Since the so-called sexual revolution in the 1960s confusion about human sexuality has proliferated, especially in the United States. What traditionally was recognized as an immutable part of the essential core of our being became, in the eyes of many, an extraneous factor that could be manipulated at no risk to our fundamental integrity. The spread of this heresy has been rapid and alarming, to the extent that between the years 1979 and 1984 Pope John Paul II (now sainted) delivered 129 lectures on the subject of the ‘theology of the body’. TOBET, (the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team) was founded at the beginning of this century to provide educators material that can be used to combat this self-destructive trend. Its website is www.tobet.org. Readers who visit TOBET’s website will be astounded by the extent of this apostolate’s outreach in just over twenty years.
Founded in 2001 by Monica Ashour, the Theology of the Body Evangelization team, Inc. began as a grassroots movement for the renewal and sanctification of the family and the catholic Church by disseminating St. John Paul’s life changing Theology of the Body. Having begun with volunteers and eager young adults, TOBET now is an internationally recognized apostolate. Today, TOBET carries out its mission of evangelization to all age groups, reaching children, youth, and their parents through TOBET Talks, ministering to engaged couples with its Theology of the Body Marriage Preparation program, and supporting young adults through a regular TOB study group. However, TOBET’s most impactful gift to the church, used in schools as well as faith formation and family catechesis programs, is The Body Matters, a Pre-K through 8th grade Theology of the Body curriculum reaching 170,000+ and counting. Recently, diocesan officials and Catholic school teachers from 35 dioceses have applied for assistance.
TOBET’s mission statement is:
TOBET provides original educational resources, presenting the truth of God’s design of the body to children, youth, and families, so that all will be transformed by Saint John Paul’s life-affirming message of the Theology of the Body. In union with and in service of the Blessed Trinity and the Catholic Church, TOBET seeks to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, spread hope, and, by word and example, draw all people into the Communion of Persons of the Blessed Trinity by instructing others about Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body for the renewal and sanctification of the family, the Church, and the rest of society.