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.

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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?

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Resources mentioned this week:

Desert Stream Ministries

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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.