Podcast appearances and mentions of Christopher West

If spiritual beauty is deeper and more important, does aesthetic beauty still have value? And why do we emphasize it with fashion or makeup?After embracing modesty through TOB, I feel convicted not to wear a revealing bridesmaid dress for a Catholic wedding. How do I honor my conscience without offending my cousin?Sex feels clinical and disconnected while trying to conceive. Am I wrong to want emotional connection even when we're being practical?Resources:TOBI Event CalendarLove & Responsibility YouTube Series---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

Dr. Christopher West serves as President of the Theology of the Body Institute near Philadelphia and as Professor of Theological Anthropology in its jointly sponsored master's program with Pontifex University. Christopher is one of the world's most recognized teachers of John Paul II's Theology of the Body. He's written many books including Our Bodies Tell God's Story: Discovering the Divine Plan for Love, Sex, and Gender. To recieve 20% off of Christopher's book "Our Bodies Tell God's Story," go to https://shop.corproject.com/collections/books/products/our-bodies-tell-gods-story-discovering-the-divine-plan-for-love-sex-and-gender-paperback and enter the code "OURBODIES" at checkout. Join the Theology in the Raw community for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I missed the 2020 online conference and Wendy's talk that deeply interests me. Also, I couldn't attend the Mary course you personally recommended—will there be another chance?I long for intimacy, but my husband rejects my advances. It revives deep insecurities and leaves me lonely and ashamed. How do I carry this cross with love?Seeing our wedding photos reminds us of how broken we were. How can we reclaim joy and see beauty in our beginning again?Resources:TOB Course Package DealJPII Legacy Foundation Website⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠COURSE SCHEDULE⁠⁠John Paul II Healing CenterJohn Paul II Healing Center EventsThe Heart of God SculptureLOVE IS PATIENT, BUT I'M NOT: CONFESSIONS OF A RECOVERING PERFECTIONIST---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

I've faced physical suffering that leaves me asking why God created us so weak. My pain has taught me compassion, but I still struggle to understand its purpose. I've read Salvifici Doloris, but I need help connecting Theology of the Body to my suffering. Why does God allow this? What meaning is there in our bodily weakness?After our fourth child, my husband wants to space the next pregnancy and avoid contraception—but he's unsure about relying solely on NFP. He suggests abstinence for a while, but I'm worried about the impact on our relationship. How can we honor Church teaching, respect my need for rest, and stay close as husband and wife?I struggled with the idea of hell after college. How could a loving God allow eternal punishment? Then Theology of the Body opened my eyes: what if hell is the eternal ache of separation from the One who made us for love? Could the torment of hell be like the anguish of losing our truest beloved?Resources:Click here if you'd like to make a gift to the St. John Paul II Legacy Foundation⁠⁠GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE⁠⁠Family of the AmericasCouple to Couple League---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.Questions answered this episode:---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

How can I open my heart emotionally to my wife during sex after a history of porn and brokenness?How do I heal and forgive after losing friends and community following a controlling relationship and new engagement?Is there a Theology of the Body insight in my toddler mistaking confession for a wedding?Resources:COURSE SCHEDULETOB Course Package DealCatechism Quote 2843---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.Questions answered this episode:---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

Why can't I let go of a toxic past relationship and fully embrace attraction and presence in my marriage?What does it mean to die with dignity, and is it right to see death as something good or redeemed?How can I teach psychology through a Catholic lens and reveal God's beauty in the human mind?Resources:COURSE SCHEDULEJPII Legacy Foundation WebsiteEating the SunriseAsk Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.Questions answered this episode:---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

Questions answered this episode:Can we call God “Mother” without being heretical?Is my friend's bodybuilding lifestyle and public modesty truly compatible with Christian witness?How do I prepare for marriage without becoming anxious about its challenges?Resources:JPII Legacy Foundation Website⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.Questions answered this episode:---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

Questions answered this episode:Can indulgences and scapulars make sense through the lens of Theology of the Body?How can I embrace lifelong celibacy after my wife left me?Are appearance-focused exercises inherently vain or can they be good?ResourcesCOURSE SCHEDULEEating the SunriseFill These HeartsSexual Needs Into Prayer YouTube VideoChastity: Reconciliation of the SensesGod Is Beauty Book---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

Questions answered this episode:How do I overcome fear and insecurity about sex before marriage, especially since I'm a virgin and my fiancé isn't?How can I love someone well when she ended our relationship but I still care deeply for her?How do I reconcile Galatians 3:28 with TOB's teaching that we remain male and female in eternity?ResourcesCOURSE SCHEDULELove & Responsibility YouTube Series---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

Questions answered this episode:I work for a small Christian university... how can I prepare to teach Theology of the Body to a Protestant audience when JP2's writings feel dense and I'm limited in time and resources?After discovering my husband's hidden struggles with pornography and masturbation, how can I walk with him toward a true relationship with Christ while dealing with my own feelings of betrayal?I'm about to get married and just found out I'll have my period on my honeymoon. Is it OK for Catholic couples to have sex during menstruation?ResourcesCOURSE SCHEDULEOur Bodies Tells God's Story BookJohn Paul II's Letter to ArtistsGod Is Beauty Book---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

Questions answered this episode:At a recent funeral, people spoke about God's perfect timing in death, but I wondered, isn't death, the separation of body and soul, a result of the fall? Doesn't God's will have both a perfect and permissive side, given our fallen world and freedom to choose? Wouldn't God prefer us to live forever, body and soul, rather than just our souls going to heaven? Can you help me understand all of this in the context of Theology of the Body?I was discussing sexuality with my atheist friend when she asked why the Church says masturbation is wrong. She then compared her body to a Ferrari, claiming she worked hard to take care of it and should be able to enjoy it alone. I was left speechless. What does the Church and Theology of the Body say about this?I've been practicing NFP with my husband since our marriage, but I'm struggling with my conscience. He wants to wait a year before trying to conceive, while I feel ready to start our family. I worry that NFP is being treated like contraception. I'm also feeling lonely and disconnected, especially since it's easy to abstain for weeks. How do I talk to my husband about this, and am I wrong to think NFP isn't right for us right now?Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

