Advertise on podcast: Ask Christopher West

This episode of ACW is sponsored by Ascension’s Alto! Questions answered this episode: When I was 11, I was in a horrible car wreck. My mother and two younger brothers were killed, and I was critically injured. I learned to swallow the pain from my trauma for years. Six years ago, after having my first child, I got help and healing began. Becoming Catholic started my spiritual healing. A priest talked about joy in bearing our cross. I did not choose this cross, but I started thinking about inviting Jesus into my trauma. Your podcast opened a place in my soul I had closed off. I want to connect my cross to Jesus. Any tips on how I can enter into that journey?I've been dating my girlfriend for two and a half years and thinking of proposing, but now I'm not so sure. We talked about marriage and agree on waiting a year before having kids. However, when I mentioned practicing natural family planning, she had never heard of it and felt scared and at risk. She doesn't think it's fair for a man to deposit his seed every time and suggested pulling out. Now I'm wondering whether to continue pursuing her. How can I have a better conversation with her, or handle making that difficult call? My heart is aching for an answer.I'm a cradle Catholic, married this summer to a faithful Catholic man, and we are navigating communication challenges. While he focuses on the meaning behind words, I am sensitive to their delivery. I struggle to look past a raised or dismissive tone, partly because I witnessed my father speak harshly to my mother. Harsh words or a raised voice affect me deeply and bring me to tears. Am I being overly sensitive in wanting to be spoken to gently by my spouse? How can I become more emotionally resilient, and how much should tone and manner of communication matter within a marriage? 🏔️ Signup for Ascension’s Alto here with discount code ASK10: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/content-hub/alto?srsltid=AU7gw4UwYWuHLVAt1jOOlN154x8fNwsr43H6RMBPsrWXjFqqmpsK24YI Marian Mystery Course November 2026 Learn more about Become: the TOBI Community Click here to Become a supporter of Become! NOVO MILLENNIO INEUNTE Link The Way: Stations of the Cross for Survivors of Abuse THEOLOGY OF THE BODY FOR BEGINNERS - UPDATED, REVISED & EXPANDED 2018 (PAPERBACK) Good News About Sex & Marriage Love & Responsibility YouTube Series TOB 1 In Person Course Jun 12-18 2026 --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: I have four kids, ages 10 and under. We as humans are made body and soul, and our bodies are made to express loving connections to one another. I lean towards gentle parenting—hugging my kids often and holding their hands when they fall asleep. Sometimes I feel guilty because there isn't enough of me to go around. I feel like the older ones should need less physical touch as they grow up, yet they still yearn for it. I don't want to baby my kids, but I don't want to shun them. How can I parent in a way that balances how we are made, body and soul?In the last two years, I've had a deep crisis trying to return to Christ after living in sin. I struggle with same-sex attraction. I believe in Catholic Church teachings and marriage, but I feel stripped away from this beauty. This thorn in my flesh forbids me from waiting for someone God will send. Priests choose celibacy, but my other choice feels like hell. Can you understand my pain? It brings anger toward God and difficulty trusting Him. Hearing about the theology of the body feels like a knife crossing my heart. What answer exists for pain so big and misunderstood as disobedience?I've embraced being single as a gift from God for years. After recent events in my life, I thought I would be called to single life for another few years and was very excited. However, I've just met someone I feel a strong pull to and peace about dating. I love being single and have trouble giving it up. I believe this man is a gift from God, but am I allowed to remain single if I wish? How do you have the courage to say yes to dating for marriage? What are some benefits of marriage? Marian Mystery Course November 2026 Course Schedule UTAH Ski Trip with Christopher West April 5-9, 2026 [Desert Stream Ministries](https://www.desertstream.org/) --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: My mom is going to design the glass windows of a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Can you explain the theology of the Sacred Heart of Jesus?I'm in my late 20s, married with two young kids, and grew up with 10 siblings. My mom was very worn out, their marriage suffered, and they were not able to be there for me. I've forgiven my parents and appreciate their generosity, but my own births and pregnancies have been hard. Isn't it better for my family and community if I'm thriving as a person and present to others? I would really like one or two more babies, but to see a loose end date for this intense, demanding period of my life. Is that okay, or is it selfish to put my health and well-being over potential children? I am older than my boyfriend, 1.4 years to be exact, and we're taking discernment seriously, having been dating almost two years. My being older has caused tension. My boyfriend's parents did not have a healthy Catholic marriage, and his mother is older than his father; I feel like he's projecting that relationship on ours. Though I am in engineering, my dream is to be a full-time homeschool mom should we get married. A priest recently asked my boyfriend, "How can you expect her to submit to your leadership when she's older than you?" Now that comment is causing my boyfriend reluctance and doubt. Marian Mystery Course November 