Ask Christopher West

Why is the priestly vocation for men only? As a man, how do I determine whether I am looking at a woman's body in a way that is loving, not lustful? 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: From the lens of TOB, can you explain why the priesthood is a vocation for men only? Q2: As a man, how do I know if the reason/way I look at a beautiful woman is chaste or lustful? Is it wrong to look at “those parts” of the woman's body with a chaste and pure intention even though my body reacts the same or similar way? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: TOB Pilgrimage to Mexico City Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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.

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. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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 Ascension Press for Teens Theology of the Body Evangelization Teams Damon Owens' JoyTOB Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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: The Heart of Perfection by Colleen Carol Campbell The Body Reveals God by Katrina Zeno Theology of the Body in One Hour by Jason Evert Books by Christopher West: Theology of the Body for Beginners Eclipse of the Body The Good News about Sex and Marriage TOB1 September Course Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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 Mike Mangione's Music Our theme song is "Lay Down"! Theology of the Body for Beginners Fill These Hearts Cooked on Netflix Christopher recommends Episode 4! Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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 TOB Institute Head and Heart Immersion Course (TOB1) Trailer TOB Institute Way of Beauty Course NFP Discussion in Ask Christopher West 16 Beyond the Talk: Sharing God’s plan for Sexuality with Your Children The Good News about Sex and Marriage Catholic Resources for Adults Ascension Press Augustine Institute Word on Fire Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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 John Paul II's Familiaris Consortio Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. 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 know if the girl I am dating is "The One"? I have experienced a lot of spiritual growth since entering into my marriage, but my husband is not. He is not interested in living as the Church calls us to live. Do you have any advice for this situation? How do I help my friend who has committed adultery and left his wife? Christopher and Wendy share their advice on these situations, and share experiences of their marriage, parenting their young children, and Wendy's most memorable granola-related misfortune. This week’s questions: Q1: How do I know if the girl I'm dating is "The One"? Do you have any thoughts on the best way to propose? Q2: How can I live TOB if my husband doesn't know the church teaching on marriage, doesn't care to learn and holds most of the popular prejudices against the church of our times. I want to clarify: when we married, I had the same views he has now. I came into the church because of our marriage crisis. We are doing a bit better, but not living up to what God wants for marriage and families. We lived a partying lifestyle and began our marriage in the common disordered way of today. Do you have any advice? Q3: I have a dear friend who comitted adultery and left his wife. It's very sad because we share a lot in the faith, and have been friends for almost 10 years. How can I help? 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. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Introductory information on the Theology of the Body Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

I've been married before; can I be a consecrated virgin? What does chastity look like for engaged couples? How do I help couples who are struggling with practicing NFP? Christopher and Wendy dive into these questions 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: I have been told that only virgins, meaning never had sexual relations, can be consecrated to God. So, am I just a hopeless cause since I have been married before, and annulled. I consecrated myself to God with Scripture I was given by a Rabbi, since I couldn’t get an appointment with a priest. Is it valid? Q2: Could you please address what chastity ought to look like in an engaged couple? The commitment level is certainly increased, so it feels as though physical intimacy ought to follow. I realize a couple is not fully committed until "I do" but I still am curious how chastity rules might change as your relationship changes. Q3: First of all, thank you both for your service and ministry! I love yall! Learning about TOB honestly changed the course of my life so thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am an NFP teacher and love the Church's teaching on marriage and sex; however, I know these teachings are difficult to grasp for many people. I know many couples who use NFP, who deeply struggle with it and are almost resentful because they feel its not fair due to long periods of abstinence or loss of libido for some women during the second half of her menstrual cycle, or etc. My question is how do I support and encourage these couples? What can I do to help others see the joy in living this out while understanding that it does require sacrificial love? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Chapter 4 of The Good News about Sex and Marriage Original Netflix Series Cooked Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