Questions answered this episode:How can I affirm the single life as a valid and holy vocation, especially for those who feel overlooked in typical vocation stories?As a wife with low sexual desire due to hormones (e.g., postpartum), is it okay to engage in intimacy for my husband's sake even if it's uncomfortable—and is it wrong to show enthusiasm I don't truly feel?When teaching my kids about sexuality, should I share my own past sexual sins—or could that send the wrong message, even though I've been forgiven?Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---

Questions answered this episode:1. My husband and I are newly married and both committed to our faith. I came into marriage with a deep understanding of the sacredness of the marital embrace through TOB, but we quickly discovered I have a much higher sex drive, and he struggles with erectile dysfunction. It's left me feeling rejected, unattractive, and alone—especially since women rarely talk about having stronger desire. I'm trying to love him through this, but I'm grieving how hard this is compared to what I imagined.2. I've been on and off with a woman I feel deeply connected to—like home. That connection has led us into sexual sin many times, though we often go to confession. I truly love her, but I'm afraid our past intimacy might have harmed our chances of a holy marriage and family. If God is calling us to be together, have we already ruined something good?3. My husband has struggled with porn since he was young, even though he always sensed it was wrong. He worked hard to stop, especially during our engagement, but relapsed a few times in marriage—mainly around postpartum seasons. He's been free for over two years, but I've just had our third baby and feel anxious it could return. He's otherwise loving and tender, and our sex life is beautiful. But I worry this may be a cross we carry forever. Is real healing possible?Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body. ---

Don't miss this insightful episode! Andrew takes us through his early seminary journey and explores the complex intersection of "biblical feminism," with both its gifts and limitations. He also shares how he encountered Christopher West and the profound insights of Pope St. John Paul II, particularly the pope's biblical anthropology, which highlights the extraordinary dignity of women. In this episode, Andrew also expresses his deep appreciation for Pope St. Paul VI's groundbreaking encyclical on contraception. He argues that contraception has been a major catalyst for sexual confusion, as it separates the sexual act from the sacred gift of new life. Be sure to get your SIGNED copy during Lent 2025 for just $2 (shipping not included)! https://www.shopdesertstream.org/product-page/rediscovering-our-lost-fullness

