Ask Christopher West (Theology of the Body Institute)

How do I address a verbally abusive husband? What does the Church teach on the vocation of singlehood, both as a permanent and temporary state? Is it okay for a woman to wear a bikini? Christopher and Wendy share stories from their life together as they answer these questions and more. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. This week’s questions: Q1: How can I live out the TOB when my husband is very hostile to the Catholic faith and often abusive? Q2: What does the church teach on the vocation of singlehood? I have many friends of different ages who have discussions with me about a perceived vocation to be single for the rest of their life. I have heard a lot about consecrated single hood, but does there exist a vocation to being single without this? Q3: I read in Karol Wojtylas Love and Responsibility that an outfit can be modest if used with its intended function. I assume that this means its okay for a woman to wear a bikini to the beach or pool? I also saw a photo online of a woman online performing at the Vatican, wearing a bikini. Is this okay? Is it okay on a show, at the beach? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Catechism of the Catholic Church (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM) John Paul II's Familiaris Consortio (http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_19811122_familiaris-consortio.html) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Questions answered this episode: What are some examples redirecting our desire (eros) in everyday life? Is there anything inherently wrong with sleeping in the same bed as a long distance girlfriend when we visit each other? Is the near occasion of sin still a sin if I don’t end up sinning? Where is this quote by John Paul II from: “It is the duty of every man to uphold the dignity of every woman”? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: What does JPII mean when he talks about Ordinary Mysticism? What would your answer be to when people ask “are you done having kids?” Is there a preferred method when buying books from Catholic authors? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) Christopher’s Eating the Sunrise (https://shop.corproject.com/products/pre-order-eating-the-sunrise-meditations-on-the-liturgy-and-our-hunger-for-beauty-paperback) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: I’m engaged and looking forward to marriage but have struggled with body image and eating disorders. How can I prepare myself mentally, emotionally and/or physically for the marital embrace? How can I love my body more so that I can let my fiancé love it too? What does the Church say about medical infertility? Do you have any resources available to teach Theology of the Body for 7th graders? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Awaken Parish Program (https://www.tobparish.com/) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

If no one is given or received in marriage in heaven, what will be the primary purpose of our bodies? My husband and I were married outside the church, and are seeking an annulment for his previous marriage. We are currently living as brother and sister. Do you have any advice for how best to handle this situation? What's the difference between letting unruly desires die and repression of desire? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. If you love the podcast, become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com) of Theology of the Body Institute. This week’s questions: Q1: At the resurrection we will be reunited with our bodies, but no one will be given or received in marriage. What, then, will be the primary purpose of our bodies? How will we use our bodies to give and receive love? Q2: My husband and I have been married for 5 years, together about 11. He was previously married, and has two children. I have one daughter, who I had out of wedlock. I was baptized Catholic, but didn't embrace the faith until last year when I had a conversion experience. My husband and I were not married in the Church, and he has no religion. Through this conversion experience (it was through the Cursillo movement), I understood more deeply that I was living out of the state of grace. We began the process of having his previous marriage dissolved, and I've been under the advisement of a priest. He made it clear to me that I do have a choice that allows me to follow God's will - live as brother and sister. After much prayer, I decided I wanted to do that. However, it seemed wrong to make that decision without my husband, and when I brought it to him about two months ago, we was not open to it. Mostly, it seemed, because it angered him that: 1) I agreed with the Church's stance that our marriage was invalid, and 2) That the Church was "withholding" the sacraments from me which was causing me to be upset. Now, though, after more discerning, I've decided to move forward with living as brother and sister, even if my husband is angry about it. Do you have any advice for me on moving forward with this decision? Any words of wisdom on how to address this with my husband? Could you recommend any Bible passages to guide me? And is it really necessary to sleep in separate beds? Q3: What's the difference between letting unruly desires die and repression of desire? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: The Good News About Sex and Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and have been unable to conceive. I've been suggested to take a drug that induces ovulation, but this drug may cause cancer. Am I morally bound to use this medical treatment? How do you deal with the far right movement in the Church? I have feelings for a man and I can't think of him without getting aroused, which makes me feel bad. How can I learn to think of him without these sensual affections? 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. Get 3 FREE sessions (https://www.tobforfree.com) of our flagship course on Theology of the Body! Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Is there something wrong with me if I'm in my twenties and haven't ever dated? Is it possible to live chastely as a same sex couple? What advice do you have for creating a prayerful and reverent wedding night? 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. Get 3 FREE sessions (https://www.tobforfree.com) of our flagship course on Theology of the Body! Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Desert Stream Ministries (https://www.desertstream.org) View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) Click here if you’d like to make a gift to the St. John Paul II Legacy Foundation (https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZN01/campaign/C-15133) Love & Responsibility YouTube Series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAbqXQaOvkM4UxMiREWkgYmY-PHTEnRtn) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How do I train my mind, heart, and body to gravitate towards good eros when I'm always fearing the near occasion of sin? What is a just reason for avoiding a baby? How can I really SEE people? 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. REGISTER for FREE (https://www.revealedexperience.com) for Revealed: Become What You Are (May 13-15, 2022) Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: Can a wife bless her husband? My husband doesn’t understand the huge life change that motherhood has been for me. How can I prevent our difference in parenthood roles from affecting our relationship? I’m a Catholic young adult whom recently dated an Anglican. I enjoyed our time together but decided to not formalize the relationship. I’m uncertain if my decision was based on selfishness or prudence. Do you have any advice? 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. Get 3 FREE sessions (https://www.tobforfree.com) of our flagship course on Theology of the Body! Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: TOB 1: Head & Heart Immersion Course Online (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/OnlineTOB1October2023) Sexual Integration & Redemption Course (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/SexualIntegrationandRedemptionJan2024) View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West Join Christopher, Fr. David Stavarz and the TOBI Team for our Holy Land pilgrimage Sept 3-13, 2024! Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Why in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination are sinful. How to overcome fears of sexual intimacy. Where to find an integrated understanding of chastity. 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Patron Question: I’ve been thinking about infertility. I know the Church teaches that some ways of achieving a pregnancy like sperm or egg donors are sinful, but I don’t fully understand why. Question 2: Dear Christopher and Wendy, I’ve just discovered your podcast and all your work. I have so much to learn and know that God wants to enlighten so many things for me, but I’ve never had a boyfriend. Now that I’m 24 and I am looking to see if God wants me to get married , I do get scared at the thought of sex. Sadly, I grew up thinking that sex was a forbidden thing, and I find myself afraid thinking about my wedding night. I know it’s a gift and it’s a donation, but I can’t help being afraid. I don’t know the male body and feel so insecure in so many ways. I have the desire to fulfill my vocation and mission as a woman to give my life and to bring to the world children that may love God above everything, but I’m so human and afraid. What should I do to prepare myself in this time, to heal from these thoughts even while I’m still single? Qestion 3: Hi. I am an occupational therapist, and a health/life coach who wants to help people with mental health issues to be more integrated in their bodies and with God. I am looking for a more thorough understanding of integration and chastity. What do you recommend? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Register (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com) for the 2nd Annual Theology of the Body Virtual Conference! (April 30-May 2, 2021) Register (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) for online or in-person courses with the Theology of the Body Institute! Theology of the Body for Beginners (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/theology-of-the-body-for-beginners) Good News about Sex & Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II’s Love and Responsibility (https://www.amazon.com/Men-Women-Mystery-Love-Responsibility/dp/1632530805/ref=sr_1_2?) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How can I best love my husband while holding up appropriate boundaries when he acts abusively, out of pain and suffering? Did God create men to be more susceptible to sexual sin? How can my husband and I grow in love for one another during our struggle with infertility? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join us on PILGRIMAGE (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/pilgrimage) to Fatima (August 26-September 4, 2022) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

This episode contains subject matter of an intimate marital nature. How do I deal with post-graduation life outside the "Catholic bubble"? Do you have any advice for a couple struggling to bring the wife to climax during intercourse? Or for a couple in their later years, dealing with erectile dysfunction? Christopher and Wendy dive into these questions, sharing from their own experience. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. This week’s questions: Q1: I am graduating from a Catholic college, and preparing to go out into the world. What advice do you have for students who may be leaving the "Catholic bubble"? Q2: My husband and I have had difficulty with bringing me to climax during sexual intercourse. How do I maintain an "other-centric" perspective on marital intimacy while dealing so closely with my own experience of the sexual act? Q3: My husband and I have been married for 31 years. Recently, we have experienced erectile dysfunction, and have determined that we don't want to use a medication to address the issue. Do you have any advice on this situation? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Amoris Laetitia (https://w2.vatican.va/content/dam/francesco/pdf/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia_en.pdf) - Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis Holy Sex by Greg and Lisa Popcak (https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Sex-Toe-Curling-Mind-Blowing-Infallible/dp/0824524713) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

As a man, how can I heal from past wounds and learn to become a gift? Why is it sinful to separate marital intimacy from procreation (i.e. contraception, IVF, etc.)? Having been sexually abused as a child, how can God heal me and prepare me for marriage? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Learn more about our Lenten Virtual Retreat (https://www.tobpatron.com/virtual-retreat?r_done=1) GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) YouTube: GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAbqXQaOvkM4Q01szl54g7Sj9mJ8bfKf0) View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

I tend to get bored in my relationships with the opposite sex but I'm scared to death of being alone for the rest of my life. . . do you have any advice? Are strict codes of modesty always linked with puritanism? Is it wrong for me to imagine that I am taking care of the Christ child when I care for my children? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Check out the Theology of the Body Institute on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Why is gender diversity in the work force important from a TOB perspective? I just saw a trailer for TLC's new show, "My Pregnant Husband." I don't even know how to process this; what are your thoughts? Do you have any advice for new parents on raising strong, Catholic men? 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. Access the 2020 Theology of the Body Virtual Conference with a Premium Pass (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/Premium-pass)! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: Why is gender diversity in the work force important from a TOB perspective? Q2: TLC has launched a new show called "My Pregnant Husband". I've only seen the trailer for the show (will not be watching the show). Heart wrenching....I don't even know how to process this. What are your thoughts? Can you please help me process this? I am just absolutely at a loss......sickened, saddened, heart broken, and even angry.... Q3: Do you have any advice for new parents on raising strong, Catholic men? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Register for the TOB Virtual Congress! (https://www.tobcongress.com) Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 TOB1 Online (https://the.theologyofthebody.com/tob1-nov2020) Nov. 2-13 Made for More Livestream! (https://www.madeformoreevent.com) Oct 16th, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM EDT Eastern Icon of the Resurrection (https://www.orthodoxmonasteryicons.com/products/resurrection-icon-ssc-2) Good News about Sex & Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage?_pos=1&_sid=91fcdd3d1&_ss=r) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Is it enough that we desire marriage and feel the Lord calling us, or should we wait to receive some explicit confirmation? It's hard for me to believe that Mary gave birth without pain while Jesus consumated his marriage with us in pain. What do you think about this? How can a bear a sexless marriage as a wife with love and joy? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! HEAVEN'S SONG: SEXUAL LOVE AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE (https://shop.corproject.com/products/heaven-s-song-sexual-love-as-it-was-meant-to-be?_pos=2&_sid=8a005f426&_ss=r) by Christopher West Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Click here if you’d like to make a gift to the St. John Paul II Legacy Foundation (https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZN01/campaign/C-15133) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Is it okay for women to wear jeans? Why do men look at pornography? What is the key difference between Catholicism and Protestantism? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: I saw a post on instagram that according to the catholic tradition, women aren't meant to wear trousers simply because it's masculine and should only be wearing feminine clothes like skirts and dresses. It said that because of modernism people have embraced such clothing calling it unisex clothes like jeans, and when women wear them, it is suggestive even if it was meant to be modest. Could you comment on this? Q2: My husband says that he can't relate to pornography as a false means to seek intimacy because for him it was only voyeurism. What does a man seek in pornography, or looking at women in Sports Illustrated? Can my husband be right? Q3: What is the key difference between Catholicism and Protestantism? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: 2020 TOB Congress (https://www.tobcongress.com) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org. Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