This episode contains subject matter of an intimate marital nature. How do I deal with post-graduation life outside the "Catholic bubble"? Do you have any advice for a couple struggling to bring the wife to climax during intercourse? Or for a couple in their later years, dealing with erectile dysfunction? Christopher and Wendy dive into these questions, sharing from their own experience. 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 am graduating from a Catholic college, and preparing to go out into the world. What advice do you have for students who may be leaving the "Catholic bubble"? Q2: My husband and I have had difficulty with bringing me to climax during sexual intercourse. How do I maintain an "other-centric" perspective on marital intimacy while dealing so closely with my own experience of the sexual act? Q3: My husband and I have been married for 31 years. Recently, we have experienced erectile dysfunction, and have determined that we don't want to use a medication to address the issue. Do you have any advice on this situation? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Amoris Laetitia - Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis Holy Sex by Greg and Lisa Popcak Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

What can TOB teach us about work? My wife wants to contracept, but I don’t. How would you recommend I handle this situation? Do you have any specific songs that speak to your love one another? Christopher and Wendy dive into their own stories to cast light on these questions. Also, does anybody see a duck? 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 was wondering if TOB can teach us something about work. Work, like sex, is an area of life where human beings often use one another. And yet many have experienced huge blessings by giving of themselves in a labor of love. How can TOB help someone stuck in a dead-end job? What can TOB teach us about work? Q2: My wife wants to contracept, but I do not. I feel an increasing trust in God’s providence in regards to our sexuality, but my wife has threatened to leave our marriage over this issue. Do you have any thoughts? Q3: Do you have any specific songs that speak to your love of one another? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Vademecum for Confessors Concerning Some Aspects of the Morality of Conjugal Life I Choose You - Sara Bareilles Army of Angels - The Script Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

As a couple in the perimenopausal stage of life, how should we handle issues surrounding NFP, irregular cycles, and prolonged periods of abstinence? As a husband, I feel that my wife is often only ever interested in sexual union from the physical side. How do I deal with this? How do I create space in my prayer time for me to hear the Lord speaking? 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: My husband and I are entering into the perimenopausal stage of life. My cycles are very irregular, making practicing NFP difficult, and we have strong reason to avoid a pregnancy at this time. We are concerned about how practicing total abstinence will affect our marriage. Do you have any advice for this situation? Q2: My wife seems to have less interest in sex than me, generally, and when she is interested, she seems more interested in just the physical act than the spiritual/emotional dimension. I am worried this is harming my marriage. What should I do? Q3: In prayer, I find myself doing a lot of talking. How should I so listen so that I can hear God speaking? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Catechism of the Catholic Church - 2342 Marriage Counseling Resources: Pastoral Solutions Institute CatholicPsych Institute Dr. Peter Damgaard-Hansen Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

How do I live my single-ness while in the process of an annulment? If you had only 30 minutes to talk to an RCIA class on Theology of the Body, what would you say? My husband is suffering from a pornography addiction; what should I do? Christopher and Wendy dive into these questions (and Christopher raps) on today's episode. 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 am a married woman going through the annulment process. I have been successful in remaining chaste, despite sometimes desiring otherwise. Do you have any advice for how best to live this time in my life? Q2: If you had only 30 minutes to speak to an RCIA class on the Theology of the Body, what would you say? Q3: My husband is suffering from heavy depression and a pornography addiction. What should I do to be a faithful wife in this difficult time? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Made for More Parish Event The Good News About Sex and Marriage Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

As a newlywed, how can my spouse and I live out the TOB message in our parish community? What do we do when our first year of marriage doesn't feel like a "honeymoon year"? Where should unmarried couples draw the line at physical intimacy? Christopher and Wendy share some stories from their own marriage 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 newlywed, what are your thoughts on how my husband and I can best live out the TOB message in our parish community, beyond living it out in our own lives? Q2: Even though we were well-prepared and devout Catholics, the first year of our marriage has been difficult. The fact that it should be a “honeymoon year” is very discouraging. It seems like we are having a harder time than most other couples we know. What is your advice? Q3: In ACW3, you talked about how married couples can be intimate but abstain from sexual acts during periods of fertility. How should unmarried couples go about deciding where to draw the line with sexual intimacy? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: The Good News about Sex and Marriage (Christopher referenced Chapter 4 in this podcast) Made for More Parish Event The Couple to Couple League's Live the Love Blog Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

