Study groups

Each academic year, Into the Deep hosts a book study geared for lay people to work through the dense theological and philosophical language of the theology of the body; no prior study is necessary.  In order to dig into the details of the reading and keep the discussion in context, we read the text out loud together and discuss questions, content, vocabulary, and application.

The studies are lead by Jen Messing, MTS, and we alternate between the original texts of St. John Paul II: Man and Woman He Created Them (a two-year study) and Love and Responsibility (a one-year study).

Of Special Note: Fall of 2022 – Spring of 2024 (minus summer months) we will be working through a study of St. John Paul II’s text, “Man & Woman He Created Them”. RSVP!

Study Groups

SUMMARY OF THE TEXTS​

Love and Responsibility is St. John Paul II’s important 1960 precursor to his work on the theology of the body.  Major themes include personhood, love, lust, use, understanding the sex drive, shame, and chastity.   We utilize the 2013 translation by Grzegorz Ignatik and read approximately 7-10 pages per meeting.

Man and Woman He Created Them is the text containing all 129 “Wednesday Audiences” delivered between 1979 and 1984, as well as several that were brought to light after his death by translator Michael Waldstein.  We read 2 audiences per meeting; major themes include:

  • Who we were made to be as male and female from the beginning

  • Living in the knowledge that we are redeemed by Christ, not just fallen

  • More deeply understanding the vocations of Marriage and celibacy as givers and receivers of God’s love

  • Glimpsing in a small way – through our bodies and our actions – who God is and what He has in store for us in Heaven

  • What it means to be fruitful in our vocation to love

Details

TIME:  Monday evenings, 6:30 – 8:30 pm (dates announced each year, check the calendar)

 

LOCATION:  in the office building where Into the Deep is located: 2817 Anthony Lane S, #108  Minneapolis, MN 55418.


COST:
 participants contribute snacks, volunteer 5 hours of time for Into the Deep, OR donate $50 for the duration of the study group.

 

Though it isn’t as personal as sitting around a table with us and brings with it a few glitches, a Zoom video option is also available for $50.

 

Snacks and hot drinks (as well as a microwave or toaster oven) are available if you are coming straight from work!

 

Maximum of 12 participants; feel free to come and see if it’s a good fit for you but please RSVP.

“And God created man in His own image….male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

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