What do you recommend for teaching middle school students about the Catholic stance on modern gender issues? Do you have any advice or resources for healing mother wounds? How do you ensure purity of desire when, in giving physical affection, you are also receiveing physical affection? 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. Get access (https://www.revealedexperience.com/premium-in-person-experience1645129011401) to the Revealed Experience Weekend with a PREMIUM PASS. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Person and Identity (https://personandidentity.com) Jason Evert's Gender Resource list (https://chastity.com/gender/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Can a woman morally learn to pole dance if her intentions are good? When is using NFP to avoid pregnancy licit, and when is it being used with a contraceptive attitude? How is the body the only thing capable of making visible what is invisible? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Patron Question: There is a documentary that was recently added to Netflix called, "Strip Down, Rise Up." I have not seen it, but from the description and the reviews I have read, it is about a group of women who take an intensive class on pole dancing to "reclaim their sexuality" and to help them use their bodies as an art form to heal from wounds of their past that are related to their bodies and minds. Can a woman morally learn to pole dance if her intentions are good? Question 2: When is using NFP to avoid pregnancy licit, and when is it being used with a contraceptive attitude? It seems there is no clear answer. Some Catholics say it must be a grave situation (such as losing your job, or medical reason), while some say it's fine to use NFP to avoid pregnancy for the first few years of marriage to enjoy your time together before having kids, or simply to space children out to the ideal 2-3 years. I imagine the answer is somewhere in the middle, but where exactly do we draw the line? Qestion 3: I don't understand the thesis statement of Theology of the Body. How is the body the only thing capable of making visible what is invisible? Christopher always talks about how other things (i.e. a Cinnabon, a good beer) are sacraments of invisible realities, or foretastes of the beatific vision. Can you please explain how the body is the only thing capable of making visible invisible divine realities? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: How do we reorient what we find gross about the bodily functions? What is masturbation? As a pre-engaged couple, how do we heal from our sexual past? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: John Paul II Healing Center (https://jpiihealingcenter.org/) Desert Stream Ministries (https://www.desertstream.org/) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

What does TOB inform about why throwing up is so horrible? Is it sinful to seek arousal within marriage outside of the marital embrace? Am I in the wrong for being hurt by my boyfriends past sexual relationship if he didn't know any better? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: I have a hard time trying to determine if the way I look at women is sinful or not. Do you have any advice? Is there any difference between touching different parts of my body and masturbation? I don’t understand why the latter is sinful while the former is perfectly acceptable. Did you struggle with perfectionism when practicing NFP? Is the way I see NFP a contraceptive mentality? How can I feel more confident and not scared about the pleasure I’ll feel in marriage? 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. Get 3 FREE sessions (https://www.tobforfree.com) of our flagship course on Theology of the Body! Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Eating The Sunrise Book (www.eatingthesunrise.com) Love Is Patient But I'm Not Book (https://shop.corproject.com/products/love-is-patient-but-i-m-not-confessions-of-a-recovering-perfectionist) Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West Join Christopher, Fr. David Stavarz and the TOBI Team for our Holy Land pilgrimage Sept 3-13, 2024! Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Can you give some encouragement and advice for men like me trying their best to practice chastity to not fall into self disgust and feelings of uselessness? Are women inherently more integrated than men? What advice can you give to those of us trying to have holy marriages but are really struggling with our own spouse 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and receive ongoing formation? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Q1: I have really felt God speaking to me through this podcast and it has been such a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. I am 24 years old and am currently in a serious relationship. My girlfriend is amazing. We’ve been making our way through Love and Responsibility together and I’ve been struggling not to fall into self disgust for myself as a man. I have been growing in chastity over this past year and it has been such a journey that I can only thank God for the Grace He has given me. But I’ve found myself doubting the purpose of the male body. Women seem to have an easier time controlling their thoughts and bodies when it comes to physical desire and sensuality. As a man, it has always been hard. I still get thoughts which I try not to entertain. Is there a purpose to these? Can you give some encouragement and advice for men like me trying their best to practice chastity to not fall into self disgust and feelings of uselessness? How can my sensual desires be a gift rather than just a hindrance? Q2: Could you explain this quote from Saint Edith Stein? "The relationship of soul and body is not completely similar in man and woman; with woman, the soul's union with the body is naturally more intimately emphasized... woman's soul is present and lives more intensely in all parts of the body, and it is inwardly affected by that which happens to the body." Q3: I love your marriage and the way the two of you interact and look at each other. What steps have you both taken to have the marriage you have today? What did you do when you were really struggling (individually and/or together)? What advice can you give to those of us trying to have holy marriages but are really struggling with our own spouse - maybe deep wounds from the past they don't address (and possibly don't want to address with you)? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Heaven's Song: Sexual Love as It Was Meant to Be (https://shop.corproject.com/products/heaven-s-song-sexual-love-as-it-was-meant-to-be?_pos=1&_sid=35c46dd93&_ss=r&variant=6386289410075) Discovering the Human Person: In Conversation with John Paul II (https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Human-Person-Conversation-John/dp/0802871542) The Cry of The Heart - YouTube Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYAUdLfLrTo) Theology of the Body Virtual Conference 2020 (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

What is the morality of embryo adoption? How do you overcome sexual sin in a dating relationship? Why does God permit the blessing of chidren to come from sinful acts? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Patron Question: Hi Christopher! Thank you so much for the work you do. As a young, Protestant, mother-of-two, I've learned so much from the resources you provide. It has deepened my faith as I have come to a better understanding of how I, as a Christian, am to live both body and soul together. My husband and I are looking for clarity in how to approach embryo adoption. We've noticed in our circles a trend in which a wife will feel passionately about embryo adoption and desire to help the babies that have been frozen as the result of IVF, but their husbands are not on board. Such has been our own case. My initial thought was that embryo adoption can be a way to alleviate the suffering that IVF has caused and since it is an adoption, the baby placed in the womb already belongs to the adoptive parents. My husband views this similarly to surrogacy since it separates pregnancy from the sexual act. It seems that the discomfort he and other men share is the idea that their wife would be pregnant with someone else's child. We have tried more than once to find succinct justification for embryo adoption that doesn't simplify it to an "ends justifies the means" argument, but have found nothing. It just grieves me to think that there might not be a solution for these babies that are in such a state of helplessness and abandonment. How can we think through this biblically? Question 2: Thank you for the light you have shared through your work – I’ve been fundamentally changed by your work. I am having a lot of trouble practicing chastity with my boyfriend. Both of us keep repeating sexual sins and confessing and doing it over and over again. We know the gravity of what we are doing and we debrief every time to try and work harder and do better as we discern our possible marriage to one another. I am asking for practical advice on how to really avoid non-marital sex and how to renew in hope after confession. I am always moved and healed by God’s forgiveness but I feel a sense of despair and hopelessness in our continued failure to respect each other’s bodies. I would also like to know if you have any advice for those struggling to persevere in prayer in moments of temptation, and any advice for how to continue practicing chastity in a relationship after failing so many times. Qestion 3: I know that the sins we commit come with consequences. Almost every sin I can think of has a negative consequence, but when it comes to fornication (well, obviously sometimes the consequences can be negative in terms of AIDS and other STDs) but sometimes God’s will is to give the couple who engaged in fornication a child, which I believe is always a blessing no matter the circumstances in which the child was conceived. Why do you think God would intend this, to bless people with children while all other sins have negative consequences? I can’t think of any other sin that has the possibility of giving us a blessing. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: TOBI COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) TOBI Event Calendar (https://tobinstitute.org/live-events/) Mike Mangione, director of events contact: events@tobinstitute.org Our Bodies Tells God's Story Book (https://shop.corproject.com/products/our-bodies-tell-gods-story-discovering-the-divine-plan-for-love-sex-and-gender-paperback) Wendy’s Story (https://moreenigma.com/2017/12/20/how-an-unborn-baby-saved-its-mothers-life/) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: I’ve always heard that as long as the sexual union ends in intercourse anything goes but I’ve never heard any guidance on what happens next and what could be considered masturbation in marriage. Do you have any guidance? Are boudoir photoshoots immoral? I’d like to go deeper into the topic of chastity. Which book would you recommend? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/)
The Man with 1000 Kids | Official Trailer | Netflix (https://youtu.be/pp5mWaRCqAc?si=tXaRuWno7UbRlRe3) Good News About Sex & Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: TOBI COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) Join ChristJP2 Trails (https://jp2trails.com/trip/utah-ski-retreat/) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://docs.google.com/document/d/11GI1XK7viPMV36eBBNjxoKqzCENSRVyR1IoLpX6lqrw/edit?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