Questions answered this episode: Questions answered this episode: 1. My eldest son is nearly 20, and he told us 2 years ago that he doesn't believe in God, which was incredibly heartbreaking for my husband and me. He is, however, respectful of our faith. He has a girlfriend, and they have been dating for about 4 months. She's just moved to another state to study at a university, which is about 4 hours from where we live. He's looking forward to visiting her in the next few weeks. He's planning on staying with her when he visits, which seems to him like a completely practical thing to do. How do I broach the topic of chastity and avoidance of sin with someone who doesn't claim to believe in God? I want to find a way to speak truth to him, even if it only plants a seed for the future. Any ideas or wisdom from your experience as parents and years of ministry would be greatly appreciated. 2. My wife and I are in our mid-40s. We have 4 kids ages 17 to 11. We also have 2 in heaven from a miscarriage and a premature birth. The 11-year-old was our last pregnancy. We've used NFP ever since to avoid pregnancy, but it has been challenging for our relationship with just a few days per month that we feel safe to have sex. All these years, I've been honoring my wife's reluctance and fear of another pregnancy, but I never realized my own until today. We're left to believe it is our responsibility to avoid getting pregnant because God will give us more kids whether he should or not if we give him the opportunity to. I think he's reckless about giving out children and doesn't consider the toll it could take on us. I'm not proud of this confession, and I doubt it is a good way to think of NFP. I guess I'm asking for help to see things more clearly. I should add that my wife has had hard pregnancies and deliveries, and having this 11-year gap only heightens our fears about another pregnancy. But it is not like doctors ever told us we should avoid getting pregnant or risk serious health consequences. We've just been afraid to keep going through the hardships that come with new life. We can keep up the cautious NFP approach, but it feels a lot like we're not trusting God and we're holding back from each other. I don't know the right way to think about this, and it has been a long time of uncertainty. 3. I am a 29-year-old single woman, and I come from a family with a history of sexual abuse. Some of my siblings were sexually abused by my dad. I was also sexually abused, though it was by one of my brothers when we were younger. My brother is sorry for having done this and has sought reconciliation with both me and the church, and I have forgiven him. Growing up, my mom always said that a man and a woman should never be alone together if they're not married because, quote, something could happen. I realize this might be a prudent way to live, and with everything that has happened in my family, I can understand why my mom says this. However, because of all these things, I find myself having a hard time trusting men or knowing how to relate with them without being, I think, overly cautious. Most of the friendships I have with men tend to stay at the surface level because I don't know how to open myself to them. I really want to be able to have deep relationships with men, but I also don't know how deep is too deep. Do you have any advice on how I can learn to trust men and to open myself up to having deep, intimate friendships with them? How do I know if I'm crossing over into a place of going too deep, and would it be best to wait to date a man until I've learned to not have these thoughts of what he might do constantly at the back of my mind? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: Dear Christopher and Wendy, thank you for all you do. For context, my husband and I are expecting a baby again for the third time in less than three years, despite our best efforts to practice NFP. I am exhausted and facing potentially serious health concerns. My parents have never understood our stance against contraception, despite being Catholic themselves, and have always tried to persuade us to use it. Things came to a nasty head recently when we announced our latest pregnancy, and we had a major fight. My father says Catholics are not bound by the teachings of Humanae Vitae and are thus free to practice contraception because it is not, quote, ex cathedra doctrine. How do I respond to this? My dad said some very hurtful things about my husband and me. I don't know what to do. I held my ground during the argument, but now I'm starting to doubt myself. Please help. I'm a 20-year-old college student who truly started choosing Christ in my first year of college. In high school, I was in sinful relationships, but when attending a Catholic college, I wanted to stop that. Everything changed when I met a girl who inspired me to pursue sainthood, and I knew I needed to grow in virtue to date her. After seven months of waiting and growing, we began a Christ-centered relationship. But it ended after a month and a half when she chose to discern religious life. Two years later, I still struggle to move on. I've mistakenly entered other relationships hoping to forget her but constantly find myself thinking of her and comparing potential partners and even friends to her. Deep down, I don't want to let her go and feel drawn to reach out, remembering the Christ-filled joy our relationship brought to both of us. My question is, should I let go or should I pursue this relationship? I've been married for 21 years. On our honeymoon, my husband suffered an injury that made sexual intercourse extremely difficult and eventually impossible for him. We have seen doctors for treatments that were unsuccessful and very embarrassing for my husband. In time, we realized it was not going to get better, and it hasn't. By God's grace, we were able to have one child, but marital relations between us have not been possible for over 17 years. My heart aches and longs for this affection from my husband, but I long ago accepted the fact that our marriage is celibate and always will be. In the early days, we fought about this all the time, mostly because he avoided physical contact with me so as not to arouse himself, and I felt very rejected. He's never really liked to talk about this as he finds it very difficult to share his emotions. I used to pressure him to talk, but I've learned that that just isn't his way. I've also learned to see the many other ways that my husband loves me through his acts of service and dedication to our family. He is a wonderful husband, and we love each other deeply. Our strongest connection is our Catholic faith. I experienced a very deep conversion back to my Catholic faith a few years after our marriage, and this has helped me to mature and grow a deep intimacy with God. Even though I have that intimacy with God, I still at times feel so very alone with this cross and have spent most of my marriage feeling as though my husband doesn't desire me, as if he doesn't miss the intimacy because he won't share his pain with me. I have recently begun reading a book, The Cantata of Love, a commentary on the Song of Songs. The imagery in the poem is so beautiful, and it has reawakened in me again the feelings of how much I miss my husband. This part of me I mostly shut down because it's too painful to keep revisiting those unmet desires. It feels a bit like, why torture yourself by reading this? At the same time, I realized that the poem is also an allegory of the love between the bridegroom and the bride, Jesus and my soul. I wonder if you have any experience with people in similar situations and what has helped them. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: 1. Hi, Christopher and Wendy, thank you for this podcast and your ministry. It has changed my life. I have a rather delicate question, but I guess I don't know whom else to turn to. I can help you. I've been married for a few years now to my wonderful bride. I have struggled with self-esteem and self-confidence issues since childhood, and that is still the case today. My delicate question concerns the marriage bed and sexual intimacy. In the few years we've been married, my wife has only reached climax 3 or 4 times. This hurts my heart deeply. When I ask what I can do or should do to aid in this, she simply says, I don't know, or it's fine. I don't need the climax. My wife loves me deeply, and the same is true of my love for her, but it bothers me greatly that she won't talk to me about it or that she seems to not care. I feel like less of a man. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. 2. My journey to motherhood has been challenging—seven years of infertility due to PCOS leading to surgery, an unexpected C-section, and last October, an ectopic pregnancy. As I tried to cope with the loss of my baby and feelings of helplessness due to emergency surgery and the loss of a damaged fallopian tube, I felt so embraced by our Mother as this loss coincided with the arrival of Advent, a promise of hope. I almost heard my child say, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" I'm truly grateful for the sacraments, as I have personally felt resurrected from this difficult cross through reconciliation and spiritual guidance. Today during Eucharist on the Feast of the Presentation, I felt compelled to actually give my child to God—to present him. Until now, I felt like God had taken him. Though I see the graces the Lord is giving me, even in my suffering, I do continue to struggle with feelings of isolation as I grieve the loss of my baby and my fallopian tube. How can I overcome the tendency to resent other women, and how do I regain the courage to embrace being open to life when, as the Gospel says, a sword has pierced my heart? 3. I'm a 24-year-old man, and I've been discerning a conversion to the Catholic faith for the past two years. I'm currently in the process of getting confirmed, thanks in no small part to your podcast. Thank you for everything you do and the passion with which you do it. Through my journey into Catholicism, one of the most appealing aspects of the Church has been the communion of saints. The friendship of these extraordinary spiritual leaders has been so impactful to me and has been an incredible source of encouragement. As my confirmation approaches and I consider who I'll choose to be my patron, I've realized that almost every saint I've developed a devotion to is a woman. Women like Saint Elizabeth, Mary Magdalene, and Joan of Arc are so insanely powerful, with such varying and glorious expressions of femininity. I find I can't help but be drawn to them. I'm wondering if I have an inordinate attraction to female saints over male saints. Should I get more guy time in my devotions? Is it natural to be drawn to attractive women regardless of centuries-long gaps in time? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

In this episode of Roadmap to Heaven, host Adam Wright reflects on the significance of St. Patrick's Day, emphasizing the call to holiness and evangelization. The show features insights from Christopher West about the upcoming 'Made for More' event, exploring themes of Eros, the Theology of the Body, and the importance of living out one's faith. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing the understanding of gender and creation in today's world, concluding with a call to action for listeners to embody their faith in daily life.   Takeaways St. Patrick's Day serves as a reminder to evangelize. The call to holiness is essential for all Christians. Christopher West discusses the importance of the Theology of the Body. Eros is a longing for truth, beauty, and goodness. The event 'Made for More' aims to awaken our deepest desires. Our bodies reflect God's divine story and plan. The attack on gender is a reflection of deeper spiritual battles. Living out our faith requires daily commitment and action. Music plays a vital role in conveying theological truths. The spousal mystery reveals God's ultimate plan for humanity. Download the Covenant Network app today! Pray the Visual Rosary at VisualRosary.org For more information on Covenant Network, visit OurCatholicRadio.org

