Freedom (Part 1)

We continue to prepare to read and reflect on Saint Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body by exploring the meaning of freedom. Today we will discuss one common definition of freedom that emphasizes the ability to choose without searching for what is good and true. We discuss how we have defined “freedom” in our lives and begin to look to Saint Pope John Paul II’s view of freedom.

Quotes:

“I ceased to be the captain of my soul.” (Oscar Wilde)

“I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate…. I can will what is right but I cannot do it.” (Romans 7: 15)

“…they see the truth about good as a threat to their freedom. They fear that a higher law, not of their own making, can only interfere with their acting through themselves and hence interfere with them as persons. They claim that they would lose their individuality if they were to submit to a law that is the same for all persons. And so, they think that to save themselves as persons they have to become subjectivists about good, that is people who think that each person creates his or her own conception of good and the moral life.” (“The Personalism of John Paul II”, John Crosby)

“Obedience is a beautiful loss of control. So just obey and lose control.” (Christopher West)

Resources:

“The Personalism of John Paul II” by John Crosby

Reflection Questions:

(1) What did you relate to most in the podcast?

(2) How do you define freedom? How has your view of freedom changed in your life?

(3) Have there been times in your life you have not felt truly free? When have you felt most free in your life?

(4) Are there areas of your life you feel unwilling to trust God with? What fears do you have about coming to a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Church?

(5) Do you believe that God is FOR you? What do you think true freedom would look like in your life?

(6) What do you think would happen if you surrendered your will and life to the care of God?