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!

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

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.

Resources mentioned this week:

Theology of the Body for Beginners

Our Bodies Tell God's Story

Theology of the Body Explained

Man and Woman He Created Them

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.