If a married couple is able to have children of their own, is it morally wrong to adopt children instead? Is having had a hysterectomy an imprediment to marriage? Why is Natural Family Planning permitted by the Catholic Church but contraceptive birth control is not? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Patron Question: If a married couple is able to have children of their own, is it morally wrong to choose to adopt children instead? Question 2: Hi Christopher and Wendy, Years ago, I attended a Theology of the Body conference, and have recently discovered your podcast and love listening to you both! During your May 3rd podcast, in response to a sensitive question, you responded, in part, that, “The man’s seed only belongs in the garden.” This is where my sensitive question comes in. What if the woman no longer has her “garden?” Would it be an impediment to marriage if the wife no longer has her garden where her husband can plant his seed? Qestion 3: I am considering Catholicism from a Lutheran background but there is an issue that I have not been able to come to terms with as a young married mother of 3 children who are 3 and under. Why is Natural Family Planning allowed and not contraceptive birth control that does not abort? What is the difference other than a technicality? Both are being used to prevent life at that time; both are (somewhat) effective. It would be easier for me to swallow that there should be no family planning than, “NFP is fine but birth control is not.” Also, why in Theology of the Body do I keep hearing that sex is never separated from procreation? By nature, much of a woman’s cycle makes her not capable of procreating. Should we then only have sex during the fertile time? Help! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: *Our Sponsor: *We can't say enough about Rose Sweet (https://rosesweet.com) and her ministry! Be sure to learn more about her work by clicking the link. View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Why is the priestly vocation for men only? As a man, how do I determine whether I am looking at a woman's body in a way that is loving, not lustful? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. This week’s questions: Q1: From the lens of TOB, can you explain why the priesthood is a vocation for men only? Q2: As a man, how do I know if the reason/way I look at a beautiful woman is chaste or lustful? Is it wrong to look at “those parts” of the woman's body with a chaste and pure intention even though my body reacts the same or similar way? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: TOB Pilgrimage to Mexico City (http://corproject.pages.ontraport.net/tobpilgrimages) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

My wife and I spent many years living in a state of serious sexual sin. How do we deal with this now that we have decided to change our lives? As a young woman experiencing same-sex attraction, how am I meant to experience intimacy in life? What should I do when my boyfriend is not ready for marriage, but I very much am? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Love the podcast? Become a patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com) of the TOB Institute and help make it happen! This week’s questions: Q1: Dear Christopher, my brother in Christ Jesus, Praise the Lord! I am a Catholic from Hyderabad, India. We received very liberal teachings (in fact, doctrinally wrong teachings) on birth control, family planning, our sexual lives by our Church here and we've made such horrible mistakes in the bargain, because we got it all wrong. it is our fault. Both me and my beloved wife are ashamed of ourselves. I feel as if I can beg for mercy from the lord, all my life, but I will always carry this burden of guilt and sin. Shat I need to do to tame my body and keep it purified as the temple of the Holy Spirit? Q2: I am a same-sex attracted woman in my twenties. What level of intimacy can even exist for such a one as I? And what is the gift I can give to the one I’m drawn to unite with? In other words, what kind of intimate relationship is possible for same-sex attracted people? Q3: I’m struggling very much with being able tcome to terms with my boyfriend not being ready fir engagement and marriage quite yet. I feel. Like I’ve been ready to enter into this vocation, and he and I both want to be together, but for him, just not yet. How do I come to terms with this? Is it a sign that God doesn’t want us to be together because we’re not ready at the same time? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Eden Invitation (https://www.edeninvitation.com/) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Does Theology of the Body have anything to contribute to the image of placing prayer intentions in the womb of Mary? Should people always be actively seeking a vocation to marriage or religious life? How did you get healed from your sexual past and what should I do? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! John Paul II Healing Center (https://jpiihealingcenter.org) Restore the Glory Podcast with Christopher West (https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/episodes/42) Restore the Glory Podcast with Christopher West (Continued) (https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/episodes/43) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: Is there anything wrong with me for being attracted to someone only when she uses makeup? As a physician, is prescribing contraception a mortal sin? My husband thinks we should use NPF for the rest of our marriage but I long to continue having children. Do you have any thoughts? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: AWAKEN Parish Program (https://www.tobparish.com/) Paul VI Institute (https://popepaulvi.com/) Catholic Medical Association (https://www.cathmed.org/) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How does taking testosterone as a man differ from a woman taking hormonal birth control or a person who identifies as transgender using hormone injections to “transition” into the opposite sex? How are we to be selfless while maintaining our dignity as persons? Can you explain more about "the new ethos" mentioned in your book "Our Bodies Tell God's 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. Access the 2020 Theology of the Body Virtual Conference with a Premium Pass (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/Premium-pass)! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: My boyfriend just shared with me that he recently began taking testosterone injections. His reasons for wanting to take them include wanting an increase in energy, an improved mood, and to feel better overall physically. He assures me that it is safe, and his doctor has assured him it is safe as well. However, I can’t help but feel a bit off-put by his decision to take them, since his bloodwork indicated his testosterone levels were completely normal prior to the injections. He is only 25 years old, and in great shape physically. I feel that he does not need the injections. The thought keeps resounding in my mind that he is on steroids, and it does not sit right with me. Would you please share your perspective on this through the lens of Theology of the Body? How is this different from a woman taking hormonal birth control or a person who identifies as transgender who uses hormone injections to “transition” into the opposite sex? Q2: Recently I heard of someone talking about the characteristic of being "selfless" and how this may not in fact be something praise worthy to the point that we are denying our goodness as a person/personhood by saying this. I cant remember where I heard it and thought it was maybe your podcast. But could you comment on this in light of TOB and how by growing in relationship to God we are to become more fully ourselves and fully alive. Are the two congruent? Q3: Hello! I’m reading your book “Our bodies tell God’s story” and I would love to hear you speak more about “the new ethos.” Is this like a much powerful way of discernment? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Theology of the Body for Beginners (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/theology-of-the-body-for-beginners) Our Bodies Tell God's Story (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/our-bodies-tell-gods-story-discovering-the-divine-plan-for-love-sex-and-gender-paperback) Theology of the Body Explained (https://shop.corproject.com/products/theology-of-the-body-explained?_pos=1&_sid=33075f678&_ss=r) Man and Woman He Created Them (https://shop.corproject.com/products/man-and-woman-he-created-them?_pos=36&_sid=4d5b79f6d&_ss=r) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: I’ve heard it said that maybe the reason one hasn’t met their spouse is because God wants wants you to be content solely with Him. But if I get to a point where I am entirely satisfied by God and only Him, then would I even want a spouse at that point? How do I tell God I love Him above all but that I also want a husband? I’ve struggled with masturbation since I was a little girl. I met a wonderful priest who helped me stop, not because of any particular advice but because of his profound love for me. At some point I moved away and fell into the old habit. I feel discouraged and don’t see a path forward. Do you have any advice? I’m a protestant that recently got engaged. I’m somewhat familiar with the protestant position on contraception. I’ve done more study on the Catholic position and I see a lot of beauty in it. Why is it wrong to separate the pleasurable and procreative aspects of sex within marriage? Can a husband and wife not express their love for each other by giving themselves to the other for the intimacy and pleasure that sex brings? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: If you're interested in the TOB1 Online and TOB2 in person discount, reach out to Hannah Shaffer, our assitant director of programs: hannah@tobinstitute.org If you can't afford Christopher's Good News About Sex and Marriage, you can reach out to Michele Sankus: Michele@tobinstitute.org Click here for the link to the mentioned article: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vYyRbkfcxUtEOju5UpFWfqIERGdnDxay/view?usp=sharing) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: My husband and I are approaching the 25th anniversary of the birth and death of our second born. All this time later, I realize I wish I had a better relationship with him. Do you have any suggestions on how to go about nursing a relationship with my baby on this side of heaven before we are reunited again? I’ve struggled with porn the majority of my life but I’ve been trying to identify what keeps drawing me back. This struggle leads me to have many anxieties and fears which don’t allow me to live life to the full. Do you have any advice? Do you think it’s possible to have a connection with someone who does not show us compassion? How can one receive compassion from God in our lives? If we do feel compassion from God, can that help in forming a connection for someone whom we don’t feel it? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: If you're interested in the TOB1 Online and TOB2 in person discount, reach out to Hannah Shaffer, our assitant director of programs: hannah@tobinstitute.org Freedom Coaching (https://freedom-coaching.net/) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

For some reason, my wife alwasy feels depressed on Sundays. . . any advice? Is masturbation permissible to obtain a semen sample for medical testing? How do I overcome lustful thoughts in marriage? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Patron Question: I can't thank you enough for this podcast and the work you do with TOB Institute. Supporting you as a patron, the only organization my wife and I have ever supported in this way, was the easiest decision we've made financially. We have already made plans to attend the TOB I course/retreat in person together in the summer of 2022. My question: For some reason, on Sundays, my wife and I get this depressed feeling, like we should be doing something besides just Mass, and the only option we can think of is to clean the house and get ready for another crazy week with our four kids. Just last Sunday, I remembered what you said about pursuing good eros, so I turned on music I loved, danced with my kids, and seemed to have been lifted from that feeling, but my wife still felt "depressed." I tried to tell her about "good eros" and think of something she loves to do, but she didn't understand it nor could she think of something to do. Our youngest is 7-months-old and takes a lot of her time and energy. My response is usually to take her on a date, which helps, but I feel there should be more she can do for her. What kind of advice can you give to my wife and me who regularly experience this "depressed" feeling, specifically on Sundays. And does the pursuit of good eros play a role here? Question 2: Hi Christopher and Wendy! We're engaged and very soon to be united in the Holy Matrimony. We feel very fortunate to have learned of the great gift of Theology of the Body through your presentations in both Denmark and Brazil. We thank God for your life and your marriage, and pray for more lives to be touched by this truth. About our question: Recently we discovered a medical condition that can be a cause of male sterility. To study it properly the doctors asked for a semen test. We know how the sample is obtained for this test. We want to know in this case, if The Church allows this. We would be very happy to welcome children in our marriage, but also, don't want to go against God's plan for our lives and our bodies. Qestion 3: I have a question about lustful thoughts within marriage. I am 19 years old and right now I am dating. My boyfriend and I are waiting for marriage in order to be faithful to the Lord, and although this is hard, it isn't as hard as battling lustful thoughts. In this stage of life I push these thoughts away and focus on better things rather than lusting, but I cannot help but wonder, how does this work once you are married? With memories of past sexual encounters and fantasies for the future it seems like this is something that would cross a married couples mind. I always thought that it was okay to think about these kinds of things when you were married, but I want to know for sure. Would this be considered a sin within the context of marriage, or is it okay? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Check out Restore the Glory Podcast (https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com) and listen to Episode 42 (https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/episodes/42) and Episode 43 (https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/episodes/43) featuring Christopher West. Saint Paul VI Institute (https://popepaulvi.com) The Cantata of Love: A Verse by Verse Reading of the Song of Songs (https://www.amazon.com/Cantata-Love-Verse-Reading-Songs) View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