As a single person in my thirties, how do I cope with the desire to be married? As a happily married man, how do I ensure that my sexual desire for my wife is expressed in love and not lust? How can couples develop a deeper practice of marital prayer? Christopher and Wendy draw from their own experiences of marriage in this episode of Ask Christopher West. Also, Christopher quacks. Really. 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 do you do if you are single and you've been single for years? I’m in my thirties and I want to get married, but God has not put that person in your life yet. How do I reconcile this ache and longing for communion? Q2: As a happily married man, I often struggle with my own sexual desire for my wife and distinguishing whether this desire (and how I express it) is right or wrong. We're firmly planted in the Church's teachings concerning sexual ethics but even within those boundaries my experience has been one of guilt over whether I am truly being loving or lustful toward my wife. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Q3: Do you pray together as a couple? What does that look like for you? As a spiritual director (and celibate woman, consecrated with vows), I encourage spouses to have and develop marital prayer. Often times I get surprised with the response: “that’s awkward”! I am aware that one’s spiritual life is quite intimate, but I imagine it could deepen other levels of intimacy in marriage, including physical intimacy. Would you mind sharing this intimate topic with us, your beloved audience ;) Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: For more by Christopher West on Marriage, check out The Good News about Sex and Marriage. Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

A lot of people support the Sexual Revolution (and everything that comes with it) out of genuine compassion for their fellow man. How do we best address or dialogue with people in this position? What are some ways that married couples manage conflict within marriage? Christopher and Wendy share from their own experience to answer these questions. 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 think a great many people who support the Sexual Revolution (contraception, abortion, etc) do so out of a genuine compassion for others. Often, as Christians, we have a tendency to view such people as "the enemy". What's the most effective way to engage with them that respects (or at least assumes) their genuine compassion? Q2: Can you share some ways in which married couples can manage conflict within their marriages? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Catechism 678 Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

Do I have to be a "slave" to God? As a minister, how do I figure out the balance between work and life balance? What role does male/female complementarity play in parenting? Christopher and Wendy answer these questions in this week's 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: Why do the saints and mystics put such an emphasis on being a “slave” to Jesus, while we know that God is not a slavedriver? Q2: As a minister, how do I balance the demands of ministry and family? Q3: How should the complementarity of man and woman fulfill God’s plan in the context of parenting? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation: Gaudete et Exsultate Parenting with Grace by Greg and Lisa Popcak Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

Why all the emphasis on dressing modestly? Why are we focusing on that and not on seeing others as people, not objects? As a youth minister, how do I help my teens see the beauty of Theology of the Body? Why does the Church seem to be overly concerned with virgins and virginity? Christopher and Wendy dive into these questions, as well as Christopher's hair regimen, in this episode. 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: If our ultimate goal is to be able to look at one another without any sense of sin or lust, why is there such an emphasis on dressing modestly? Shouldn't we be focused on developing the ability to see one another as people rather than objects? - Anonymous Q2: I'm a youth minister. How do i convince youth that are mentally stuck in the sin of impurity to understand and live out the church's teaching on sexuality? And by stuck I mean totally unmoved after three weeks of talks/discussions with a respected and effective clergy member. - Ryan Q3: When we talk about Catholic saints, it’s common to hear them described as virgins. But, I’ve noticed that we only ever describe Female saints as virgins! To a modern woman like myself, frankly, that comes off as creepy and sexist. If we value virginity, why do we only brag on female virgins and not male ones? - Veronica Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Ephesians Chapters 5 and 6 Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Production by Sounder and Key.

