CHARLOTTE — Many young people today struggle with a poor body image, and a new book by a local author re-examines the problem using St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and other Church teaching.
“Raising Kids with a Healthy Body Image: A Guide for Catholic Parents,” by Dr. John Acquaviva, an exercise science professor and St. Matthew Church member, aims to help young people develop a healthy body image.
“From a young age, our kids are under immense pressure from a variety of sources that can determine the value of their bodies,” explains Acquaviva. “But God has something to say about this as well. Pope John Paul II’s wonderful teaching known as Theology of the Body is the book’s guiding force, and along with Scripture and the Church’s sacraments, this book is an excellent parenting tool to guide your child so they see the worth of their bodies as designed by our Creator.
“In addition, this book discusses the numerous causes of a poor body image and includes chapters on how to instill fitness and sound nutrition into your family life,” he says.
Acquaviva, who holds a doctorate in exercise science, teaches courses including strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and weight loss, weight gain and body image at Wingate University. He also hosts “Faith & Fitness” on Radio Maria which airs on Mondays at 2 p.m. EST.Over the years, the Matthews resident has given hundreds of presentations to fitness professionals, church congregations, youth groups and campus ministries.
“After writing the first book, ‘Improving Your Body Image Through Catholic Teaching,’ I gave several presentations to churches, men’s and women’s groups, young adults, etc., to promote the book and its message,” Acquaviva says. “I often mentioned the follow-up book and discussed that its purpose was going to be a weapon for parents to combat the poor body image their young son or daughter may suffer from. Inevitably, they were more interested in the current book due to their age and position (many were parents).
Acquaviva says he purposely included the basics of Catholic teaching and sought to gently catechize the reader so they could pass it onto their children, besides all of the body image basics and statistics.
“I felt instinctively that Catholic readers would find it interesting as well as practical and helpful to their parenting responsibilities,” he says. “There are several books on body image and even ones that attempt to assist those with body image issues, but this book is the first attempt to heal poor body image through Scripture and the teachings of the Church.”
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Order a copy
“Raising Kids with a Healthy Body Image: A Guide for Catholic Parents” by Dr. John Acquaviva, published by Enroute Books and Media, is available at www.enroutebooksandmedia.com and www.amazon.com.
BELMONT — The Association of Catholic Publishers recently announced the winners of the 2017 Excellence in Publishing Awards, which recognize the best in Catholic publishing.
Among the winners were three Saint Benedict Press/TAN Books titles:
First place in the biography category: “The Lion of Münster: The Bishop Who Roared Against the Nazis” by Father Daniel Utrecht. It tells the true story of Cardinal Clemens August von Galen, the bishop of the diocese of Münster in Germany from 1933 to 1946, who risked his life by speaking out against the Nazi regime.
First place in the Resources for Ministry-Programs category: “Doors of Mercy: Exploring God’s Covenant with You” by Father Jeffrey Kirby. This is an eight-week study that was created in response to the Jubilee Year of Mercy and is intended to lead participants into a deeper understanding and experience of God’s love and mercy.
Third place in the Resources for Ministry-Programs category: “Luke: The Gospel of Mercy” by Father Kirby and Dr. Paul Thigpen. It is an 18-week Bible study program from Catholic Scripture Study International that explores the parables of mercy found in the Gospel of Luke and brings Luke to life with world-class video shot on location in Rome and Assisi.
Each work was recognized for its exceptional portrayals of grace, mercy and faith in their respective categories.
“We’re honored to be included among the outstanding winners in the 2017 ‘Excellence in Publishing Awards,’” said Conor Gallagher, publisher of Saint Benedict Press and TAN Books.
“Father Utrecht, Father Kirby and Dr. Thigpen are each very deserving of this recognition,” Gallagher said. “Themes of mercy and faith are woven intricately throughout these works, as is a commitment to presenting Catholic teaching in a way that is beautiful, informative and inspirational.”
— Katie DeMoss is the senior publicist for Saint Benedict Press.