Questions answered this episode: 1. I'm a 25-year-old man, called by God to marriage. Two years ago, I met a girl who helped in the same parish as me, and I fell in love with her. After a few months, we spoke about it, but she kindly rejected me. We lost contact, and I went through a deep crisis of faith. I felt abandoned, extremely and hopelessly alone. After a time, I came back to her city, and we served again together in the same parish. Shortly after, she broke up with her boyfriend and asked me to continue our friendship. She made it clear that although she was open to us having a romantic relationship, I should not expect any concrete outcome to the friendship. I accepted the challenge, and for a year, we struggled to learn to love each other as close, tender friends, embracing with all our hearts whatever God would want from us. Together, we tried to follow the example of Francis and Clare of Assisi. Recently, she told me that she felt the call to consecrated virginity and decided to go to another country to discern this more intensely. My heart reacted to this news with immense joy. I experienced my friend's happiness as my own and felt the grace of God flowing from her heart. This friendship has healed the wound of that hopeless loneliness I felt when she first rejected me. My deepest desire is her happiness, and I know she will find it—whether with Christ or even with another man. But somehow, the secondary desire remains—that she would be the mother of my children and the companion of my dreams. I know we've experienced something rare and wonderful, yet I ask myself if any woman will ever fall erotically in love with me. What would your advice be to heal this wound? 2. Is there any Catholic teaching concerning body hair? Is it immoral to be waxed in certain places, considering that it involves exposing oneself to the person doing the waxing? Secondly, I'm in law school and learning about criminal procedure. One of my classes was discussing a rape case and having to collect semen samples from several different suspects. That led to me pondering the morality of collecting semen samples, also like for medical purposes, and what a Catholic approach to that would be in light of our teachings. 3. My husband and I have been married for 20 years, have four kids, and have always used natural family planning. I recently heard on a Catholic podcast that any type of making out is sinful unless it is meant as foreplay and must end in intercourse. I always thought foreplay was morally permissible as long as it does not lead to climax by either person or incomplete sexual intercourse. Could you please clarify? I would hate to think we've been offending God our whole marriage but would rather be corrected now than never. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Bishop Dolan joins us to talk about Sunday's Gospel. Debbie DiCarlo will talk about almsgiving. Christopher West and Michael Villanueva extend an invitation to the upcoming Witness to Hope event. You'll also get up to date on news and events from around the diocese.   Special thanks to Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes for making this show possible.

I was honored to have Dr. Christopher West as my guest on the Bridegroom Speaks podcast. Our conversation was so inspiring. If you are unfamiliar with the work of Christopher West, you can learn more at the following links:YouTube Channel - @TheologyoftheBodyInstitute | https://tobinstitute.org/Encounter the love of Christ the Bridegroom and learn more about God's divine love song, the Song of Songs, at Hopesgarden.comHope's Garden | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Questions answered this episode: 1. I recently gave birth to our first baby. My plan going in was to have a natural, unmedicated birth. There's something beautiful, especially from a Catholic perspective, about the pain of childbirth that brings new life into the world, a reflection of Christ's suffering on the cross. Many of my Catholic friends have had this type of birth, and I came across a lot of women on social media who advocate for this type of birth, saying, "Your body was made for this." This was my plan, but of course, nothing goes according to plan, especially when it comes to labor. I ended up getting an epidural and going on Pitocin after a stalled 24-hour labor. I was really disappointed, and when I tell others about my labor and how I got an epidural, I feel a sense of shame and guilt that I took the easy way out, that I couldn't do it without medication, that I did something wrong in not allowing my body to birth on its own. Now I'm one of those moms who had a hospital medicated birth and not a natural birth. Can theology of the body help me come to terms with my medicated birth and see the beauty of my body and what it can do even in this type of birth? 2. If you read this, I am desperate. My wife is so hurt, and I do not know what to do because I'm the one who hurt her. Years of pornography use coming out, facing up to it. We're trying to heal, but I just don't know what to do. I don't know who to talk to about this in my real life. I'm incredibly angry with my parents for not helping me when I was younger. I'm angry with myself for not fessing up to it sooner and being afraid to face it. I stopped masturbation years ago, but it was only more recently that I truly began to be honest with my wife about what was going on in the past. And the hurt is so painful. We have a 2-year-old and another on the way. Please pray for our family. Bless you. 3. My sister purchased your TOB intro video series and has since facilitated the course, bringing it to over 100 people. I've started reading all about John Paul II. He's amazing, and we'd both love to learn theology of the body in more depth and continue to spread it to others. I purchased a few TOB books to circulate among friends. However, it's quite pricey to buy books and to seek studying TOB courses ourselves. So I'm wondering whether you ever have sponsorship available for study or discounts for buying bulk resources such as books. I'm especially thinking about my sister as she's very intelligent and passionate about TOB, as well as being a gifted coordinator. I think she's seriously considering and praying about getting involved in TOB ministry for the future. This year she'll be busy completing her theology bachelor's degree. I know she'd love to hear if you have any advice on where she should complete future study, or if there are any courses which are on the cheaper side of things she could fundraise for. If nothing else, be encouraged by the ripple effects of your ministry. God's brought it all the way to us in New Zealand, and a large group of Protestants and cradle Catholics are captivated by the beauty of TOB, catalyzing them to seek out the Catholic faith with a genuine excitement to know the good news. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Dr. Christopher West of the Theology of the Body Institute joins Laura in this special episode of The Bridegroom Speaks podcast. Christopher and Laura discuss the nuptial mystery veiled in the liturgy of the Holy Mass. Join us for this Holy Spirit inspired conversation! Learn more about St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body at https://tobinstitute.org/And encounter the healing love of Christ the Bridegroom at https://hopesgarden.com/