Cake or pie? Seriously, that's a question this episode. Also, do you have any advice for my husband and I as we give a talk about NFP to a group of engaged couples? How do we begin to teach some TOB principles to our young children? Christopher and Wendy share some personal stories as they answer these questions. 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: My husband and I have been asked to give a talk on NFP to a group of couples preparing for marriage. What wisdom can you share from TOB that might add some fuel to our fire? Q2: How do we begin to teach some of these principles to young children? What are some techniques you’ve used with your own children? Q3: Cake or Pie. Which is the superior dessert? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: The Good News about Sex and Marriage Especially Chapter 6! The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality Beyond the Birds and the Bees by Greg and Lisa Popcak Beyond the Talk: Christopher West Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

A few weeks ago, Gillette released an ad commenting on masculinity and its place within society. Christopher and Wendy answer questions people have submitted on this particular topic. 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: What does it mean for a person to be masculine? Is there such a thing as "toxic masculinity"? Conversely, is there such a thing as "toxic femininity"? Are men inherently more sinful than women? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Gillette Ad: We Believe: The Best A Man Can Be Christopher and Matt Fradd's Facebook Live Conversation on the Ad Information on the TOB Institute Head and Heart Immersion Course happening March 17-22! More on other TOB Institute courses here. Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

I'm a gay Catholic woman, living a chaste life. Why did God make me this way? Why should Theology of the Body matter to me as much as it does to you? What do I tell my teen who wants to have sex with her boyfriend? Christopher and Wendy answer these questions on today's 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: I'm a gay Catholic woman living a chaste life. Why did God make me this way? Q2: Why should Theology of the Body matter as much to ME as it does to Christopher and Wendy West? Q3: What do I tell my teen who wants to have sex with her boyfriend? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Register for Christopher's free mini-course: What Do You Want? Resources mentioned this week: The Good News about Sex and Marriage Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

As a teenager, how can I share my love for TOB with my peers and friends? How can a wife continue to love a husband who seems increasingly distant? What acts outside of intercourse are appropriate in marriage? This episode contains content that may be inappropriate for young listeners. 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’m a teen who is excited about the Theology of the Body. How do I share this with people around me, even if they might be resistant to it? Q2: What about a couple that gets married and are very much in love, but then the husband’s love seems to wane. The wife suffers because she doesn’t feel loved by the husband. How can TOB help this couple? Q3: So if we are trying to abstain, but I still want to enjoy my spouse, why are other sexual acts not approved by the Church? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Register for Christopher's free mini-course: What Do You Want? Resources mentioned this week: The Good News About Sex and Marriage Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.

Does my own broken sexual past mean I can't talk to my kids about virtue? How do I talk and pray with my teen daughter who identifies as a lesbian? How do we overcome poor father figures in our lives? Christopher and Wendy lend their wisdom to these questions regarding teenagers and adolescence. 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 Cathlic faith all in light of John Paul II’s beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body. This week’s questions: Q1: I want to share the truth about sexuality with my children, but I have not had a virtuous sexual past. Does this make me a hypocrite? Q2: How can a mother talk and pray with her 15 year old daughter who identifies as a lesbian? Q3: How can girls with bad father figures know what healthy desire is, when all they have is bad examples? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Register for Christopher's free mini-course: What Do You Want? Resources mentioned this week: On Golden Pond Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key

Should there be a Theology of the Body dating site? Do people in committed marriages need to understand TOB? What about people who are really struggling with life issues? Christopher and Wendy plunge into these questions and more on the first episode of the Ask Christopher West Podcast. 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: If you launched a TOB dating site, what features would you want included? Q2: Do I still need to learn about TOB if I’m in a committed, monogamous marriage? Q3: How do you share the beautiful message of TOB with people who are held up with legitimate struggles? For example, those who are in poverty or very ill? Q4: As a person who never received affirmation when I was young, how can I move forward to understanding that God knows, loves, and desires relationship with me? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Register for Christopher's free mini-course: What Do You Want? Resources mentioned this week: Humanae Vitae - Pope Paul VI Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Produced by Sounder and Key.