I understand mentally how important Jesus is, but how do I cultivate a real relationship with him? Why does St. Paul speak so negatively about marriage and sexuality? What's all this about the eyes of Our Lady of Guadalupe? What's the difference between "soul" and "spirit"? Wendy and Christopher dive into these questions and more on this episode of Ask Christopher West. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. This week’s questions: Q1: As someone who has been raised Catholic but is feeling kind of stagnant and shallow in his faith, how would you DISCOVER a passionate love for Jesus? I don't think I've ever had this. I often wish I had the passion that many converts had, but I find myself struggling to bridge what my mind knows to what my heart feels. Q2: Why does St. Paul speak so negatively about marriage and sexuality? Q3: I just watched your 4 part video series of "The Theology of Mary's Body: Hidden Mysteries of Our Lady of Guadalupe" and it was wonderful. My question for you is if you could share your perspective on the symbolism of Our Lady of Guadalupe's eyes? I know this is a new discovery with modern technology, but I haven't been able to find out very much about it and would love to hear your thoughts since this seems to be a very important message about the family for our current times. Q4: What is the difference between our soul and our spirit? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: TOB Pilgrimage to Mexico City (http://www.tobpilgrimages.com) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

What are your thoughts on dress and modesty? Is there a theology to the menstrual cycle? Is it OK if our honeymoon sex was kind of awkward? This episode of Ask Christopher West features questions from women on issues largely pertaining to womens' experience, but Christopher and Wendy's reflections are beneficial to both men and women. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. This week’s questions: Q1: In your talk “Woman: God’s Masterpiece”, you mention that if we as women knew how men think, we would dress modestly without a doubt. Could you explain how men think? Q2: Is there a theology to the cycle of women? Sometimes, it’s hard for me to accept how I am made as a woman, having all these crazy things happen in my body. And I would like to know if there is something pointing me to God in all that craziness. Q3: Is it OK if honeymoon sex is very awkward?Aren’t we doing it wrong if it doesn’t feel like a scene from a movie? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecstasy_of_Saint_Teresa) Netflix Documentary Period. End of Sentence. (https://www.netflix.com/title/81074663) TOB Level 1 Course (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tob-1/) - Find the course trailer and testimonials here Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Questions answered this episode: I’m a single Catholic woman in my early 30’s. I’m normally drawn to things that are typically associated with men. A spiritual director from the past attempted to direct me to more traditionally feminine things. What does femininity and masculinity really mean? Can not having a feminine or masculine enough personality constitute an impediment to marriage or to religious life? Do you have any advice for single Catholics that are feeling a lack of Jesus’s love? I’m a single 34 year old Catholic woman. I long for marriage but I haven’t found a man this is looking for the same things as me. Could it be that my vocation is not marriage even though it is not what I long for? How can I continue to trust Jesus? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: I’m struggling with the line between desire and lust in the context of marriage. Can I watch my wife shower and not fall into lust? What is it about marriage that makes desires and actions that, if otherwise took place outside of it would be sinful, not sinful? Will heaven get better after the end times? Will heaven be lacking something when only our souls are there awaiting our reunion with out glorified bodies? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How do I know if the girl I am dating is "The One"? I have experienced a lot of spiritual growth since entering into my marriage, but my husband is not. He is not interested in living as the Church calls us to live. Do you have any advice for this situation? How do I help my friend who has committed adultery and left his wife? Christopher and Wendy share their advice on these situations, and share experiences of their marriage, parenting their young children, and Wendy's most memorable granola-related misfortune. This week’s questions: Q1: How do I know if the girl I'm dating is "The One"? Do you have any thoughts on the best way to propose? Q2: How can I live TOB if my husband doesn't know the church teaching on marriage, doesn't care to learn and holds most of the popular prejudices against the church of our times. I want to clarify: when we married, I had the same views he has now. I came into the church because of our marriage crisis. We are doing a bit better, but not living up to what God wants for marriage and families. We lived a partying lifestyle and began our marriage in the common disordered way of today. Do you have any advice? Q3: I have a dear friend who comitted adultery and left his wife. It's very sad because we share a lot in the faith, and have been friends for almost 10 years. How can I help? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Introductory information on the Theology of the Body (https://www.theologyofthebody.com) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

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? 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Please reach out to Dave Sloan for info on the John Paul II Legacy Foundation: dave@jp2legacy.org Click here if you’d like to make a gift to the St. John Paul II Legacy Foundation (https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZN01/campaign/C-15133) List of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). “How To Discern Lust and Attraction” video (https://youtu.be/C2_1QAL_t8M?feature=shared) “Is It Possible To Look At Bodies Without Lusting?” video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrgHoJrxoAw&t=29s) “TRUE PURITY: Going Beyond Just Avoiding Lust” video (https://youtu.be/ibgvvEm1Rok?feature=shared) Love & Responsibility YouTube Series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAbqXQaOvkM4UxMiREWkgYmY-PHTEnRtn) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

If we are redeemed, why must our bodies die? How do you deal with lustful thoughts as a woman? Is it sinful to be intimate with my husband after he has had a vasectomy? 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. Free Word Made Flesh Lenten Sunday Mass Companion! (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/WMFLent) Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Q1: I am really grateful for this teaching on Theology of the Body and for your ministry. You’re spreading very good news and everything’s starting to make sense in my life. If we are reborn, redeemed, regenerated, why must our bodies die? What is the theology of our dead bodies? Q2: I'm struggling to know how long to hold onto lustful thoughts. I’ve realized, through listening to other women's stories, that I have quite a high sex drive for a woman, and thoughts about intimacy pop into my head daily. I'm single but dating someone I'm very interested in, and my attraction to him as a whole person intensifies my imagination. While I used to hate myself every time this craving for intimacy would pop into my head, I've learned from your podcast that it's okay to have space for that and look for the deeper, good need behind it. I also notice that I sometimes spend a lot of time dwelling on this, and then I worry that I'm engaging sinfully I should be doing away with it. Where is the place of balance? Q3: In my country it is very common for people to decide how many kids you want and then get sterilized once you have them. I thought we were doing great with NFP, but after a scary pregnancy with our fourth baby, we felt so tired, scared, and overwhelmed without family close to help. We decided my husband would have a vasectomy. Everybody does it, we thought. As time passes, and I learn more about Theology of the Body, I regret this decision.I know marriage, sex and babies go together, but now we can’t have babies. I feel that maybe we are doing something wrong when my husband wants to be intimate with me. Is it wrong to be intimate now? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Register (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com) for the 2nd Annual Theology of the Body Virtual Conference! (April 30-May 2, 2021) Register (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) for online or in-person courses with the Theology of the Body Institute! Vasectomy Reversals at Cost (http://vas-reversals.com) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Do you have any advice for sharing TOB with young children? Are civil marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic cosidered valid by the Church? As a woman in her 30s, I desire to be married but have some inhibitions about being a mother. Do you have any advice? 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. REGISTER for FREE (https://www.revealedexperience.com) for Revealed: Become What You Are (May 13-15, 2022) Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: The moment Matt Fradd decided to come to Revealed (https://fb.watch/c79ADu2h6X/) Christopher West on Pints With Aquinas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2edl_SqCuGA) The Body Matters (https://tobet.org/product/the-body-matters-bundle/) Bundle from Tobet Ruah Woods Press (https://www.ruahwoodspress.com) Theology of the Body at the Movies (http://corproject.com/movies/) FREE e-book The book Wendy mentioned: All Things New (https://www.amazon.com/All-Things-New-Breaking-Raising/dp/1681924218) by Erin McCole Cupp If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Help against porn playlist (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAbqXQaOvkM5bCz689gTJM4IdMr7Qd5gb&si=rbsKflk3Hc-a9bwg) Catholic Medical Association (https://www.cathmed.org/) National Catholic Bioethics Center (https://www.ncbcenter.org/) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. ⛷️ Join Christopher on a ski trip to Utah Click here (https://jp2trails.com/trip/utah-ski-retreat/) 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://docs.google.com/document/d/11GI1XK7viPMV36eBBNjxoKqzCENSRVyR1IoLpX6lqrw/edit?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

What does TOB teach about individuals with physical, emotional, or intellecutal disabilities? What is "the interior gaze" and why does it matter? How do I recover from bullying? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Want to support the podcast? Become a patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.org) of the TOB Institute! This week’s questions: Q1: What does TOB teach about individuals with disabilities? It has been my personal vocation and privilege to educate children with a variety of special needs (e.g., physical, emotional, intellectual, etc.). These children and families encounter serious difficulties due to bodies and I'm not sure how to reconcile the truth of TOB with this. How do you think TOB could resonate with these children and their families? Q2: Could you talk to me further about the peace of the interior gaze and how that is developed between husband & wife. Q3: How do I learn to see myself as beautiful/valuable after years of bullying? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: TOB Institute's Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (https://tobpilgrimages.com) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Questions answered this episode: How can I show my nieces and nephews my true delight in them and help them feel truly loved and desired in the way that I never felt growing up? I would like to prepare my husband’s body for burial after death. I think I misunderstood the biblical teaching of uncleanliness and handling the dead. Can you help me sort out the fear of being unclean by touching a dead body? Is love worth the risk all the time? If yes, do you have a word of advice for someone who wants to love but at the same time is scared of expressing it? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: John Paul West email: johnpaulwest@gmail.com John Paul II Legacy Foundation: dave@jp2legacy.org 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How do you remain authentic when being true to yourself causes isolation? Do you have any advice for someone who is more attracted to comfort than greatness? How can sexual desire truly be oriented towards love for the other? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Can you flesh out the concept of placing our intentions in the womb of the Blessed Mother? Isn't using NFP to avoid a pregnancy less open to life than just having sex without tracking the woman's cycle? As a young woman I sometimes find myself wishing my body was different and I feel that what God has given me is not enough. Does Theology of the Body have any help to offer? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Good News About Sex & Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West Body Image, Celibacy, and Theology of the Body with Sr. Maria Gemma (https://youtu.be/83umaQyl5nA) Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Do you have any advice for healing from my boyfriend's sexual past? If Peter is the rock upon which the Church is built, why is Mary given to John at the foot of the cross? My fiancé wants to use contraception. Do you have any advice? 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. Access the 2020 Theology of the Body Virtual Conference with a Premium Pass (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/Premium-pass)! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: I have been dating my boyfriend for 2 years now. He is a Catholic missionary and we met through our church. When he was in college however, he wasn’t living out his faith. He was indulging in things like drunkenness and hooking up with girls on a regular basis. He had a major conversion his senior year of college and now is an incredible man of God who passionately lives out his faith. I have been saving myself for marriage and when I found out he didn’t and has been with many women, it broke my heart. This is something I struggle with to this day. I see a Catholic counselor to try to deal with it, and the emotional pain has gotten better, but isn’t completely healed and is sometimes still a real struggle. I was wondering if you had any advice for me and if there’s hope that I can actually find full emotional healing from this. Q2: I'm in a TOB study group. One of the questions that we are intrigued by is that according to the spousal analogy there is a man on the cross and a woman at the foot of the cross. It explains that our Lord is the new Adam and that Mary, the new Eve, is at the foot of the cross and that from these nuptials "women, there is your son" is the beginning of the Church. In this passage of the bible the son is John. Nevertheless, the apostle that God gives the Church to is Peter. Our question then is, based on Archbishop Fulton Sheen and this analogy if John is representing the Church in the cross, then why is Peter the founder of the Church? Q3: I am currently deployed In a combat zone overseas and have been gone for over a year now. My fiance and I are getting married in January. She is a practicing Lutheran (NALC) and wants to be on contraception for the first year or two of our marriage as she is still in college and wishes to finish school before potentially getting pregnant. What resources would you recommend that her and I can study together to make decisions in our sex lives as a married couple? Lastly, our honeymoon will potentially fall on a week of ovulating. What would you recommend for people who are trying to do NFP but find themselves in situations like this? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Desert Stream Ministries (https://www.desertstream.org) Theology of the Body Congress (https://www.tobcongress.com) TOB 1 Online, Nov 2-13 (https://www.tobinstitute.org/schedule) Word Made Flesh - Full Set (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/books/products/word-made-flesh-full-set-bundle-cycles-a-b-c) Word Made Flesh - Cycle B (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/books/products/word-made-flesh-cycle-b-a-companion-to-the-sunday-readings-paperback-buy-one-share-one-when-you-enter-the-discount-code-shareword-during-checkout) Good News about Sex & Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Christopher and Wendy talk about the experience of a global pandemic. Can I confess over videochat? I want to get married but I lost my virginity to a previous boyfriend before understanding the church's teaching. How should I approach this in a relationship with my future husband? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Clarification of Marriage Question Q0: Christopher and Wendy clarify their answer regarding marriage and the requirements thereof mentioned in the last episode. Q1: Can confession be administered over FaceTime? Q2: When I was 19, I had a boyfriend, we committed the great sin of having sexual relations without being married. At the time I didn’t knew anything about TOB, I thought having sex was denied by society more than it was a sin, I didn’t new the terrible sin I was committing :(. Now that I’ve grown in my faith and knowledge I’ve met great guys who have been waiting for holy matrimony to have sex but I fear I’m not good enough for them because cause I’m not a virgin. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Keep up with our schedule of (potentially online) TOB courses! (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Watch this episode on YouTube (https://youtu.be/ULxNzECQu-M)! What do you mean by "the cross is sweeter than the promised pleasure of temptation"? How can we change the minds and hearts of friends and family who have accepted the gender ideology? Should I have my wedding repaired, even if our marriage is struggling? 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. Get 3 FREE sessions (https://www.tobforfree.com) of our flagship course on Theology of the Body! Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

