Ask Christopher West

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.

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!

Resources mentioned this week:

Theology of the Body Institute Courses - TOB1

Theology of the Body for Beginners

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.

How do I get started learning about TOB? How do I abstain from participating in Pride Month activities, while still showing compassion for all people? Does TOB give guidance on taking care of the body? Would you and Wendy every consider writing a book together?

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.

Thanks for enjoying the podcast! If you want to support our work, consider becoming a patron of the TOB Institute.

This week’s questions:

Q1: I am drawn to the Theology of the Body. I just watched your 15 minute interview about this and your ending comments were something like: "this will change your life, this will rock your world". I think this is something I am ready to dive into. Can you direct me on how to start?

Q2: My employer is pushing hard for employees to participate in Pride Month, but this violates my conscience. How can I show compassion for all people, without participating in activities like this?

Q3: Does Theology of the Body also give guidance on taking care of the body, such as exercise and food?

Q4: Would you and Wendy ever consider writing a book together?

Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com.

Resources mentioned this week:

TOB1 - Head and Heart Immersion Course - September 8-13

Dumb Ox Ministries

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.

What's the deal with mortification? Did Adam and Eve really exist? How do I go about understanding my vocation as a celibate woman? As a Protestant woman, how to I share TOB with my friends? As a single man, how can I cultivate true friendships with 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: Some saints have been known for their mortification of their bodies, and I have always found that to be a little confusing. If our bodies are good, why would they do that? And why does the Church present this as saintly?

Q2 Did Adam and Eve really exist? Or are they just a tale and a way to explain original sin?

Q3: Can we talk celibacy for the kingdom? I already discerned (and entered and exited) religious life and I’m unable to be a consecrated virgin (but praise God for His mercy!). I don’t think I’m called to marriage yet have a hard time accepting this consecrated life in the world. How am I really “chosen” versus “looked over”? How can I integrate my sexuality without counting the cost, in other words accepting the ache? How can I better make a sincere gift of self, seeing it as a call rather than condemnation? Thank you and bless you!

Q4: I’m a Protestant Christian who has fallen in love with Theology of the Body and experienced its redemptive power in my own identity as a woman, wife, and mother. I eagerly want to share this revelation with my Protestant friends, especially the married women I know who accept birth control as a “necessary part of marriage” and even disdain children. But given the historical divide in our church, whenever I’ve tried, the “Catholic” concepts are so foreign it's hard to make headway.

Q5: As a single man, how do I navigate friendships with the virtuous women in my life that I am not pursuing, but have a desire to love and grow in friendship with, while protecting their hearts from confusion and/or rejection?

Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com.

Resources mentioned this week:

Bishop Barron on How to Read the Bible

Our Bodies Proclaim the Gospel CD Set

Become a patron of the TOB Institute

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.

How can TOB help me heal spiritually from anorexia? Why does the Church teach against contraceptives? Is watching Game of Thrones okay? As a woman who has struggled with pornography, how do I heal?

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’ve been physically and mentally recovering from anorexia for awhile, and I’m realizing that my soul needs healing, too. Is there anything in Theology of the Body that can help me understand self-worth and self-love. Are these things God wants for me?

Q2: I grew up in a church environment where the use of contraceptives was not questioned morally at all. I’d love to hear you explain a little more about how the use of contraceptives relates to TOB both in Christian marriage and in secular culture.

Q3: I’m struggling to decide whether or not to watch the new season of Game of Ghrones. I know that it contains pornographic scenes, and while I skip them, I feel guilty whenever I watch it. I hate telling people I’ve seen it because I feel they’ll be drawn to do the same, and it may cause them to sin.

Q4: As a female who has struggled with pornography, my view on sex has been distorted. While I know that sex is good on a head level, how can I more fully understand this on a heart level?

Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com.

Resources mentioned this week:

Books by Christopher West:

TOB1 September Course

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.

As a single young woman, should I be open to marrying someone who doesn't share my faith? How does Wendy feel about not being able to tour and speak like Christopher? What bible verse has resonated the most with you through life?

