Abstract (eng)
The present masterthesis analyses the song of songs under the aspect of the Theology of the Body from Pope John Paul II.
Within the history of interpretations the song of songs has experienced two different approaches of interpretation: The literal and the allegorical.
Based upon the Theology of the Body this thesis tries to show that the song of songs can be read in an approach combining the previous two. The sacramentality of marriage, which is central for the Theology of the Body, shows that human love between man and woman cannot be seen independently from the love of God to humankind. That is, because all human love stems from the love of God and at the same time displays it. The love of God is not only represented in an invisible way but also through their bodies, i.e. the language of their bodies. Nevertheless, that language is only in the truth if it represents the love of God which has shown itself in multiple ways and was revealed through Christ. As long as the language of the bodies is in the truth, one can draw conclusions from human love to the love of God. For God himself has created this love in his image. Vice versa, the divine love can also be seen as an example for interpersonal love.
In a literal sense the song of songs presents a love between man and woman, who speak truth through their language of the bodies and thus, make the divine mystery visible through their love. Because of that, their human love allows us to make a reference to the divine love, which is shown in the allegorical interpretation.
In a literal sense the song of songs presents a love between man and women, who speak the truth in their language of the body and thus, make the invisible mystery of God visible. Because of that, conclusions can be drawn from human love to the love of God, which is shown in the allegorical interpretation. On the other hand, the love of God can lead to a deeper understanding of the human love. Therefore, both approaches of interpretation, the literal and the allegorical, are important for a deeper understanding of the song of songs.