As a single person in my thirties, how do I cope with the desire to be married? As a happily married man, how do I ensure that my sexual desire for my wife is expressed in love and not lust? How can couples develop a deeper practice of marital prayer? Christopher and Wendy draw from their own experiences of marriage in this episode of Ask Christopher West. Also, Christopher quacks. Really. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. This week’s questions: Q1: What do you do if you are single and you've been single for years? I’m in my thirties and I want to get married, but God has not put that person in your life yet. How do I reconcile this ache and longing for communion? Q2: As a happily married man, I often struggle with my own sexual desire for my wife and distinguishing whether this desire (and how I express it) is right or wrong. We're firmly planted in the Church's teachings concerning sexual ethics but even within those boundaries my experience has been one of guilt over whether I am truly being loving or lustful toward my wife. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Q3: Do you pray together as a couple? What does that look like for you? As a spiritual director (and celibate woman, consecrated with vows), I encourage spouses to have and develop marital prayer. Often times I get surprised with the response: “that’s awkward”! I am aware that one’s spiritual life is quite intimate, but I imagine it could deepen other levels of intimacy in marriage, including physical intimacy. Would you mind sharing this intimate topic with us, your beloved audience ;) Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: For more by Christopher West on Marriage, check out The Good News about Sex and Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage). Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Questions answered this episode: How can I bring Jesus into the marital embrace without envisioning him sexually and in a pure and holy way? I’ve been struggling to find my wife attractive. Am I justified expecting my wife to shape up for looks’ sake or even for health’s sake? How much of this is the impact that porn has had on me and my perception of beauty? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: John Paul II Legacy Foundation: dave@jp2legacy.org 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Do all good people go to heaven? How do I know God's will for my life? Why do Catholics pray to saints? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: I understand that salvation comes through the Church but I cannot accept the idea that there are so many good people being damned because they are not a part of the body of Christ. How does this work with God’s mercy? Shouldn’t all good people go to heaven? Please explain if there’s theology I don’t understand. Q2: I’m really struggling to discern God’s will for my life. Vocational decisions feel so complicated and there are so many conflicting desires and voices. . . I don’t know how to know the right path. I feel like there should be a simple answer but life is messy. How do you discern God’s will in your life? Q3: Okay, so my question is about why Catholics pray to saints. It seems to me that this could be a violation of the first commandment: “I Am the Lord your God, you shall have no gods before Me.” Can you please explain why Catholics do this? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

As a teenager, how can I share my love for TOB with my peers and friends? How can a wife continue to love a husband who seems increasingly distant? What acts outside of intercourse are appropriate in marriage? This episode contains content that may be inappropriate for young listeners. Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. This week’s questions: Q1: I’m a teen who is excited about the Theology of the Body. How do I share this with people around me, even if they might be resistant to it? Q2: What about a couple that gets married and are very much in love, but then the husband’s love seems to wane. The wife suffers because she doesn’t feel loved by the husband. How can TOB help this couple? Q3: So if we are trying to abstain, but I still want to enjoy my spouse, why are other sexual acts not approved by the Church? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Register for Christopher's free mini-course: What Do You Want? (https://community.theologyofthebody.com/freecourse) Resources mentioned this week: The Good News About Sex and Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Does the Church need to "get out of the marriage business?" Can I encounter God through rap music? What's your opinion on married priests? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Want to support the podcast? Become a patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com) of the TOB Institute? This week’s questions: Q1: What would you say to a priest who says “We (as in the Church) need to get out of the marriage business?” Q2: What if the language of my students’ hearts is rap music, riddled with vulgarity and distortions of the truth? Will they find messages about who they truly are in that music? Q3: What is your opinion on married priests? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: The Catechism on priestly celibacy (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c3a6.htm) Stanislaw Grygiel on the Rainbow (http://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/john-paul-ii-institute-is-being-destroyed-says-friend-of-late-pope) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Questions answered this episode: What is one way each of you has grown since you got married and what was that growing process like? What your number one tip for people when discerning a future spouse? What is the experience of writing a book like for you? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) Rose Sweet Catholic Author & Coach (https://rosesweet.com/) Are you ready for marriage? Check out Next Step: A Course for Discerning Marriage (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/NextStep) Matt Fradd from Pints with Aquinas (https://pintswithaquinas.com/) Cameron Fradd from Among the Lilies (https://www.cameronfradd.com/) Jason Evert (https://chastity.com/) Fr. Timothy Gallagher (https://www.frtimothygallagher.org/) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

What is an emotional affair? How can people who have been educated by pornography trust their hearts? 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. Free Word Made Flesh Lenten Sunday Mass Companion! (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/WMFLent) Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Q1: We talk a lot about lust and the degrading of a person through a physical sexual act but I am often hearing about emotional affairs but what if a wife or girlfriend were to be seeking and desiring emotional companionship with someone other than her husband or boyfriend? Q2: How can people who have been educated on sexuality through pornography learn what is good and what is not? Even some catholics authors are vague on the acceptable behaviors. I even read some that encourage many kinds of behaviors that are found in pornography. But how can a generation who has been educated by porn learn to trust their heart? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Register (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com) for the 2nd Annual Theology of the Body Virtual Conference! Register (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) for online or in-person courses. Good News About Sex and Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: I work for a subsidiary of a large national pharmacy that will soon start to distribute abortion pills. Do you have any advice for discerning the line between remote and material cooperation with evil? How should I determine when it’s time to start working for a new company? I grew up as the oldest child of a narcissistic father and was verbally abused my entire life. I’m in my mid 20’s and I want to pursue the vocation God has for me, but I’m also terrified by the idea of marriage. Do you have any tips on how to appreciate masculinity? How can I recognize moments of contention that may indicate that I need healing and growth? I’m attracted to a good and holy Catholic man and desire to pursue a relationship but I’m unsure if he feels the same way. I know the Lord is calling me to not bring the matter up to him, but to be patient and wait. How do I guard my heart when it desires more than friendship? How can I do this without shedding out the possibility of a relationship? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: John Paul II Healing Center (https://jpiihealingcenter.org/) John Paul II Healing Center Events (https://jpiihealingcenter.org/events/) CONSECRATION TO JESUS THROUGH ST. JOSEPH (https://shop.corproject.com/products/consecration-to-jesus-through-st-joseph-an-integrated-look-at-the-holy-family) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How do I know that I truly love the woman I'm dating and that it's not just the feelings of comfort she gives me? I do not want to make my wife an object for my desire, yet when she rejects me I struggle mightily. How do I unconditionally love my wife and not ask or expect anything of her when I have such strong desires? If marriage is a sacrament of Christ's love for the Church, why is marriage only until death? Christ's love for the Church goes beyond death. 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. Register (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/) for the St. Therese and The Little Way Seine River Cruise (October 26–November 2, 2023) Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Why is the Church referred to as a "She?" What's going on with the JPII Institute in Rome? My health makes it difficult for my husband and I to have marital relations, and I'm concerned. What should I do? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Love the podcast? Become a patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com) of the TOB Institute! This week’s questions: Q1: Why is the church always referred to as a “She”? Obviously, we learned this from Jesus who will Himself marry His bride: the Church. But there must be reasoning beyond this. For instance, a ship is always referred to as a female. Does referring to the church as a "she" somehow refer to a woman’s womb? Like a ship, the womb is a safe dwelling place. Or am I making this all up? Q2: I've been hearing a lot about trouble with the JPII Institute in Rome? What's going on there? Q3: My husband and I have been happily married for 30 years. Living our Catholicism as married persons is very important to us. Our history of marital relations has been complicated because of some sexual abuse, body image issues, and depression for me and a brief period of pornography plus difficulty with emotional intimacy for my husband. We have worked hard to keep working at our relationship. Our marital relations have rarely been easy but we keep trying because we love each other and want to honor our spousal relationship. Most recently I have had some medical issues and surgery which has made having intercourse temporarily not possible. It has been over 6 months since we tried. We have gradually grown less affectionate because I don’t want to unfairly arouse my husband. Sometimes I am relieved but feel guilty about it, to have the medical excuse because the difficulties trying to be intimate are so emotionally painful. We are both so vulnerable and I am concerned our affection and sexual intimacy will never improve. Discouraged. Please advise. Many thanks. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Prof. Stanislaw Grygiel's Interview on the JPII Institute (eng.pch24.pl/the-twilight-of-the-john-paul-ii-institute--an-interview-with-prof--stanislaw-grygiel,70372,i.html) The Humanum Series (http://www.eccefilms.com/humanum) : See Episode 3 for Peter Kreeft on Man and Woman I Am Legend Movie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_Legend_(film)) Eclipse of the Body (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/eclipse-of-the-body-how-we-lost-the-meaning-of-sex-gender-marriage-family-and-how-to-reclaim-it) by Christopher West Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