2026 Truth & the Lie October 9 Launch Learn more about Become: the TOBI Community 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: Learning to see the world through TOB lenses has given me such clarity and rest. My question today is about holiness. Could you explain what holiness actually is? I come from a Protestant background, and growing up, the word holy was reserved for God alone. It seemed using that word to describe other people, like Mary and the saints, in some way was an attempt to put them on the same level as God. Could you help me understand what it means to call someone holy and how that differs from God's holiness?I'm a 35-year-old woman. I'm single and really have no prospects for dating. I have a fear that I'm running out of time to have children. This makes me very sad. Any advice for having trust in the Lord's plan for my life?How does one separate a priest from Christ and from the graces we receive through the priest? When I have received a grace through a priest, I've found something in me grasping. I am happily married and love the priesthood, but on one level, it moves me to a greater love for our Eucharistic Lord, while on the other hand, there's perhaps something disordered in me that clings to the priest. This is further complicated by an experience where I wounded a priest due to lack of discretion. Now, when I have experiences of grace linked to a priest, I spend too much time examining my motivations and fearing self-deception, hoping you might shine some light. Truth & the Lie October 9 Launch Course Schedule UTAH Ski Trip with Christopher West April 5-9, 2026 Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info Litanies of the Heart by Dr. Gerry Crete --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: I have a little girl, about 5 months old, and I was visiting a friend with a baby boy the same age. While visiting and playing with our babies, we both at one point pretended to eat our babies' feet, cheeks, and legs, and were talking about how we just wanted to eat them. And we really meant it! Obviously, we don't want to do our babies harm, but there is something in us that just wants to eat them. What is that desire?I'm a devout practicing Catholic, conflicted over contraception in marriage. We have three children already, yet the idea to continue to have more children because church teaching is contraception is not allowed makes me feel like there's a gun to my head. I despise the idea of sinning against God using contraception, yet to continue to have children would leave us in financial ruin and reduce how much time my wife and I can spend with each child. Simple abstinence doesn't make sense to me within marriage, and natural family planning doesn't necessarily work without a regular period. Clearly, most Catholics must be using contraception. I am so conflicted. Please help.How do marital union and climax give us a glimpse of heaven and eternal ecstasy with God? How do single people experience this foretaste of the feast to come? Are we SOL? Truth & the Lie October 9 Launch Course Schedule UTAH Ski Trip with Christopher West April 5-9, 2026 --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: I'm a single woman trying to discern if I'm called to marriage, but I'm not sure it would be responsible for me to have kids. I manage my depression, anxiety, and OCD well now because of downtime, sleep, and control over my day-to-day. However, I'm really bad at sleep deprivation and fear the stress, isolation, and lack of routines in early motherhood would cause my mental health to take a serious downturn into another depressive episode. As a Catholic, I know my marriage would need to be open to life. Is it fair for me to date while I'm unsure whether I should have children—now, or maybe ever?Can you explain the logo of the Theology of the Body Institute? What is the meaning, the symbolism of its design, and who came up with the design?  My question relates to my engagement and relationships before marriage. How can I know the difference between lust and love outside of marriage? I find my fiancé absolutely beautiful and love her in all of her aspects, both body and soul. However, I often find myself wondering if I can be too attracted to her, or desire too much from her before its proper time. We've never acted on it physically, but I worry my desires and thoughts can be turning into adultery within my heart. I want to avoid sinful thoughts while appreciating her beauty. A point in the right direction would be appreciated. Truth & the Lie October 9 Launch Our Logo --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: My question is regarding modesty for moms, particularly. Growing up and in dating and marriage, I was always careful to dress modestly. However, now that I'm a mom and breastfeeding especially, I find it a lot easier and more comfortable to wear shirts that are a little bit more low cut. It makes breastfeeding a lot easier. Part of me feels like my stretched out boobs aren't going to tempt anyone. I'm not trying to be self-deprecating—I know my husband finds me beautiful, but I'm not the shape most men find conventionally attractive. If the whole point of modesty is to keep from leading men astray, and my mom body isn't going to be distracting anyone, does it really matter if I dress modestly or not? Especially when it comes to comfort and ease of breastfeeding, is it a big deal if it shows a little bit of cleavage? My aim isn't to lead anyone astray, but I feel like I'm not turning any heads no matter what I wear. What are your thoughts?I was called into the world of healing, and God provided the funds for me to enter massage school. I'm a licensed massage therapist doing specialty bodywork, and I've witnessed incredible healing on my table. Many times, bodywork turns into talk therapy with my female clients, where the Holy Spirit moves me to reveal truths about our bodies and how we are organically connected to our creator. For the last year, I keep sensing I need to study the Theology of the Body. I'm looking into coming to a course in Pennsylvania. What course will be most applicable to my work?Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a gift. I feel like I'm at the beginning of my journey, but it is difficult because of my past, marked by periods where I lived far from God's love. I carry wounds I've caused to myself and others through sin. I have confessed them, but often hid them from myself without facing the damage left behind. I now understand that not only the acts, but their consequences need God's mercy. I know it's necessary to allow these wounds to heal, but I'm afraid. How can I look at these wounds without fear, without the desire to run away overwhelming me? Truth & the Lie October 9 Launch Course Schedule Hope’s Garden Souls & Hearts --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: I was listening to an episode in which you were asked whether Jesus and Mary had sexual desires. And you said they had natural sexual desires, but not lustful desires. The distinction between these two concepts is not obvious to me. I'm wondering if you can elaborate more on what Jesus and Mary experienced in more concrete terms related to sexual desire.My daughter is 29 and identifies as transgender. We are a devout Catholic family, and after an emotionally turbulent time, we now have a relationship with this adult child. Although she no longer practices our faith, she supports our family. My most religious friends and family have been most distant—ignoring birthdays and excluding her—while our secular family and friends have been welcoming and supportive. This contradiction hurts, since I believe God is working in each of our lives. Recently, my daughter told me she stopped taking testosterone, giving me hope that no one's journey is worth giving up on. How come my brothers and sisters in Christ can cut and run so easily? The loss of my daughter's breasts, ovaries, and womb is a deep sadness. It is the body that I washed, diapered, fed, and cuddled. The idea that a doctor had a more fitting design is a lie and a ruse. How come this is considered mutilation, but other cosmetic surgery is not? Someone has a body part they don't like and they change it to a "better look"? Please help me understand this.I'm engaged to a wonderful man and we're getting married soon. I am a virgin; he's not. We have saved sex for marriage throughout our relationship, thanks be to God. I enjoy being affectionate with him by cuddling and kissing, but I am nervous about sex. In fact, I'm a little bit afraid. Is it because this is new to me, or because I grew up in a household where we never talked about these topics except 'don't do it'? Is this something you've come across in your work before? Any advice would be appreciated. Truth & the Lie October 9 Launch Course Schedule 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: Last year, I broke up with my boyfriend of three years, whom I really believed I was going to marry. One of our struggles was his porn addiction, which sadly led him to abuse his sister. Devastated, I chose to forgive and love him, reasoning that if God forgives us, I should do the same. He even introduced me to TOB. But now I wonder: how can he and his sister heal when she acts like he doesn't exist? How can TOB apply here? I'm angry because I was willing to carry this cross with him, but he didn't fight for us.I went to high school with a woman who I became friends with senior year. At no point in high school were we ever interested in the other. After high school I went to seminary for two years before discerning to leave seminary. I left about 10 months ago, and about one month ago started dating this woman from high school. We both value our friendship, have similar goals and dreams for the future, and take our faith very seriously. I asked her out to see if God could be doing something here, and we're giving it time to see if physical attraction for each other grows through the process. Before asking her out, I found a lot of fear in wondering what others, especially friends from high school who really aren't true friends, would think. Do you have any advice for me?I struggle with feeling like I need to look "physically perfect" in order for a man to like me and to want to enter into a relationship with me. Part of this comes from messages that I've received from my parents since a young age, such as receiving comments when something is out of place or pointing out when something is less than desirable, such as a pimple on my face. In addition to hearing negative comments about other people's weight and physical appearance, a big part of it also stems from hearing that men are more influenced by the physical than women are. Now that I'm pushing 30 and I'm getting more gray hairs, I'm left feeling like no man will desire me now and enter into a relationship with me. On the flip side, I also feel at a loss since there have been men in my life who seek me out for my physical appearance, but then lose interest once they get to know me, leaving me feeling like my personality is lacking. As I age, I'm left feeling like I will have nothing left to attract the husband I so desire, even though some part of me knows cognitively that's not true. Do you have any insight or advice about this from a TOB perspective? THE TRUTH AND THE LIE book pre-order --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: How can you tell if you're looking at someone with lust or with proper reverence? I saw a beautiful woman during mass one day, and I just wanted to look at her and admire her beauty. But I feel like there's a fine line between awe and lust that I can't quite pinpoint. Or another example: for some reason, I find a woman's pregnancy attractive. But am I looking at them just for pleasure or with awe of the fact that they have another life within them? I’m struggling with scrupulosity around marital intimacy and differing opinions among Catholics about what is permissible. I came across a rigorous podcast by a priest imposing strict boundaries using Saint Alphonsus and Saint Thomas Aquinas. His guidelines are much stricter than what most modern theologians teach. I'm confused, afraid, and feel my soul is on the line. As a traditional Catholic, I worry it’s safer to follow the more rigorous opinion, though I’d rather take the simpler, more enjoyable approach. How do I know what is right, approach the marriage bed without fear, and be confident that modern theologians are safe to follow?Just yesterday, I listened to your testimony on the podcast Restore the Glory, where you talked about sexual healing and your growth in loving your wife Wendy better. It was such a blessing for me. While I was listening, I wondered what Wendy's side of the story was, how she lived and felt in those first 10 years of your marriage, how she struggled, how she realized you didn't have a clue, and mostly, how she coped to love you deeply, rightly, and truly, even though she felt immense hunger for your true love. So, Wendy, could you please share your side of the story? Catholic Sexual Ethics Course In Person Catholic Sexual Ethics Course On-Line Restore the Glory Episode with Christopher Episode 42 Restore the Glory Episode with Christopher Episode 43 --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: My fiancé and I recently became engaged. I was in the seminary where I wrote my master's thesis on TOB, and my fiancé has also learned about it. We've been trying to live out TOB teachings in our engagement, which has been a true blessing. However, we keep on falling into lust. We've tried all sorts of mechanisms to prevent it, but we keep losing the battle. Lately the burden has become heavier, and it seems we'll never get it right. We're wondering if you might have struggled with something similar in the beginning and what advice you can give.When we profess we believe in the resurrection of the body, we're saying that when Christ returns, we will be reunited, body and soul. I've heard that because of this, Catholics aren't supposed to scatter ashes. If God is omnipotent, why does that matter? What is the difference between ashes being scattered over a lake or bodies decomposing into the soil? It pains me to think someone won't experience resurrection because their family sought closure. Further, does this affect the Catholic stance on donating organs after death or donating your cadaver to medical students?I'm a 26-year-old Catholic. My question is about being single and experiencing sexual desire. Some days, I feel at peace being single, but other days, I deeply long for a husband, sex, and intimacy—to become one flesh and know that I'm loved and wanted. I understand in my head that marriage and sex aren't the ultimate fulfillment, but sometimes that truth falls on a deaf heart. Why would God place such a strong desire in us and ask us to wait, or possibly never experience it? How can I learn to open my heart and trust Him in that tension? THE TRUTH AND THE LIE book pre-order National Catholic Bioethics Center --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: In the Theology of the Body, you speak about how the female body reflects God's love through its capacity to receive, nurture, and bring forth life. After a traumatic first C-section, I struggle to understand how this truth applies to my story. Although I later had a second C-section, it's the trauma of that first birth I continue to carry. At times I feel my body failed me and find it difficult to see it as a gift. How can I understand my body through Theology of the Body after this trauma and find healing?I recently read that there's some debate among Catholic theologians on whether contraception in the case of rape is permissible. The source said, after confirming that conception has not yet taken place so as not to inadvertently end the life of a conceived child, contraception can be taken so as to prevent a pregnancy resulting from rape, almost as a form of self-defense. Is this true? I had always thought contraception was intrinsically evil, meaning it is never allowed to be used in any circumstance whatsoever. I was wondering if you could shed some light on it.How can TOB relate to mental disorders? After all, the brain is an organ too, which can suffer from incurable illnesses. For example, I recently learned I have obsessive-compulsive disorder, which leads me to hurt my body through compulsions like scratching and self-punishing. I also struggle with post-traumatic stress symptoms causing unpleasant physical sensations during flashbacks. It is hard enough to see my body as something good, and even harder to love my brain. I feel a tendency to view this as a brain versus body division, and I'm wondering how to live more in the brain-body connection. Fall Course Schedule Event Schedule Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info  National Catholic Bioethics Center ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: I'm a young man currently discerning the priesthood and applying to enter the seminary next year. For most of my life, I've struggled