My boyfriend is recovering from a pornography addiction, and I'm worried about its effect on our future marriage. Should I be? Do all Catholic weddings have to take place in a Catholic Church? What is the theological/spiritual similarity between life and death?
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.
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Q1: My boyfriend and I are preparing for engagement and I do not want that to change. I recently learned that he has struggled with pornography. I know we can work through this and I believe that God's grace can heal us, however, I am scared that I won't believe him when he says he thinks I'm beautiful. I'm worried on our wedding night he will be comparing me to these other women he has seen. I'm scared that I won't want to give myself fully to him and will have a hard time trusting him again.
Q2: Do all Catholics who marry a Catholic have to get married in the Catholic Church?
Q3: I thought you have a million answers, but the last podcast made me think that maybe it is a good idea to respond. It was a long time ago, podcast number 13 that you answerd my question about how to better listen to God! I accepted your challenge, and I found out how much God was already speaking to my heart by music and films...when I didn’t know Him. Still trying to figure out "A Chorus Line". Any idead?
Also, can you can speak about the similarity of birth and death, spiritually/theologically?
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Resources mentioned this week:
Called to Life by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Good News About Sex and Marriage
The Sign of the Dying Body: How the Theology of the Body Helps Us to Die in Love Article by Diane Windley-Daoust
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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.
Featuring music by Mike Mangione.
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