As a newlywed, how can my spouse and I live out the TOB message in our parish community? What do we do when our first year of marriage doesn't feel like a "honeymoon year"? Where should unmarried couples draw the line at physical intimacy? Christopher and Wendy share some stories from their own marriage Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. This week’s questions: Q1: As a newlywed, what are your thoughts on how my husband and I can best live out the TOB message in our parish community, beyond living it out in our own lives? Q2: Even though we were well-prepared and devout Catholics, the first year of our marriage has been difficult. The fact that it should be a “honeymoon year” is very discouraging. It seems like we are having a harder time than most other couples we know. What is your advice? Q3: In ACW3, you talked about how married couples can be intimate but abstain from sexual acts during periods of fertility. How should unmarried couples go about deciding where to draw the line with sexual intimacy? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: The Good News about Sex and Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) (Christopher referenced Chapter 4 in this podcast) Made for More Parish Event (http://corproject.com/madeformore/) The Couple to Couple League's Live the Love Blog (https://ccli.org/blog/) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Can a priest have a deep relationship with a female friend? Similarly, can a married man have a deep relationship with a female friend who is not his spouse? What does the Church teach on circumcision? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: To what extent can a priest go in his relationship with a female friend if they both understand that they have been given a deeper connection and a deep friendship that bears fruit through working together in the apostolate. Are they allowed to live that love and express it through a deep emotional and spiritual friendship or do they have to repress and transform it. What exactly includes a vow of purity? Q2: Thank you for both of your insight. I am trying to understand boundaries with the opposite sex within my marriage. My husband is a friendly guy and I feel that he does not shield our marriage. We have talked and he is very understanding of my feelings. My question is what insight do you have about relationships with the opposite sex when married? I guess I am not trusting of others or how others might perceive "niceness" in this fallen world, I want to trust and look for the good but am having a hard time. Q3: What does the Catholic church teach on circumcision? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Springsteen on Broadway (https://www.netflix.com/title/80232329) on Netflix TOB Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Thomas Loya (http://corproject.pages.ontraport.net/tobpilgrimages) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

How can I be merciful to myself for sinning when I was raised so well, in such a loving family? I understand the philosophical definition of love as willing the good of the other, but what does it truly mean to love someone theologically? What is the difference between lust and admiration? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Restore the Glory: Sexual Healing with Christopher West (https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/episodes/42) Restore the Glory: Sexual Healing with Christopher West. . . Continued (https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/episodes/43) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: When JPII talks about using another person as a means to an end I always imagine a couple but what happens in the case of a single person who seeks to give pleasure to him or herself? Is the person using him or herself? To what extend does that affect the person or others? Why does this sin leaves a feeling of loneliness? How do I make steps to open those places to the Lord and to know that He’s not repulsed by what will come out and not ashamed of me because of my porn & masturbation addiction? What does TOB have to say about arranged marriages? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Our Lady of Divine Graces (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aO67HK4iXkWiXMdLNxCyEApH99OPTLVG?usp=sharing) COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

What determines gender? How do I share Theology of the Body with someone who has same-sex attraction? What are your thoughts on Vatican II? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: Are we male or female because of our genitals and chromosomes, or are our genitals and chromosomes just signs of our maleness or femaleness? I guess I'm just trying to understand the larger question of what makes a male a male and a female a female. Is it something deeper than these outward characteristics that we use to see that we are male and female? Q2: Someone I love very much is struggling greatly with same-sex attraction. He is a born-again Christian. He believes that perhaps to starve the temptations may be the only way to go. I want to bring some very basic TOB concepts to him about opening the yearning instead of starving the desires. Could you help me find the words that may help him reflect and remain hopeful? Q3: I am reading your book, "Good News about Sex and Marriage." Based off your chapter "Who Says," what do you say/feel about Vatican II? Should this have ever happened or was this a devil in disguise? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Desert Stream Ministries (https://www.desertstream.org) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

I have been waiting for an annulment of my previous marriage for years. Do you have any advice? Is it appropriate to say that for intersex people, God created them that way? Do you ever use the four temperaments to talk about personality and the relationships between people? 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. Check out the FREE TOB Virtual Conference May 8-10 (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/)! Q1: My husband divorced me a few years ago and I have been going through the petition for invalidity. This has been going on for years and I'm still waiting to hear the findings of the Tribunal. I always considered my vocation to be marriage and I am praying for peace to accept God's will. What advice could you give? Q2: If God did not create individuals to be gay, but it is rather a result of the fall, then what about hermaphrodites? Is it appropriate to say that God did not necessarily "Create" them that way? But rather their condition is another result of man's sin? Q3: I am fascinated by the four temperaments. Learning about them has greatly helped my self-awareness and relationships. Do you have a perspective on this? Could you discuss why it is especially important in marriage to understand your and your spouse’s temperament? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Free TOB Virtual Conference May 8-10 (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/) Is the Coronavirus Pandemic a Judgement from God? | Mary Healy (https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/is-the-coronavirus-pandemic-a-judgment-from-god) Introduction to Christianity | Pope Benedict XVI (https://www.ignatius.com/Introduction-to-Christianity-2nd-Edition-P1278.aspx) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Questions answered this episode: What’s going on with the blessing of same sex unions? Does the TOB have anything to say about consummating your marriage on the wedding night? How do Christopher and Wendy live their intimacy with Jesus in parallel with their intimacy as husband and 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: YouTube Video Mentioned on the Pooper (https://youtu.be/ENhZCzGPkko?si=qMDGWsI9KZ6kFCUB) Vatican Doc on Blessing of Same Sex Unions (https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20231218_fiducia-supplicans_en.html) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

I know I'm made for motherhood, but in the midst of breastfeeding difficulties, postpartum depression, and other difficulties, my body and brain seem to resist it. How can this be? As a future doctor, how do I lovingly care for transgender patients without affirming a falsehood? My husband relies on sexual intercourse for emotional wellbeing, but I don't seem to be enough for him. How can I help him? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: I know on an intellectual level that I was made for motherhood, but in a physical sense, it seems like my body has resisted. I have struggled to successfully breastfeed despite great efforts. I've also had intense postpartum anxiety and depression each time. It seems my brain chemistry is stealing my joy in motherhood. It makes me really feel this dichotomy. How can I be made for motherhood when my body and brain seem to resist it so much? Q2: I am a medical student and I will be going into clinics in a few short months. How should I approach conversation with and documentation of transgender patients? Obviously, these people need to be loved and cared for by their doctors in the same that all patients do, but i suspect that there will be pressure to call them by their preferred pronouns and to refer to them in that way in official documentation of visits. I do not want to cause scandal by affirming a falsehood, but I also do not want to cause them unecessary suffering in a settting wher I may not have time to establish the relationship it takes to unpack confusion. Q3: I have seen that my husband relies a lot on sexual intercourse for his emotional well-being, but he's never satisfied. He's been going through very difficult times this past year, mostly because of work-related problems. We also have young children who still wake up at night, and I have a very busy work schedule. We definitely need to work out how and when to take some time for us. But seeing as even when we had time, I was not enough, how can I help him? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Theology of the Body for Beginners (http://corproject.com/tobb/) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

Is expressing my love to my husband a way of expressing it to the Lord? Can medical benefits ever justify masturbation? How does Theology of the Body impact healthcare? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: My husband and I have been married for 56 years. My question is that you often refer to your Heavenly Spouse and your earthly one. My husband and I regard our Golden Years as very precious and we are still extremely loving and caring towards each other and love being together, including romantically. We are aware we will not be married in Heaven and I am certainly aware that only the Lord can fulfill our innermost love relationship. Is expressing my love to my husband a way of expressing it to the Lord? How do you see this in your heart? Q2: I’ve heard that masturbation can be a good thing for a man to do for medical reasons, like that it prevents prostate cancer or erectile dysfunction. What does the Church say about this? Q3: Does the Theology of the Body give any advice specific to doctors on how to incorporate TOB into healthcare? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Theology of the Hospitalized Body (http://corproject.com/41-theology-of-the-hospitalized-body/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

To high schoool theology students, how would you explain the importance of the body in relationship to the soul and the sacraments? What should I do with my hope and desire to get back together with my ex and the fear of it not happening? Can you offer any advice or words of encouragement on motherhood? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Some celibate religious feel a sense of loss or regret towards marriage and family life. What advice would you give to priests and religious who are struggling in this way? As a woman who is deeply uncomfortable with sexuality and intimacy, how can I engage with these things in a healthy way? Christopher and Wendy only take on two questions this week, but their conversation is one you won't want to miss! Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. This week’s questions: Q1: Some celibate religious feel a sense of loss or regret towards marriage and family life. What advice would you give to priests and religious who are struggling in this way? Q2: As a woman who is deeply uncomfortable with sexuality and intimacy, how can I engage with these things in a healthy way? Submit your question (or pickle counselor application) at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Want to be a part of spreading Theology of the Body all over the world? Become a patron of the Theology of the Body Institute (https://community.theologyofthebody.com/)! Resources mentioned this week: Theology of the Body Institute Courses - TOB1 (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tob-1/) Theology of the Body for Beginners (http://corproject.com/tobb/) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