Questions answered this episode: 1. I'm a woman in my 40's and I've found it difficult to get in the mood with my husband unless I create fantasies in my head. These fantasies are usually of sexual situations I create that don't involve my husband or in many cases even me. I'll picture two nameless people in an intimate act. Sometimes one party is using another party or the other party is cheating on his wife with a beautiful young woman. Before I was serious about my faith I had looked at porn although it was rare, and my sexual history was not good; multiple parters out of wedlock, using and being used, contraception, and other things. I hate that I have these fantasies because I want the union with my husband to be holy. However, either I create the fantasies to get in the mood or if I push those fantasies away I find sex boring and just another item on my to do list. I don't know what I'm supposed to think about when in the marital embrace. I feel like my mind has been so warped by the culture that it is hard to move forward. Can you help my mind and these fantasies during the marital embrace? What should I be thinking about? 2. I've heard you say that it's important not to stop at the window. Meaning not to let the icons in our lives become idols where we expect from them what only God can be for us. I love the emphasis on finding windows to the divine in our life and how many of these can lead us towards rather than detract us from our relationship with God. How can this be applied on a practical day to day basis? 3. For most of my life I've had a warped view of the natural experience of erections. I've been told that it's meant to be immediately relieved, that it's meant to be pleasurable, but most of all that it's shameful and dirty. As I've gotten deep into my faith and discovered TOB I've wrestled with what new redeemed definition this experience could have. Could it be that this rising of my body could be the desire of my heart and soul to rise to the occasion of loving well and the desire to physically give myself to someone else? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: 1. My husband and I have been married for almost 3 years. Shortly after we got married, my husband became verbally and physically abusive. There's such a disconnected between his professed love for me and the lived reality of our marriage. As his abusive behavior has continued, I've found myself walling off my heart more and more. Intellectually I know that a covenantal relationship with God is different and I need to remain open but it feels like my heart has stopped believing it. Many days I feel like if marriage reflects how God loves us then I'm sick of “being loved”. How can I stay open to the beautiful promises of the eternal wedding feast when its early foretaste is ugly and painful? 2. Recently I was in confession and I said that at times I am “lustful”. The priest asked me to be more specific and as a woman I felt very uncomfortable being more specific. After confession I was reflecting on it more and realized maybe I do need to be more specific so the priest understands what exactly I'm confessing. Typically how I feel when I engage in this sin is when I see an attractive man that's not my husband, I may find myself aroused by him and let myself entertain the idea of him to much. Also at times I see my intentions for coming together with my husband are not fully pure and there might be some selfish, lustful desires there. Many times I stop myself and do not suggest coming together with my husband to avoid using him. Is there a more concise yet specific way of confessing these sins without giving all these details? Is there a name for these sins? I want to be accountable but understand that priests are fallen men too and I want to be prudent especially because I'm a young woman. 3. What would your advice be for two catholics with same sex attraction who want to adhere to the teachings of the Church who believe it is their vocation to be life partners romantically but not sexually? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: 1. In the state of original innocence did Adam & Eve experience bodily functions like defecation and urination? If so, how would these have aligned with their original harmony and the perfection of creation. Sometimes these functions are uncomfortable or even painful. 2. For almost a year now I've been in a beautiful catholic relationship. We both love God and our faith and want to follow the Church's teaching in our relationship. We're discerning marriage at the moment and we're navigating through the obstacles. I'm 21 now and since I was 13 I've had endometriosis with heavy symptoms. I've tried many treatments over the years with little success. One year ago, after a lot of inner battles I started taking a birth control pill. Since them I'm almost symptom free. If we were to get married in the next year, it wouldn't be responsible for us to have children right away because we're both still in college for at least 2 and a half years. If I would stop taking the pill and start NFP that would mean a lot of pain and a great burden for my daily life. I'm extremely afraid of this scenario. Could you shed some light into this confusion? 3. I have a physical disability that prevents me from driving and being handy and limits my ability to provide physical protection. I hear so often about how women want men with these traits so they feel safe to express their femininity. I want to trust that God will help me find someone but I get discouraged thinking about how my disability limits me in fulfilling natural female desires. How should I make myself worthy of a kind, affectionate and loyal woman given my disability. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Christopher West is a renowned Catholic author, speaker, and theologian, widely recognized for his engaging presentations on St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. With a passion for making profound theological concepts accessible to modern audiences, Christopher has spent over two decades inspiring individuals to discover the beauty of human love in God's divine plan. As the founder and president of the Theology of the Body Institute, he has written numerous bestselling books, including Fill These Hearts and Our Bodies Tell God's Story. Christopher's dynamic approach to faith, culture, and relationships has made him a sought-after guest for podcasts, conferences, and media appearances worldwide. Christopher's Links: https://theologyofthebody.com https://shop.corproject.com/collections/books/products/copy-of-fill-these-hearts-paperback Use Code: HEARTS