We continue taking questions from people who have taken part in TOB Pilgrimages. Check out the upcoming pilgrimages to Mexico and the Holy Land at TOBPilgrimages.com!

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 young single woman whose faith matters deeply to me, should I be open to the possibility of marrying someone who doesn't share my faith?

Q2: Wendy, how hard is it to watch your husband do something that you are also passionate about, when you have to stay home and do everything else?

Q3: Which bible verse or passage has resonated with you the most through life, individually or as a couple?

Also in this episode: the follow-up to "Cake or Pie", Christopher answers "Ketchup or Mustard!"

Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com.

Resources mentioned this week:

Apocalypto -- Christopher recommends this film as part of the last questions of the episode, but please be advised that its content are not suitable for all ages.

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.

Any recommendations for a couple that is dating who wants to include TOB in their relationship? Do you think the "Culture of Death" that we currently live in can be overcome? Do you have any tips for overcoming jet lag? Christopher and Wendy dive into these questions, while finding time to muse on Cheese Whiz as a valid cheesesteak component.

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 travels a lot, do you have any recommendations on how to deal with jet lag?

Q2: Do you have any recommendations with TOB for a couple that is dating? I’m currently dating a Christian (Non-Catholic) and is interested in TOB. I’m trying to figure out a way to bring it into the conversation while our relationship is young.

Q3: After going on the 2016 TOB Pilgrimage to Mexico, and seeing how Our Lady of Guadalupe was able to turn a culture of death into a culture of life, I am hopeful that the same can happen in our own culture. Do you think this is a reasonable hope?

Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com.

Resources mentioned this week:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Youtube Series by Christopher | Part 1

Theology of the Body for Beginners

Cooked on Netflix Christopher recommends Episode 4!

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.

Confirmation students from St. James Catholic Church in Charles Town, WV submit their questions to Christopher and Wendy! How do I talk to my non-Catholic friends about hot-button issues? How do you know if the love between a husband and life is real? As Catholics, how do we relate to people struggling with matters of sexual identity?

If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening!

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 can you do if your friends aren’t Catholic, and they believe different things, and they start to talk about difficult topics around you? Abortion, for example. What can you say to them

Q2: How do you know if the love between a husband and wife is real?

Q3: Where exactly in the Bible does it say that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are bad?

Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com.

Resources mentioned this week:

The Good News about Sex and Marriage

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.

How can a Catholic artist include their faith in their work? How do we help children in the process of exploring their bodies? What kind of faith formation experiences are out there for older people? How do we best go about making sure our marriage is based on love, not lust?

If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening!

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: Hello, I am a Catholic artist and student (painter and sculptor) struggling with how to glorify God with my work in the context of the contemporary art world (which seems to me to be ridden with ugliness). How can Catholic artists today stay relevant and not copy the past, but draw on the past and effect change now? Also, more personally, how can I live out my faith truly at a Fine Arts College? I feel that if my peers knew I was Catholic they'd surely treat me differently.

Q2: I was listening to "Beyond the talk" about the mother telling her little girl in the bathtub to not touch herself its dirty. What do we say to our children when they are touching themselves? I have two boys and two girls, all under the age of 6. Will it differ what I say from my girls to my boys?

Q3: My husband and I recently had one of our kids go to SEEK2019 and my husband mentioned that it seems that so much of the messages of our Church is aimed at the younger generations. Are there programs for us older folks who aren't 19 to help us continue to grow our faith?

Q4: Is it possible for sin to be involved during sexual intercourse if the following criteria are met? 1) The couple is legitimately married 2) niether feels coerced or pressured to have sex 3) they are open to life 4) each is considerate towards the other’s mounting pleasure and not simply trying to gratify themselves at the expense of the other. I am currently engaged to be married and my fiancé and I have discussed this topic out of a desire to one day begin our sexual relationship not with a fear of lust but with total freedom to love.

Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com.

Resources mentioned this week:

TOB Courses/Resources

Catholic Resources for Adults

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.

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.

Resources mentioned this week:

Catechism of the Catholic Church

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.

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.

Resources mentioned this week:

TOB Pilgrimage to Mexico City

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.

Produced by Sounder and Key.