How can I heal from pornography before entering into marriage? Do you have any advice for healing from a break up? How does Theology of the Body relate to the washing of the feet? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Patron Question: Thank you for your podcast. I listen to your podcast weekly while I go on a run and it makes the miles fly by! My fiance and I are getting married very soon. We have both saved sex for marriage however there is a history of pornography use before we were dating. What advice do you have for us to have a pure, holy and lust-free experience? We have both read about theology of the body and listen to your podcast but knowing and living can be very different. Question 2: Hi Christopher and Wendy! I LOVE your show. Listening to the way you two interact with each other is so life-giving. I started listening last year after attending the TOB virtual conference and my goal is to listen to every episode! Here's my question: what light might TOB shed on healing from a breakup? Especially if you are the one who made the choice to end it? I chose to end an almost three-year dating relationship and while I believe what I did was best for myself and him in the long run, I find myself consistently wracked with guilt and shame for how I've hurt my ex. I don't know how to let go of the fact that I've caused him a wound and even though it's been almost a year. I haven't figured out how to forgive myself. Any advice? Qestion 3: This year I attended Holy Thursday Mass for the first time wearing my “TOB glasses.” The Mass was so much richer! Does the Theology of the Body tie into the washing of feet? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How do you reconcile St. Paul's writings in Romans with Theology of the Body? How do you reconcile the saints' words that say Celibacy is the superior vocation when the Sacrament of Marriage is so beautiful and ordained by God? Is there a video series you would recommend for introducing TOB to my parish? 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. Access the 2020 Theology of the Body Virtual Conference with a Premium Pass (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/Premium-pass)! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: I've heard you mention that we are not spritual beings stuck in a human body and that the human body is good, but when I read Roman's 7:18, St. Paul says, "Nothing good dwells in me that is in my flesh." The more I read Roman's chapter 7, the more I feel like the human body is not good. Can please explain to me what St. Paul meant. Q2: I am a 21-year-old entering into my senior year at a Catholic University and I have always wanted to be a nun. My parents' marriage is not a healthy one, so growing up, I ran away from the vocation to marriage. That is, until a little while ago when I had what I like to call a "Maria von Trapp" moment where I realized that I had fallen for someone. Because of this, I decided to take a course on Theology of the Body. This led to the healing of my "marriage wounds" and I soon fell in love with the beauty and richness of the vocation to marriage. My question, though, is how can I know for sure if I am meant to pursue the vocation to marriage? What if I have the grace for living Continence for the Kingdom and I choose marriage instead? Is this choosing a lesser good over the greater good? And, how do you reconcile the saints' words that say Celibacy is the superior vocation when the Sacrament of Marriage is so beautiful and ordained by God? Q3: I would like to introduce TOB to my parish. Is there a video series that you would recommend? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Register for the TOB Congress (https://www.tobcongress.com)! Register for TOB1 online (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/)! FULFILLED SERIES 3-DVD SET + 1 STUDY GUIDE (https://shop.corproject.com/products/fulfilled-series-3-dvd-set?_pos=2&_sid=7f27e3467&_ss=r) FULFILLED GROUP STUDY KIT (3-DVD SET + 10 STUDY GUIDES) (https://shop.corproject.com/products/fulfilled-group-study-kit-3-dvd-set-10-study-guides?_pos=3&_sid=7f27e3467&_ss=r) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

When it comes to praying for a spouse, to what degree should I expect God to fulfill my checklist? I read in a protestant book for women that we have no right to expect our husband to stay sexually pure if we constantly pull away. Can you give a TOB perspective on this? 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. Access the 2020 Theology of the Body Virtual Conference with a Premium Pass (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/Premium-pass)! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: When it comes to praying for a spouse after discerning the call to marriage, to what extent should I expect God to consider my inner desires for physical beauty, age similarity and personality traits? I'm afraid to seek dates/courtship because of the possibility that God might expect me to be open to someone who doesn't meet my inner checklist. I want to avoid the trap of thinking that "I" can ultimately satisfy my deepest desires, especially during the ache of singlehood. Is it wishful thinking to believe that "God doesn't show you gold and then give you silver" in the dating context? Q2: In a Protestant book to help wives recover from the porn addiction of their husband, I read this: "While we're quick to expect our husbands to tow God's line of sexual purity, we're often slow to tow HIs other line and admit that our bodies aren't our own. We have no right to expect our husband to stay sexually pure if we constantly pull away. We're his sole vessel of sexual satisfaction and guys need regular sexual fulfillment, two to three times a week." I need the TOB point of view on this in my journey to heal. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Good News about Sex & Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) Theology of the Body for Beginners (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/theology-of-the-body-for-beginners) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Can you talk about the quote from St. Augustine: "You have made us for yourself oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you"? I can't get it out of my head that pictures from pornography that my husband has looked at can arouse him more than I can. Why does lust feel so much more powerful than the desire to be in communion and make the gift of self? My 3-year-old is in a habit of self-stimulation – what should we say or do, in your opinion? Could you describe the role of "main intercessor" that you mentioned in a podcast? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: Hello Christopher and Wendy, thank you so much for all the work that you two do with TOB and this podcast. It has brought me closer to God, just listening to you two talk about all these topics! I'm going to start reading TOB for Beginners this week, and I am pretty excited! In one of your podcasts Christopher had a quote from St. Augustine I believe, "You have made us for yourself oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." That is a super awesome quote and made my heart happy! Where does that quote come from, so I can maybe look more into St. Augustine and his writings? Q2: I have been hurt by pornography recently. Sometimes, when my husband and I want to be intimate, but are very tired, it is harder for him to get ready. I really understand all the physical factors that cause this, including age, and I respect it totally, but I can't get out of my head the thought that pictures from pornography that he looked at would be able to arouse him and I, despite my efforts, have great difficulty arousing him. I would like to heal this issue in my heart that leads to this hurtful certitude. Lust feels so much more powerful than the desire to be in communion and make the gift of self. Q3: My 3-year-old is in a habit of self-stimulation. I understand this is not necessarily a moral issue at his age, but I did the same in childhood and have had to work through some negative effects because no one helped walk me through it when I was young. Then, when I was older, I was told that masturbation is completely normal, even expected. His pediatrician has told me to just tell him to do it in private. I want to know how to protect him, how to talk with him in an age-appropriate way about his body, and how to set him up for a beautiful understanding of the fullness of God's creation later on in life. My husband and I typically just gently redirect him by saying, "Your body is good! You need to respect your body." What should we say/do in your opinion? Q4: Could you describe the role of "main intercessor" that you mentioned in a podcast? What does it mean and how to be a the main intercessor for our spouse? Any help would be super great! I will keep you two in my prayers. Stay healthy and God bless! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Register (https://the.theologyofthebody.com/tobandart-jan2021?r_done=1) for The Way of Beauty with Bill Donaghy, January 3 - 8, 2021 Register (https://the.theologyofthebody.com/tob1february2021orlando?r_done=1) for Theology of the Body I: Head and Heart Immersion (Florida), February 7-12, 2021 Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Raising Sexually Whole and Holy Kids (https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Birds-Bees-Raising-Sexually/dp/1935940155) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How often should married couples have intercourse? How do I relate to my relative who is undergoing a sex reassignment surgery? Is it normal to experience resistance when trying to teach Theology of the Body at my parish? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Is there an ideal number of times a couple should be having intercourse in marriage? Yesterday I was informed by my son and daughter-in-law, that my daughter-in-law’s father has begun the process to change his sex. He’s on hormone therapy and in the near future will have sex reassignment surgery to “become a woman”. My daughter-in-law is not thrilled with this but has expressed that she just wants her father to be happy. He has struggled with depression his whole life. My heart is heavy for all involved. How should I react when I see my daughter-in-law’s father changed in this way for the first time? We’ve been running into resistance when trying to teach and promote TOB at our parish. Is this normal? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Theology of the Body for Beginners (http://corproject.com/tobb/) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

What is Consecrated Virginity and how does it differ from religous life and other vocations? How does one discern a call to consecrated virginity? Is it possible to explain the truths of Theology of the Body without reference to Christianity? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: What is Consecrated Virginity and how does it differ from religous life and other vocations? Q2: How does one discern a call to consecrated virginity? Q3: Thank you for all the work you have done to present JP II's beautiful Theology of the Body. Have you ever been challenged to explain the truths within TOB without using a religious or biblical perspective? Is that even possible? I'm desperate for non-biblical and non-religious resources that still point to the same truths we know from our beautiful Church's teachings. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Discovering the Human Person (https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Human-Person-Conversation-John/dp/0802871542) Register for the TOB Virtual Congress! (https://www.tobcongress.com) Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 TOB1 Online (https://the.theologyofthebody.com/tob1-nov2020) Nov. 2-13 Love and Responsibility (https://www.amazon.com/Love-Responsibility-Karol-Wojtyla/dp/0898704456) Men, Women and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II's Love and Responsibility (https://www.amazon.com/Men-Women-Mystery-Love-Responsibility/dp/0867168404) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Can experiences of sexual desire be an invitation to intercession? My wife and I recently had a miscarriage and I feel that I lost my purpose as a father. Do you know of something that I could do to help with this struggle? Am I wrong to believe that anyone with same-sex attraction can reorder their eros if they truly want to? 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. Free Word Made Flesh Lenten Sunday Mass Companion! (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/WMFLent) Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and receive ongoing formation? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Q1: In one episode, you mentioned that spouses sometimes physically feel what one another is struggling with that day as a type of intercession or signal that they should pray for their spouse in a certain area. I am an unmarried woman, but I have recently experienced intense feelings of increased sexual desire for no reason, before seeing a friend of mine who I believe struggles with lust. Could this be an invitation to pray for him? How can I cope with these desires that I never had to deal with before? Q2: My wife and I have recently experienced a miscarriage of our second child at 12 weeks after conception. We named her Amelia. We had a funeral and burial service for her and believe she is with the Lord. Even knowing this I struggle with her loss. I feel as though I lost my purpose as a father as I was not able to take care of her the way that I take care of my son and my wife. I was not able to sacrifice myself f or her. Do you know of something that I could do to help me with my struggle? Q3: Am I wrong to believe that anyone with same-sex attraction can reorder their eros if they truly want to? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Snowflake close up (https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://i.insider.com/58529c48aca0591e008b4974?width%3D750%26format%3Djpeg%26auto%3Dwebp&imgrefurl=https://www.insider.com/pictures-of-real-snowflakes-macro-2016-12&tbnid=9jDXtvRwNwzj-M&vet=1&docid=1eO16Pm3XJfEKM&w=750&h=563&hl=en-us&source=sh/x/im) TOBI Course Schedule (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) Theology of the Body for Beginners (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/theology-of-the-body-for-beginners) Good News about Sex & Marriage (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/other-featured-products/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) The Third Way: Homosexuality and the Catholic Church (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rgDLWOFCRA) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

My wife and I practice Natural Family Planning. She thinks it’s unfair that the only time she has any interest in sex is during times of fertility. She also thinks that the Church’s stance is anti-woman. How can I respond to her? I’ve struggled with loving my body and feeling feminine. Do you have any insights? I’m a husband discerning diaconate. What does the TOB has to say about marriage and holy orders as a deacon. 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. Get 3 FREE sessions (https://www.tobforfree.com) of our flagship course on Theology of the Body! Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Sweden Video (https://youtube.com/shorts/4LFY-E7rhd0?feature=share) View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). Cruise Promo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNqUMYvUiVU) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How do mental health conditions relate to Theology of the Body and the discernment of our vocations? Do you think there is a relationship between our ability to recognize the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist and His presence in souls of those we encounter? As a nurse, how should I go about carring for patients who are "transitioning genders"? 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. Get access (https://www.revealedexperience.com/premium-in-person-experience1645129011401) to the Revealed Experience Weekend with a PREMIUM PASS. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join us on our Pilgrimage to Spain and Fatima! (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/tobi-pilgrimages-presents-fatima-the-mystics-of-spain-august-26-september-4-2022-22ja08pttob/) (August 26 - September 4, 2022) Bring Made For More (http://corproject.com/madeformore/) to your area! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: Do you have any tips for healing for someone that chose to be a stoic rather than an addict before he/she knew about the banquet that the Gospel offered? Should I share that I'm no longer a virgin with the next person I date? Can I become a virgin again? We are recent weds but discerned avoiding pregnancy for the beginning of our marriage. We are uncertain about when her next menstrual cycle will come and are wondering if we'll have to wait until her next cycle so that we can consumate our marriage. Why is God putting us in this situation? 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. Get 3 FREE sessions (https://www.tobforfree.com) of our flagship course on Theology of the Body! Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Heart of God by Victor Issa (http://www.victorissa.com/collection/heart-of-god/) View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). Cruise Promo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNqUMYvUiVU) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

How have criticisms of your work changed how you teach TOB? What is the "disinterested gift of self"? Is hell real? Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director 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. Want to support the podcast? Become a patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com) of the TOB Institute! This week’s questions: Q1: What are some of the lessons you’ve learned about how you present TOB from listening to your critics? How have you changed your approach based on feedback you’ve received? Q2: What is the “disinterested gift of self”? Q3: Is there really a place called hell? Or is hell what we experience when body and soul are divided? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Gaudium et Spes (http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html) - Christopher references Chapter 24 in this episode TOB Institute Pilgrimages (https://tobpilgrimages.com) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hIV5v0vJVxMFuaKyAtDreWwv_5218Rqw/view?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/). Produced by Sounder and Key (http://www.sounderandkey.com).