with lust and masturbation. Even though I'm in control today, I know this is a cross I have to bear for the rest of my life. What is your opinion on day counting or keeping streaks as an additional way of motivating myself to stay pure and chaste? Second, is this journey of growing in chastity for the priesthood perhaps a way for God to actually prepare me for marriage and to treat a future wife rightly and well?I’ve been doing the 33-day consecration to St. Joseph, and I’m on day 13. I’m deeply disturbed by the readings today, especially ones that talk about the virginity of St. Joseph and even the virginity of St. John the Apostle. Somehow, in the entire text, it gives the idea that remaining a virgin is somehow better, more pure, and more chaste than being married and trying for children. I understand why Mary was virgin, at least a little bit now, mostly because of TOB. But the fact that St. Joseph and even St. John the Apostle are virgins simply because it is pure, and God will only give Mary to a virgin, somehow discourages me greatly from performing my marital duties to my husband. Why is being a virgin pure, and marriage not pure?My husband and I have four children, ages six, four, two, and almost nine months. We both work full-time and have always been open to life. But at the moment, we do really feel at capacity. I am still exclusively breastfeeding the baby. We understand the church's teaching on contraception, and we're not using contraception. But I would like to know what the church teaches on sex in a marriage when you do not feel open to life in the season that you're in. Love & Responsibility YouTube Series with Matt Fradd

Questions answered this episode: 1. You talk on your podcast about how a spouse is vast and deep interiorly, using the analogy of deep sea diving. If you commit to exploring that interior life, you'll never be bored. My husband and I have been married for 11 years. Recently, some things from our pre-marriage days came up. That hurt deeply, but helped us grow deeper together. The past seems like the most obvious place to go deep sea diving, but we don't want to constantly hash out past events. How can we apply your analogy to the present and future? What does this practically look like? 2. I was recently watching a video of a doctor trying to save a newborn's life since he was not breathing. Someone said in the comments, "That cry was all I wanted to hear." That led me to ask myself: why is crying the first thing we do when we are born? And why is that cry basically vital in order to know the baby's okay? Do you think that has something theological to tell us? Is it like some cry of the heart that's manifested through our body as we come out of our mother's womb? 3. I had a vasectomy before I converted, and now would very much like to get it reversed. Obviously, the cost is a huge hurdle, and I understand that you have helped many people find the resources to have this done. I'm wondering how I can achieve this. Thank you in advance, and God bless you for the incredible work that you do. TOB2: Into the Deep Course on August 2-7 2026 THE TRUTH AND THE LIE book pre-order Reach out to Michele ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Click here if you’d like to make a gift to the St. John Paul II Legacy Foundation ⁠TOB1 Online + TOB2 in person package.⁠ --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Questions answered this episode: 1. I've been married for over 10 years. My spouse and I have a good solid faith filled relationship. Sometimes, however, the thought of having a spiritual director sounds interesting to me. I just wondered what spiritual direction looks like for a married individual. Part of me feels like having a spiritual director would take the place of sharing deep things with my spouse. How can spiritual direction build upon an already solid marriage without detracting from it? 2. Does theology the body teach us anything about hunting? I'm an avid deer hunter. I respect the lives of animals. But I also know that God commanded man to have authority and care for the animals, allowing us to eat meat. However, I feel this tug at my heart in regards to hunting that I didn't feel before. I've come to realize that taking the life of an animal can be profound and treated with respect. I've hunted with guys who not feel this respect. They have more of a warlike mentality. Do you have any thoughts for me? 3. I'm a licensed clinical social worker working through sexual issues with a client. The wife reports they were taught TOB in college that they should not end the sexual encounter until the wife has an orgasm. The issue is that the encounter is going really long; the husband is becoming frustrated and tired, and the wife will often have a panic attack due to the stress while trying to climax. They are devoutly Catholic and want to follow what the church teaches. What would you tell someone experiencing psychological or emotional distress during the sexual encounter, according to Theology of the Body? TOB1 Online + TOB2 in person package. Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info --- 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. --- 📩 Submit your question here! ⚡️ Want to have a better chance of us answering your question and support the Theology of the Body Institute? ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patron Community!⁠⁠⁠ 🔥 ⁠⁠⁠Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body⁠⁠⁠ --- 🎟️ Event Schedule 📚 ⁠⁠Course Schedule 🏔️ Pilgrimages 🧠 ⁠List of trusted counselors & psychologists⁠ *If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recommended on this podcast, contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