Questions answered this episode: 1. I'm 21, finishing up college soon and have been fighting for the past 6 years to overcome an addiction to porn and masturbation that started when I was first exposed to porn in 4th grade. The past 2 years have been especially tumultuous with lots of victory and defeat. However I believe God has been allowing these setbacks in order to purify me in numerous ways. Recently I started going on dates with a good friend of mine. As a result, I've noticed two particularly concerning things in myself. 1: I feel like I've resigned myself to the fact that God is the only one who would ever accept me. I can't imagine someone knowing everything about me and still loving me fully. I want to be loved by more than just God but I see that as a fantasy. 2: I feel like my battle with porn has left me needing physical therapy for my sexual desire. I feel like I've been so hard against lust that I've lost the ability to experience sexual desire purely. Do you have any recommendations on how to rehabilitate my sexual desire? 2. I'm a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health. I see prenatal and postpartum women, postmenopausal women, and men who also may suffer from pelvic pain or pelvic surgery. This is a wonderful profession which also opens a door to see a lot of suffering and life challenges. In my work I meet people from all walks of life and belief systems who are experiencing pain and sometimes trauma. Lately I've been asking myself how I can best help people when the help they want is not in keeping with my catholic faith. These are matters around sex, gender and all the values and teachings that come with these. How do I practice and stay true to my faith. Can I treat them according to their goals and tell myself is between them and God or am I complicit in their sin? 3. How can I learn to embrace my masculinity in a healthy way when sometimes I do not feel like a complete normal man since I only have 1 testicle. I've always felt a little shy and inadequate even though I've excelled in many areas of life. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: 1. I'm discerning marriage with a wonderful girl and I discovered a hurt in my heart that I wasn't fully conscious of. While growing up I was always scandalized and nauseated every time I perceived hypocrisy from others, especially in marriage celebrations. I knew that all the display of vanity that society prescribes is about appearance and virtue signaling to others. The spouses are expected to give some sort of public performance showing their great love story and fulfillment of personal projects. At the thought that I will have to live this I still get nauseated and angry. The whole process of preparing the celebration takes more than a year where I live. I wish I felt differently about it and I wish I could be a part of a community that lives and thinks differently about this. How can I heal? 2. A few months ago, I began to go to Confession every time I started my cycle but after attending the Marian Mystery Course, I wonder if there's more truth to that practice than I originally thought. Is there or could there be a connection between a woman's body going through a type of painful purification in order to receive her husband and conceive life to God's church being called to purify their souls in confession in order to receive God's gift of eternal life in the Eucharist. 3. I am a relationship therapist. I struggle when couples come to me regarding discrepancies in sex drive. Most often, the issue is that the man wants sex, the woman denies it and the man pouts and potentially becomes very upset. Do you have any thoughts about how I can help these couples? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: 1. I'm a mother of 5 living children. I've lost 2 daughters from miscarriage within the past year. My womb has become a tomb for 2 deeply desired little girls. I was unable to hold my baby girl after the first miscarriage, but my second loss occurred after 16 weeks. My body did not detect the loss and I was induced to deliver her at almost 20 weeks. She was perfectly formed and my husband and I were able to spend hours with her. A couple of days later when my milk came in, my own body was begging to give her what she needed. Death is the barrier between our bodies meeting each other's needs as baby and mama. In between her birth and burial there was a time where I was able to hold her and had the most profound experience with the Holy Spirit I've ever live. This experience allowed me to praise God at a moment where that's the least I wanted to do. My heart is torn out. Do you have any insight? 2. I'm struggling with a recurring issue: I'll come to know or get acquainted with some girl who I will develop a crush on. From there I'll start to dream about dating, marrying and creating a family with her. However this will usually give way to a sinking realization that not only will it very likely not come to pass but that she'll be gone very soon and I'll never see her again. I pray for these women hoping that in heaven I'll be reunited with them. Is there anything else you'd recommend in this situation? 3. It recently dawned on me that saying “that sucks” likely originated from a vulgar sexual act. I've been using these words and casual speech with all sorts of people. Lately, I've been thinking about speaking modestly and wondering wether using this phrase might be sinful. I understand it would be rude and uncharitable to tell someone they suck, but if someone's going through a tough time, can I in good conscience say to them “that sucks”? Is this an expression I should avoid saying? Could you shed some light on this topic? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: I'm a part of a pro-life non-profit organization. Even though my journey began in 2015, it was only recently that I discovered the potentially abortive nature of many contraceptives leading me to remove my IUD. I'm married to a good husband. Unfortunately, he believes society's message that even within marriage the responsible thing to do is to use contraception when not ready. He understands that contraception and IUDs are immoral because they can be abortive. When I told him that I want to eliminate all forms of contraception, he got mad at me and told me that I'm becoming an extremist. I'm a victim of sexual abuse as a child and as a young adult. I know I'm called to marriage but I worry that when I do get there I will be less of a gift to my bride and that the marital embrace will not be what it should be due to the innocence that was taken from me. What advice do you have for me as a man to face this with Mary and continue to open myself to Jesus' redemption when I feel almost unredeemable? I got married 3 years ago and we have a little boy. I became pregnant soon after we were married and while the pregnancy wasn't incredibly difficult, it did have its challenges. Because of this, I fear looking back that my husband and I didn't learn to communicate or how to love each other well physically. Going into marriage, I believe that it was right to make love when the woman wasn't fully ready, and I certainly never was during pregnancy. However, after giving birth, it became extremely difficult and almost traumatic. And it became nearly impossible to come together. I actually felt terrible sadness, resentment and anger. I have overcome much of this but I still feel hurt form those years. For women who dread making love or don't enjoy it, how can a husband and wife help each other understand the other and approach this problem lovingly? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Avec Béatrice Bergeras Conseil de lecture : "Bonne nouvelle sur le sexe et le mariage " de Christopher West aux éditions de l'Emmanuel - le livre de Karim Woltyla “Amour et en responsabilité” aux Éditions Stock - le livre de JPII “Homme et Femme Il le créa” aux Éditions du Cerf Et les n0 d'écoute des associations suivantes - ivg.net (attention pas info.ivg qui se superpose) c'est pourquoi je donne le n0 plutôt que le site : 0800 802 805 ou le 06 61 44 51 35 - Mère de Miséricorde https://www.sosbebe.org/dossiers/services-decoute/le-service-decoute-de-sos-bebe/ Et le pèlerinage à Cotignac Notre-Dame de Cotignac, pour les enfants non-nés pelerinagesdefrance.fr

Questions answered this episode: How are men supposed to understand this sudden obsession with p*nis size and measurements? How can one deal with the shame society places on certain male body parts? I've been in a relationship with my partner for just over a year now. I'm a Catholic and he is not. He is open and respectful even though he expressed he would wait for me until marriage. I ultimately decided that somehow I was okay with engaging in non-marital sexual relations with him. I realized I had fallen and went to confession. Since then, I've been listening to your podcast and others in TOB and now I'm confident that my love for him supersedes any immediate desire for sex. I want marriage to be our expression of dedication and openness to the responsibilities that come with that union and only there is where our bodies truly reflect that covenant. While my partner sees that non-marital relations are a way in which he can express his love, he's once again willing to wait until marriage but the reality is that I'm having a hard time explaining why marriage is the only place where I want to express that. Do you have any advice? What should I do with my strong desires to know the saints when I feel like I'll never grasp their wisdom in this life? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Many of us struggle with body image. Our bodies matter and we are called to care for them—but how do we do that without obsessing? What does it look like to steward our bodies? This week, I'm re-airing an interview about these questions with Lainey Greer. Lainey uses her unique background of exercise science and systematic theology to equip Christians with a biblical view of the body. We talk about the big picture of stewarding our health and what that looks like practically.  Show Notes: Lainey's website: https://laineygreer.com/  Forsaken Body Podcast  Be Well: Learning to Steward Your Health by Dr. Lainey Greer  Lainey's curriculum – Understand Healthy  Our Bodies Tell God's Story: Discovering the Divine Plan for Love, Sex, and Gender by Christopher West  Purdue study on obesity among religious  Providence by John Piper  The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges  The Strong Women podcast exists to display the beautifully diverse ways God invites and equips women to participate in His story. Strong Women is a listener-funded program from the Colson Center that is only available for free because it has already been paid for by hundreds of listeners like you. To join the community of women who make this program possible, visit colsoncenter.org/swmonthly today.  The Strong Women Podcast is a product of the Colson Center, which equips Christians to live out their faith with clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Through commentaries, podcasts, videos, and more, we help Christians better understand what's happening in the world, and champion what is true and good wherever God has called them.  Learn more about the Colson Center here: https://www.colsoncenter.org/    Visit our website and sign up for our email list so that you can stay up to date on what we are doing here and also receive our monthly book list: https://www.colsoncenter.org/strong-women   Join Strong Women on Social Media:    https://www.facebook.com/StrongWomenCC   https://www.facebook.com/groups/strongwomencommunitycc/   https://www.instagram.com/strongwomencc/ 

