"In the Beginning . . ."

"This book is a stunning achievement. The author's sophisticated biblical, philosophical, and theological explanation of the Theology of the Body makes manifest that homosexual activity fails to foster the true flourishing of persons and communities. As if this were not contribution enough, Echeverria has given us the first study of the Theology of the Body that takes evangelical Reformed theology as its conversation partner. Offering an extraordinary opportunity for Catholic-Evangelical dialogue, this book simply could not have come at a better time."

--Matthew Levering

Professor of Theology, University of Dayton

Co-Director, Center for Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue



"Echeverria provides three very valuable services to the growing scholarship on John Paul II's Theology of the Body: in the spirit of John Paul II's sophisticated philosophical and theological training, he identifies and justifies many of the philosophical and theological underpinnings of John Paul II's thought; in the spirit of genuine ecumenism, he engages the Dutch Reformed tradition; and in the spirit of John Paul II's scripturally based arguments for the Church's teaching on sexual issues, he applies the Theology of the Body to the issue of homosexuality. Echeverria's book will aid scholars as they approach John Paul II's dense and brilliant work."

--Michael Maria Waldstein

Max Seckler Professor of Theology

Ave Maria University, Florida



"Echeverria's penetrating study provides the proper theological and philosophical foundations that the 'theology of the body' requires, with erudite discussions of the epistemic authority of Scripture and tradition, the nature of doctrinal statements and an appropriate biblical hermeneutics. The author boldly tackles the vexing issues surrounding homosexuality while offering a compelling and fully ecumenical exploration into the questions raised by human sexuality in general. An extraordinary and convincing achievement."

--Thomas G. Guarino

Seton Hall University