Madam, - Gina Menzies (Opinion & Analysis, September 7th) mentions the need for an advance in the theology of sexuality beyond the pessimism of St Augustine. However, there is also a need, in our day, for an improved attitude in secular society, where too often sex is profaned as self-centred entertainment, not as something distinctly human whose misuse can distort a human personality. - Yours, etc,
Rev CONNELL J. MAGUIRE, The Craig House, Portnoo, Co Donegal.
Madam, - Gina Menzies tells us that a new, informed theology of relationships based on the Gospel is needed. This statement is a most curious one. Such a theology was offered to the Catholic faithful and to the wider world over 20 years ago and has proved to be highly influential among a substantial number of young people committed to the faith in its fullness and integrity.
This theology is at once thoroughly grounded in Scripture, faithful to the tradition, and informed by rigorous philosophical reason. Not surprisingly, it has been ignored by most liberal moral theologians.
The work I refer to is the Theology of the Body, written by one of the major intellectual figures of the 20th century, namely John Paul II. - Yours, etc,
PÁDRAIG KEOGH, Clonsilla Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.