Ask Christopher West

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! 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. Resources mentioned this week: 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

Did Adam and Eve have sex before the fall? When I have crossed a boundary sexually, it is hard not to give up afterwards. I know this is a lie, but it feels like the truth. Even though I believe God forgives me, I still failed. Can you offer advice or resources to help? When a person passes away, we pray for his or her soul, but what about the body? 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! Q1: Did Adam and Eve have sex in Eden? If yes, why does the Bible say that Adam "knew" Eve only after the fall? And their love was fruitful after the fall, not before, in Eden (they did not have children in Eden). Thank you so much and God bless you. Q2: I am new to TOB but have found what I have experienced of it so far to be very helpful. My question is related to a mindset and heart change when it comes to sexual sins. When I have crossed a boundary sexually, it is hard not to give up afterwards. My mind tells me that I have already failed, so it doesn't matter if I try to be pure in that area of failure in the future. It feels like there is no going back. I know this is a lie, but it feels like the truth. Even though I believe God forgives me, I still failed. Can you offer advice or resources to help? Q3: Hi Wendy and Christopher, your podcast has blessed me over 1.5 years. I love it! Here's my question: When a person passes away, we pray for his or her soul, but what about the body? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: 2020 TOB Congress 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

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! 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. Resources mentioned this week: 2020 TOB Congress 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

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! 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. Resources mentioned this week: Desert Stream Ministries 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

I heard about the terrible thing that happened in New Orleans where the priest desecrated the altar with porn stars. How could he be a priest and do something like that? With unpredictable menstrual cycles and having made a career commitment for the next two years, should my soon-to-be-husband and I refrain from consumating our union? 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! Our podcast segments are on YouTube! Check them out here. Q1: I heard about the terrible thing that happened in New Orleans where the priest desecrated the altar with porn stars. I find it just horrifying. How could he be a priest and do something like that? Q2: With unpredictable menstrual cycles and having made a career commitment for the next two years, should my soon-to-be-husband and I refrain from consumating our union? Q3: Why do Catholics pray to saints? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Register for the TOB Virtual Congress! Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 TOB1 Online Nov. 2-13 NaPRO Trained Physicians 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

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! 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. Resources mentioned this week: Discovering the Human Person Register for the TOB Virtual Congress! Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 TOB1 Online Nov. 2-13 Love and Responsibility Men, Women and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II's Love and Responsibility 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

What key relationship advice would you offer to Catholic couples? What is the difference between courtship and dating? What is the best way to heal from a heart break from a serious 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. Access the 2020 Theology of the Body Virtual Conference with a Premium Pass! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron! Q1: What key relationship advice would you offer to Catholic couples? Q2: What is the difference between courtship and dating? Q3: What is the best way to heal from a heart break from a serious relationship? I have been bringing my pain, questions, sadness, anger, and hurt to God about all this. It’s just tough to sit with and memories come back from when I was with my girlfriend. I miss her but I know I need to move on. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Register for the TOB Virtual Congress! Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 TOB1 Online Nov. 2-13 Made for More Livestream! Oct 16th, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM EDT Good News about Sex & Marriage 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

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! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron! 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. Resources mentioned this week: Register for the TOB Virtual Congress! Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 TOB1 Online Nov. 2-13 Made for More Livestream! Oct 16th, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM EDT Eastern Icon of the Resurrection Good News about Sex & 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

If God is all powerful, why does he let bad things happen? Should a Catholic marry a non Catholic or is it necessary to be of the same faith as your spouse? How do I give my sexual desires to 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. Register for the Theology of the Body Congress! October 30 - November 1 Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron! Q1: If God is all powerful, why does he let bad things happen? Q2: Should a Catholic marry a non Catholic or is it necessary to be of the same faith as your spouse? Q3: I listened to your interview on Java with Juli and was so blessed by it. Can you talk about how to have our thirst quenched by Jesus? I am a Christian and want to have my thirst quenched by Christ and have my sexual desires lead toward heaven, but I don't know how. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Theology of the Body Congress, October 30 - November 1 TOB1 Online, November 2-13 Three Choices with Eros by Beth 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

Can a girl ask a guy out? Should a Catholic have sex outside of marriage? What powers are granted by God 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. Register for the TOB Virtual Congress! Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron! Q1: Can a girl ask a guy out? Is there something innate about men making the first move or is that just cultural? Q2: Should a Catholic have sex outside of marriage? Please explain the Church's teaching on this. Q3: A priest at the altar, by the power granted by God in the Sacrament, turns the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of our Lord. A s married couples what powers are granted by God in the Sacrament of Matrimony? I know we are co-creators but I know there is more. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Register for the TOB Virtual Congress! Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 TOB1 Online Nov. 2-13 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 and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. 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. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.