Ask Christopher West

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: [email protected].

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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: [email protected]

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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: [email protected].

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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: [email protected]

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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: [email protected]

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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: [email protected]

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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: [email protected]

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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: [email protected]

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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.

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!

Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron!

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.

Resources mentioned this week:

Register for the TOB Congress!

Register for TOB1 online!

FULFILLED SERIES 3-DVD SET + 1 STUDY GUIDE

FULFILLED GROUP STUDY KIT (3-DVD SET + 10 STUDY GUIDES)

If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: [email protected]

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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.

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!

Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute? Become a Patron!

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?

Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com.

Resources mentioned this week:

Desert Stream Ministries

Theology of the Body Congress

TOB 1 Online, Nov 2-13

Word Made Flesh - Full Set

Word Made Flesh - Cycle B

Good News about Sex & Marriage

If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: [email protected]

Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram.

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.