakedness as Adam and Eve encountering the “peace of the interior gaze” and finding freedom in being vulnerable and truly seen.
“When original sin came into the picture, there existed a rupture that separated us from this gift, but is one that the virtue of chastity hopes to restore,” continued Fike.
“In knowing that our bodies are created to reflect the love of God, we can come to understand our desires for union in a deeper way. We can rest knowing that our sexual desires are good and call us to be in communion with each other,” said Fike.
Street concluded with a word about the importance of chastity for friendship.
“The catechism says that friendship blossoms within chastity which means that it is through living this out, we are capable of forming deeper relationships, deeper friendships with others and ultimately seeking that total communion with others and with the Lord,” said Street.
The event then broke into smaller groups to discuss takeaways from the session.
“I really loved the night. It opened up the space for really good discussion with my small group,” said junior communication arts major Katerina Balick.
“I will definitely be coming back. The Culture Project did a great job putting this all together,” added Balick. “It’s very organized. I loved it.”