Questions answered this episode: 1. How can Catholics and students of TOB help bridge the gap when protestants and Catholics read a different set of books of the Bible? 2. My fiancé & I had some intense experiences as teenagers. I was rped as a child and that broke me so much that I was consuming prn from a very young age and had an active and uncontrolled sx life. I felt particularly alone in this matter because growing up all I ever heard was that prn was a boys problem. It took me 10 years to talk about these issues with my parents. My parents never shared with us what their battles and failures were before they became our parents. They seemed to perfect for me to be vulnerable. My fiancé was on drugs as a teen. He recently spoke with his parents about that issue and shared that he could resonate with my experience. Should we in the future as parents open up our past with our sons and daughters? Should we be that open? Could it turn against us? 3. Wendy shares a story Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: I strive for holiness and go to daily Mass & Rosary but from past wounds I've realized that my wounded interior girl longs to be loved, recognized & accepted by men. For this reason I tend to love men much younger than me. I also have disordered feelings and thoughts toward men that strive for holiness like priests & seminarians. I feel ashamed and reject myself for feeling this. How can I deal with these feelings and passions and accept myself in my brokenness? In your podcast you said that the union between man and woman in this life is a sign pointing to the union of people & God in the next and when we get to heaven we will no longer need the sign. This makes sense but at the same time, does that mean that marriage has no objective value in itself? If I get married, am I supposed to say to my wife that our relationship is only a means for me to become closer to God or only a sign towards something else? If I really fall in love with someone and marry her, how could I wish to stop being married after I die? If people only get married because we view it as a temporary part of our journey to heaven then it seems like we're using the other person instead of valuing them for their own sake but if we value the person for their own sake and not just for the religious significance then wouldn't we want to still be together in heaven? Could you share some TOB light on 1 Corinthians 11:9 and the verses surrounding it. What does it mean that the woman was created for the man and not the other way around? As a newly married woman, how can this speak to how I view my role as a wife? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: 1. Did John Paul II identify the 4 ruptures? 2. My husband and I have been married for over 35 years. We've been through very difficult challenges in our married life and my body is not capable of intercourse. It's been 5 years since our last union. Why do I feel shame about myself and my inability to give what I don't have? What does the Bible mean with the words “give himself up for her” from Ephesians 5? 3. I'm a 27 yo man who has never been in a romantic relationship. What bothers me is that I've never had a desire to be in a relationship. Seems like this lack of desire for a relationship partly stems from selfishness. How can I work towards becoming less selfish and truly seek the good that can be found in union with another person? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

The natural world is so well designed, math can prove it.  __________ Register for the upcoming Understanding our Identity: A Theology of the Body webinar featuring Dr. Christopher West, Founder and President of Theology of the Body Institute at colsoncenter.org/identity. 

Questions answered this episode:
 1. How do unbaptized people fit into the body of Christ? 2. My husband and I are new Catholics. We both have a past in regards to sexual sin. While dating we frequently had to stop ourselves in times of passion and it seemed like he was always aroused when we were together. Then we got married and all of that went away. He never wanted to have sex in the earlier part of our marriage while I did. Two and a half years later, we have significantly decreased the frequency of our union. How can we seek healing and move forward and grow closer together in this? 3. I'm constantly worried about looking lustfully. I want to be able to appreciate sexual beauty as you describe in one of your YouTube videos but I'm afraid that opening myself to that can lead to lust. Could you explain these topics deeper?

The Supreme Court heard attorneys debate a Tennessee law that prohibits puberty blockers and cross sex hormones for children. Notre Dame is reopening after being heavily damaged by a fire in 2019. And the UK House of Commons votes to legalize doctor assisted suicide. __________ Recommendations Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Understanding our Identity: A Theology of the Body webinar The Identity Project Segment 1 - Transgender Arguments at Supreme Court United States v. Skrmetti Breakpoint: Why We Need to Read the Cass Report on Gender Ideology Segment 2 - The Rebuilding of Notre Dame CNN: Notre Dame will soon reopen. Here's what you need to know Breakpoint: The Meaning of the Cathedral Colson Fellows Program Segment 3 - Euthanasia in the UK New York Times: British Lawmakers Voted to Legalize Assisted Dying Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis __________ Register for the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsonconference.org.  Register for the upcoming free webinar Understanding our Identity: A Theology of the Body featuring Dr. Christopher West, Founder and President of Theology of the Body Institute at colsoncenter.org/identity. 

Why Jesus taking on flesh matters.  Don't miss the upcoming webinar, “Understanding Our Identity: A Theology of the Body” featuring theologian and author Christopher West. The webinar will take place on December 10 at 7PM. You can save your seat by signing up at colsoncenter.org/identity.  __________ Strengthen the Church to move the world in 2025 by giving today at colsoncenter.org/december. 

Why it matters that the mind and soul are more than mere products of the brain.  __________ Register for the upcoming Identity Project webinar featuring Dr. Christopher West at colsoncenter.org/identity. 

