A Pontifical John Paul II Institute Partner Feature

released 4/23/2025

In this November 2018 lecture, D. C. Schindler explains the cosmological significance of human sexuality and why it is paradigmatic of the relationship between nature and freedom. Countering modernity’s notion of freedom as extrinsic to nature, Schindler draws from the papal encyclicals Humanae vitae and Veritatis splendor to explain the intrinsic relationship of nature and freedom. He argues that true freedom acts within the given meaning of nature, always keeping it as a point of reference. Nature gives freedom its purpose and is the very condition for its flourishing. He concludes with a call for the Church to uphold this fundamental principle of human freedom in order to live the life of abundance that Christ promised.

This lecture is provided courtesy of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute.

32 minutes

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