Is it immoral to cohabitate with your fiance due to COVID if you are not engaging in intercourse and taking measures to avoid scandal? Do you have any wisdom for overcoming the struggle with pornography after a relapse? How do we know John “leapt for joy” in the womb?

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.

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Q1: I had a question about a very unique cohabitation situation. One of my friends (say Bob) is cohabitating with his fiance because of COVID. They decided that it was healthier that they live together since she would be in an unhealthy family situation at home with no job. Bob is a very devout Catholic and is very aware on the churches teachings (he's read some of your books), and in an effort to reduce scandal his brother is living in his apartment as well. Bob is hoping that his fiance can move out soon, but it has been over a month and the deadline only keeps getting extended for quarantine. The question: If they are not engaging in sex and believe that they are not committing scandal, is this still contrary to the church's teaching? He is one of my best friends so I'm very concerned for his spiritual welfare and helping him avoid scandal.

Q2: I am having trouble overcoming my attachment to pornography. I have struggled with it since I was 7 years old. I had a major conversion when I was 20 years old and I stopped watching pornography for 4 years after that. I am now 25 and the past year the problem has resurfaced and I am struggling again and I do not know why. I thought I had the problem under control. Do you have any spiritual or practical wisdom that you can impart?

Q3: How do we know John “leapt for joy” in the womb? I mean how do we discern between that and just a swift kick in the rib or evening calisthenics?

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Resources mentioned this week:

Interrior Freedom by Fr. Jacques Philippe

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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.