Oakcrest Opens Theology of the Body Series with Online Webinar Exploring the “Logic of Gift”

In the first session, Warren introduced the background of Theology of the Body, explaining how St. John Paul II developed this body of teaching through a series of Wednesday audiences early in his papacy. Drawing on Scripture and the lived experience of humanity, he sought to develop an “anthropology,” a study of man, that was adequate to answer the “identity crisis” of the 20th century—a crisis caused by the same questions teenage girls face every day: “Who am I? What's the point? What's my mission in life? What's the purpose of sexuality?”  St. John Paul II’s reflections came to shape that anthropology we now understand as the logic of gift. 

Warren described the logic of gift as a vision of the human person as both body and soul, created out of love and called to make a sincere gift of self. The logic of gift comes in contrast to the logic of domination, which Warren noted, sees relationships through the lens of power and control—treating others as objects to be used rather than persons to be cherished. In contrast, the “logic of gift” recognizes that authentic love is always self-giving, never self-seeking. Warren explains, “the human body includes, right from the beginning, the capacity of expressing love, that love in which the person becomes a gift. And by means of this gift, they fulfill the meaning of their being and existence."

Theology of the Body at Oakcrest

Oakcrest utilizes the Ruah Woods Institute curriculum, which is designed as a "spiraling curriculum." This means that core concepts of the Theology of the Body are introduced at certain grade levels (like Level 1 in the 6th grade) and then revisited in later grades (like the 10th grade Course 3) in a more developed, deeper, and complex manner. The curriculum aims to provide an age-appropriate understanding of the human person as a "body-soul unity," answering existential questions throughout the developmental phases of each grade and age. 

Warren explained, “Theology of the Body helps us to understand the very foundation of our identity, created in God's image and the idea of our sexuality as part of this identity.” The curriculum at Oakcrest seeks to instill this integrated understanding of the human person to each student, so that they are equipped to respond to those often overwhelming questions of identity, sexuality, and purpose.

This webinar marks the first in a three-part series that will continue with another virtual session next semester and an in-person lecture in the spring. Together, these events aim to help parents rediscover the beauty of St. John Paul II’s vision and to apply it within their own families—forming young women of intellect, character, and faith who understand their dignity as daughters of God.