Karol Wojtyla, who later became John Paul II, is a firm critic of utilitarianism. In his book, Love and Responsibility, he describes the nature of love, its implications on human relationships, and how they relate to God’s love. On pages 18-28, Wojtyla upholds the value of love between men and women as that which shares in the divinity of God’s love for humankind (Wojtyla 18). This section begins with a connection between love, emotion, and sin. According to Wojtyla (18), the failure to subordinate emotions lead to sin as it prevents one from exercising true love for their partner. Since God hates sin, it follows that love between men and women is the fundamental shield against sin.
Just as sin brought shame to the first man, so does sin resulting from wrong emotions plunge man into a shameful situation that separates him from God. Chastity, shame, continence, tenderness, and sensuality are the main themes described by Wojtyla (20). Chastity is the principle that enables man and woman to value each other’s bodies in a godly way. According to Wojtyla, “only the chaste man and woman are capable of true love” (13). Chastity and continence are guided by the principle of freedom, whereby love entails a commitment that limits one’s freedom.
Essentially, the text shows that love between man and woman is defined by their treatment of each other and their regard for God’s law. Tenderness and sensuality are two concepts that depict a person’s compassion and deep understanding of another’s situations and needs. Wojtyla (23) argues that genuine love should be for persons and between persons, being vigilant against changing love to mere sensual and gratification means. Therefore, love must be guarded and preserved to absorb all shame and unite men and women with their creator and each other.
Work Cited
Wojtyla, Karol. Love & Responsibility. Pauline Books & Media, 2001, pp. 18-28.