How does being born out of wedlock and raised in two homes impact my place in the Church? I'm husband has confessed pornography addiction and infidelity. . . I want to be faithful to my vows, but I don't know if I should seek an annulment. Christopher, what are you reading currently? Any recommendations? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

I know life has consolations and desolations but I find it hard to enjoy the blessings in my life because the troubles simply over take all the good that is happening. Am I doing something wrong? What light can Theology of the Body shed on Jesus' words in Luke 23:28-30? Could you share some reflections on the nuptial blessing in the sacrament of matrimony? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! The Discernment of Spirits (https://www.amazon.com/Discernment-Spirits-Ignatian-Everyday-Living/dp/0824522915/ref=asc_df_0824522915/) by Fr. Timothy M. Gallagher If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

As a man in his early thirties who has been through a legal divorce and the annulment process, what should I do to discern my vocation? What is the theology behind miscarriages and still births? As a newly-wed woman, I am afraid of making love with the lights on and allowing my husband to see me. . . what should I do? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Is it normal that women desire to be mothers more than men desire to be fathers? Why does God allow sexually explicit dreams? If you were to choose a set of Theology of the Body mass readings what would they be? 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. Get 3 FREE sessions (https://www.tobforfree.com) of our flagship course on Theology of the Body! Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! WORD MADE FLESH FULL SET BUNDLE (CYCLES A, B, C) (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/word-made-flesh-full-set-bundle-cycles-a-b-c) GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Is it a mortal sin for a wife to deny her husband's "marital rights"? What are your thoughts on the article from Stat titled: "After decades of setbacks, scientists make strides toward the holy grail of male birth control"? Why do you think the genitals are located in such proximity to (or share the same location of) our excretion pathways? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

I'm scared of my marriage changing after we start having kids – do you have any advice? How do you discern what God is calling you to do vs. what you want to do? What is the importance of a parental blessing on a marriage? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join us on PILGRIMAGE (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/pilgrimage) to Fatima (August 26-September 4, 2022) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: Do you think we’ll still have our excretory functions in the eschaton? I’m a new convert to the faith. My husband is still a non-catholic and had a vasectomy some time ago. I don’t think he will reverse it. Do you have any advice? Was there sex before original sin? Was marriage meant to last for eternity? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Donate for Reversals (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tobinstitute) Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery, click here (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

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? 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Christopher’s Eating the Sunrise (https://shop.corproject.com/products/pre-order-eating-the-sunrise-meditations-on-the-liturgy-and-our-hunger-for-beauty-paperback) Give to the St. John Paul II Legacy Foundation (https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZN01/campaign/C-15133). Please reach out to Dave Sloan for info on the John Paul II Legacy Foundation: dave@jp2legacy.org COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Questions answered this episode: I’m getting married soon and I know that there will be no marriage in heaven. Recently the thought of spending such a short life with my future husband and then eternity alone has crept in. Can the TOB speak into this? I have a genetical disease that has a 50% probability of being passed on. Can the Theology of the Body provide help to discern if I should take the risk? In my marriage, my husband seems to use sex like a drug. Can I refuse to engage in intercourse out of love? 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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Next Step: A Course for Discerning Marriage (https://tobinstitute.kartra.com/page/NextStep) 🏔️Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West 🎥Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West 🏔️ Join Bill Donaghy on a pilgrimage to the UK to walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton. July 16-25, 2024 Get details here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-september-3-13-2024-24ja09hltobi/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

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. 🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body (https://www.tobforfree.com) 📕 Get a copy of Christopher's Eating the Sunrise: Meditations on the Liturgy & Our Hunger for Beauty (www.eatingthesunrise.com) ⚡️ Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Jameis Winston Video (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Jkz6xlfb89s?si=sgenYc8iOfnWQCtm) Join Christopher on a ski trip to Utah Click here (https://jp2trails.com/trip/utah-ski-retreat/) TOBI Event Calendar (https://tobinstitute.org/live-events/) Hope’s Garden (https://hopesgarden.com/) Desert Stream Ministries (https://www.desertstream.org/) 🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute) 📚 View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! 📘 GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West. Use discount code MARRIAGE during checkout for 20% off one or multiple copies. ⛷️ Join Christopher on a ski trip to Utah Click here (https://jp2trails.com/trip/utah-ski-retreat/) 🏔️ Want to join us on one of our pilgrimages? Click here (http://tobpilgrimages.com/) 🌟 For professional Catholic Life Coaching, including Porn Recovery: https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/ (https://www.stevemotylcoaching.com/) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://docs.google.com/document/d/11GI1XK7viPMV36eBBNjxoKqzCENSRVyR1IoLpX6lqrw/edit?usp=sharing). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Why do Catholics have images in church? Can you give a non-religious argument for waiting until marriage for sexual intimacy? How should I pray for my future spouse? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: Hi Christopher and Wendy! Thank you so much for your work on the podcast. I’ve heard you talk about our bodies as icons of God’s love and you’ve also discussed terms like idolatry and iconoclasm. . . It seems Protestants tend to strip imagery from churches while some Catholics go above and beyond images. Could you give an overview of the proper understanding of sacred imagery in churches as it relates to Theology of the Body and a broader Catholic understanding? Q2: Hello, I have a question about waiting for marriage. I’ve been blessed by TOB as it has given me a deep understanding of our dignity and why sexual acts communicate lifelong commitment and should be saved for marriage. I never had this growing up and it has changed my life! I am wondering though, could you give a non-religious explanation of this? Perhaps an appeal to natural law or reasoning that is accessible to secular people? I have many friends who are not receptive to the idea because of what our culture teaches and I want to share with them. Q3: Hello! I am a young, single woman longing to be married and have children someday! I have been praying for a future spouse since I was little but am afraid I’m going about it all wrong. I want to be open to who God has for me without getting carried away in a fantasy. . . do you have any advice on how to pray for my future spouse and keep my desire open to the Lord and trusting in Him? I’d love to hear both of your thoughts. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: TOB1 Online: January 18-29, 2021 (https://the.theologyofthebody.com/tob1online-jan2021) At the Heart of the Gospel (https://shop.corproject.com/products/at-the-heart-of-the-gospel?_pos=9&_sid=cf98e4c0e&_ss=r&variant=554740481) Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah (https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Jewish-Roots-Mary-Unveiling/dp/0525572732) Discerning Marriage Hosted by Elizabeth Busby (https://discerningmarriage.fireside.fm) If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

If we won't be married in heaven, will we still be together as a family? How does God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" apply to us today? 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. Access the 2020 Theology of the Body Virtual Conference with a Premium Pass (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/Premium-pass)! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron (https://community.theologyofthebody.com)! Q1: I really enjoy Theology of the Body and its insights really help me to love my faith more. The one thing that I struggle with is how we will not be married in heaven. I understand that marriage is only a sign of what is to come, but it makes me sad that think that our families will not be the same in heaven. Will we still be together as a family in heaven? If you are able, could you explain this mystery a little more? Q2: Can you talk about how God's command to Adam and Eve to "be fruitful and multiply" relates to us today? This command came before they had sinned. Also, a church leader said that having children in Jewish families in the Old Testament was so vital and esteemed because they were expecting the Messiah (and thus that having babies after He was born was not as vital). How do children hold a special place in God's plan today? So many people are convinced that having less children is an essential part of the solution of climate change. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Theology of the Body Virtual Conference (https://www.tobvirtualconference.com/premium-pass) Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Does being in mortal sin at the time of vows invalidate my marriage? Is Netflix pornographic? Is it immoral to work somewhere that advocates for contraception, gender fluidity, and LQBTQ lifestyles? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).

Is finding out the sex of your child in the womb wrong? I belong to a protestant group ministry and several of our members have been hurt by one of the ministry leaders who constantly objectifies men and women. Do you have any advice? I’m a young adult that studied business and worked in a top tier firm. The demands of the work made it very hard to take care of my personal life so I decided to leave after knowing it was the right thing to do. I’m currently facing criticism from those close to me. How can I look at this with TOB eyes? 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. Get 3 FREE sessions (https://www.tobforfree.com) of our flagship course on Theology of the Body! Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art (https://www.godisbeautybook.com) by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community (https://tobpatron.com)! Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com (http://www.askchristopherwest.com). Resources mentioned this week: Our Bodies Tell God's Story: Discovering the Divine Plan for Love, Sex and Gender (https://shop.corproject.com/products/our-bodies-tell-gods-story-discovering-the-divine-plan-for-love-sex-and-gender-paperback) OUR BODIES PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL STUDY GUIDE (https://shop.corproject.com/products/our-bodies-proclaim-the-gospel-study-guide) View our COURSE SCHEDULE (https://tobinstitute.org/programs/tobi-schedule/) to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! GOOD NEWS ABOUT SEX & MARRIAGE (https://shop.corproject.com/collections/best-sellers/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage) by Christopher West Join Christopher and Wendy on the TOB Institute’s “St. Therese & the Little Way” Seine River Cruise in France from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023 (optional pre-cruise extension trip to Lourdes Oct. 22-26). Get complete details and place your deposit here (https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/st-therese-and-the-little-way-seine-river-cruise-october-26-november-2-2023-23ja10frtob/). If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cwestofficial) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cwestofficial). Discover the Theology of the Body Institute (http://www.tobinstitute.org). If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-christopher-west/id1448699486). Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf). Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).