Ask Christopher West

Christopher and Wendy West answer questions about faith, life, love, and sexuality, in light of John Paul II's Theology of the Body.

About the show

Since the early 90's, author and speaker Christopher West has devoted his life to spreading John Paul II's revolutionary teaching on human life, love, and sexuality: The Theology of the Body. His beloved wife Wendy, mother of their five children, has served as his confidante, friend, and support through these long years of ministry. In this podcast, Christopher and Wendy combine their wisdom to tackle the toughest questions dealing with vocation, sexuality, marriage, and the Catholic faith.

Support the mission of Christopher and Theology of the Body Institute by becoming a Patron! Join our Patron Community at TOBPatron.com.

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Episodes

  • Makeup, Prescribing Contraception & NFP as Openness to Life | ACW263

    January 15th, 2024  |  33 mins 6 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • Is there anything wrong with me for being attracted to someone only when she uses makeup?
    • As a physician, is prescribing contraception a mortal sin?
    • My husband thinks we should use NPF for the rest of our marriage but I long to continue having children. Do you have any thoughts?
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    Fertility Body Fluids, M*sturbation & Healing of Sexual Past | ACW262

    January 8th, 2024  |  42 mins 2 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • How do we reorient what we find gross about the bodily functions?
    • What is m*sturbation?
    • As a pre-engaged couple, how do we heal from our sexual past?
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    Getting Over First Love, Same Sex Attraction & Wedding Ceremony | ACW261

    January 2nd, 2024  |  45 mins 58 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • Will I ever get over my first love? Is it okay date others while still attached to another?
    • What story does the body of a person with same sex attraction tell?
    • Why does the bride come in after the priest at a wedding?

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    Blessing of Same Sex Unions, Wedding Night & Intimacy in Prayer with Jesus and One Another. | ACW260

    December 25th, 2023  |  49 mins 9 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • What’s going on with the blessing of same sex unions?
    • Does the TOB have anything to say about consummating your marriage on the wedding night?
    • How do Christopher and Wendy live their intimacy with Jesus in parallel with their intimacy as husband and wife?
  •

    Spiritual Mothers in Parishes, Beauty Standards & "Not in the Mood" | ACW259

    December 18th, 2023  |  48 mins 56 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • Why are our parishes only run by fathers if the domestic church (the family) is run by fathers and mothers?
    • I’m not “stunning” compared to the standards of beauty that society has. I know I’m “beautifully and wonderfully made” but I understand this only with my mind, not my heart. Do you have any advice?
    • I’ve heard that as married couples, we need to be intimate to show our love even if we’re not in the mood. If my bride is not in the mood, it would seem to me like I’d be forcing my needs unto her. Does the TOB shine a light on this?
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    Marital Jealousy in Heaven, Passing on Genetic Disease & Saying "No" | ACW258

    December 11th, 2023  |  50 mins 22 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • I’m getting married soon and I know that there will be no marriage in heaven. Recently the thought of spending such a short life with my future husband and then eternity alone has crept in. Can the TOB speak into this?
    • I have a genetical disease that has a 50% probability of being passed on. Can the Theology of the Body provide help to discern if I should take the risk?
    • In my marriage, my husband seems to use sex like a drug. Can I refuse to engage in intercourse out of love?

  • Intrusive Thoughts After P*rn Usage, Is Circumcision Mutilation? & Baptism of Desire for Babies in Womb | ACW257

    December 4th, 2023  |  45 mins 17 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • I’m a 40 year old husband and father. I grew up in a family dynamic where porn and masturbation was normal. I quitted porn after 7 years of marriage but now I’m really struggling with intrusive thoughts. Do you have any advice?
    • I recently heard that circumcision is mutilation. Should I confess this?
    • I’m a mid-wife accompanying a couple that’s pregnant with a child that possibly won’t be born alive; they long for their daughter to be baptized. Can you explain baptism of desire?

  • My Son is Gender Neutral, Dating an Older Woman & Listener's Affirmation | ACW256

    November 27th, 2023  |  43 mins 4 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • My son wants to change his name to a gender neutral name. What do I call him?
    • I’ve developed a friendship with a woman that’s several years older than I am. As our friendship grows, the possibility of a romantic relationship has come up but I don’t feel “butterflies” in my stomach. Would it be irresponsible to enter a relationship without those romantic feelings?
    • This is not a question but an affirmation of the wisdom and balance coming from Wendy and Christopher’s marriage
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    Wild Eros, Vampires & Modesty | ACW255

    November 22nd, 2023  |  57 mins 59 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • Should I invite a girl out even though she might not share the same values and faith I do?
    • How can I explain to a 3rd grader that consuming the Eucharist is not the same as vampirism?
    • How can I let my girlfriend know that other men might look at the way she dresses impurely while honoring her God given beauty?

  • Liberal Parish, Practical Advice to Overcome P*rn & the Receptive Role of Man | ACW254

    November 13th, 2023  |  52 mins 26 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • My current parish has a radically liberal priest and LGBTQ ministries. Should I speak to my parish priest or should I just look for another parish?
    • I’ve struggled with pornography for a long time. Do you have any practical advice on how to overcome porn?
    • I’m having difficulty accepting my place as the bride in the spousal analogy. How can I accept my receptive role as a man?
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    Death and Dinosaurs, Disinterested Gift & the Fruits of Sin | ACW253

    November 6th, 2023  |  52 mins 54 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • If death entered the world with the fall of man, what about all the other creatures on earth before man came into the scene?
    • What is the disinterested gift that John Paul II talks about and how does it relate to eros?
    • My wife does not want any more children and resists the idea of practicing NFP. How do I not destroy my marriage, not put my soul in jeopardy and still live my moral obligation as a Catholic with a clear conscience under these circumstances?

  • Trauma Growing Up, TOB for Teens & Top 5 TOB Movies | ACW252

    October 30th, 2023  |  44 mins 19 secs
    catholic, catholic answers, catholic podcast, catholic questions, christian, christopher west, faith formation, faith questions, john paul ii, jpii, theology of the body, theology of the body institute
    • I grew up in a very painful and hurtful environment and fear that all my personality traits come from this broken past. How do I continue to trust God when it feels like I’m becoming a stranger to myself and everyone that knows me?
    • Is it possible to talk to teens about the beauty of their sexuality in a way that won’t make them feel threatened or embarrassed?
    • What are the top 5 Theology of the Body movies that you would recommend to someone?