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”What if the very foundation of your marriage could be shaken by a single decision? Join us as we share our personal journey through the complexities of marriage, family, and faith, particularly the unanticipated effects of choosing contraception. With insights from Linda on the cultural shifts of the early 1970s, we examine how these changes have molded current perceptions of love and commitment within the Catholic Church. Discover how seemingly private choices can ripple out to affect intimacy and stability in profound ways.Our conversation takes a deep dive into the sacred nature of marital love, drawing from the wisdom of renowned figures like Dr. Janet Smith and John Paul II. We explore how the sexual revolution and contemporary challenges like pornography have redefined societal views on gender roles and marital unity. With contributions from educators like Christopher West, we aim to demystify complex theological concepts, reaffirming marriage as a sacramental sign that shapes our identities at both personal and familial levels.Reference: Audience #103 "Man and Woman He Created Them" St. Pope John Paul (The Video-Podcast of this Episode is available on Rumble. For past episodes on Video visit our Rumble Channel and don't forget to subscribe!)Follow us and watch on X: John Paul II Renewal @JP2RenewalOn Rumble: JohnPaulIIRCCatch up with the latest on our website: jp2renew.org and Sign up for our Newsletter!!  Contact Jack: info@jp2renew.orgRead Jack's Blog substack.com/@jackrigert  Support the show

Questions answered this episode: I've been fighting the good fight for chastity and I was managing well but it's become much more difficult now that I have a girlfriend. Do you recommend I break up with her? If we are freed from original sin at our baptism, why do we still experience labor pains? What is the role of beauty in the life of a Christian? How can beauty help me deepen my relationship with God? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: I'm familiar with what the TOB teaches about the marital embrace and the mutual self giving that occurs there. It's difficult to understand this in my heart. Prior to marriage I experienced multiple episodes of sexual abuse. I engage in relations with my husband to be a gift to him. I know it is important to love him in that way. However, in my heart it doesn't feel like a gift to me. It's only a reminder of how my body has been used by other people. When people talk about this being a pleasurable experience, their words sound non-sensical to me. Then I feel guilt and shame because I don't experience these as I “should”. Do you have any advice? If a woman is dressed inappropriately, shouldn't I look away? In the union in one flesh, should the man because of what he represents always be focusing on making his wife feel loved or is it okay sometimes to focus on receiving? Would that distort the sign he's called to represent? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: I'm a 21 year old college student. I'm struggling to make peace with my girlfriend's sexual past. I've experienced healing but remain very wounded. My girlfriend repents of her past but has also lied to me about some of the details she has shared. Some of those details I find deeply troubling. On the one hand, I understand we should show mercy, embrace the wounds of those we love and remind them that they are not defined by their mistakes. On the other hand, I can't help but feel disgusted. I'm invaded with thoughts of her past actions and I feel no desire for her any more. I want to love her well but I can't seem to overcome this. Do you have any advice? I'm 48 and in the world of dating after divorce and annulment. While I know that life & pregnancy is the purpose of the marital embrace, at my age it is unlikely to happen. How do I convey that to someone who is likely thinking that at our age the act is purely for pleasure. Is it enough for a spouse to just “respect me in the bedroom”? How do you pray for your favorite musicians? How can heaven be heaven if there's a possibility of my favorite musicians not being there? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

My girlfriend and I have been dating for almost 2 years now. She's in her second year of medical school. We both desire a chaste relationship. We both have a good understanding of the TOB but also fail to live it at times. Now that we've started to talk about marriage, sometimes she feels like she's ready but there are also times when she shares that she thinks she doesn't want to have children and to get married. Do you have any insights? I've been married for 19 years. My husband and I have four children. We attended a healing program after an affair 12 years ago and I had a tubal ligation after my fourth C-section when I was told it would be "unsafe" to have any more children. The Lord has been working in my life and my husband's over the past few years. I've been pursuing a tubal reversal but he is not in agreement. He will l not tell me no to do it because he says it is my body and doesn't want me to resent him. He is resistant and is comfortable with contraception. Do I continue to move forward with the reversal without his support? I'm currently going through a conversion process. I realize that I committed many sins in the past and I've made decisions to let go of certain things in my life. There's one thing, though, that keeps causing me anxiety every day. I'm in a committed relationship with my boyfriend and we've been together for three years and living together for 1 year. We're talking about marriage, but it won't happen anytime soon. He's not going through the same conversion process as me and is very skeptical towards the Church. Ironically, it has been his love and godly values that have drawn me closer to Jesus. He is a christian, but doesn't believe in the laws and so on. I'm scared of asking him for us to not have sex until we get married. I fear this will push him away from me and from our faith. I don't want to put our relationship on the line because I feel deep down that we were put together by God's will but I also don't want to keep sinning by having sex when I also know that that offends God.

Questions answered this episode: What role does lingerie have in the intimate union of man & wife? Can it be a beautiful & holy part of the marital embrace? If so, how? My wife and I have had our first baby recently and along with that blessing there have been some difficult changes for our early 20's. My wife is struggling with body image issues. Unfortunately she has severe stretch marks across her abdomen as a result of the pregnancy. Acquaintances have made her feel bad about herself. She expresses concerns that I might find her ugly but I do my best to assure her that this is not the case. My love and affection for her has only grown seeing her become a mother. How can I help her see the beauty of God's plan in all of this? What exactly do you mean when you say that intimacy within marriage is a reflection of God's love? Does God want to have intimacy with us but spiritually instead of physically? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

Questions answered this episode: My fiancé shared more with me about his past and surprisingly I was calm and received him with mercy. I'm not sure if it was the initial shock of hearing him share these vulnerable moments of his past or because I had previously wondered and assumed there was some sexual brokenness there. I thank God for my response and hope that my fiancé seeing me receive him with mercy brings more healing. I know in the past when he shared difficult things with me I initially felt calm but would later experience so much pain wondering about his previous relationships. How can we deal with these things in the future? We are protestants who are taking RCIA and learning about Catholicism. We're reading your book “Good News About Sex & Marriage” and I was wondering if you could explain how Church authority & moral teaching relate to what is found in Scripture. Does the Church get its moral teaching from the Bible? I am a health scientist student. I struggled with porn & lustful thoughts. In this upcoming semester there are units on female health. This would include topics regarding the female breasts and genitals. I'm worried that my past will come back during these units. Would it be responsible for me to excuse myself during these units? I know that these images and videos are not intended to be pornographic, but is it possible that they would be pornographic for me? Is pornographic imagery relative to the viewer?

Questions answered this episode: Is there a particular theological significance of Eve being created from a rib out of Adam's side? My boyfriend enjoys watching videos & movies that fall into the comedy category, which is not my favorite genre. This is not something I enjoy. There are times when I find these movies painful to my heart because of the content they have. Am I just being too uptight? Should I try to be more open? A few years ago, before I was Catholic, I got to a place that was so dark that led me to have an affair. My marriage is in a stage of reconciliation. I have an amazing husband to walk this journey with me. How do I open myself up to him and be comfortable loving him with the same body that I used to hurt him so badly? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.