Why do Catholics have images in church? Can you give a non-religious argument for waiting until marriage for sexual intimacy? How should I pray for my future spouse?
Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II’s beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.
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Q1: Hi Christopher and Wendy! Thank you so much for your work on the podcast. I’ve heard you talk about our bodies as icons of God’s love and you’ve also discussed terms like idolatry and iconoclasm. . . It seems Protestants tend to strip imagery from churches while some Catholics go above and beyond images. Could you give an overview of the proper understanding of sacred imagery in churches as it relates to Theology of the Body and a broader Catholic understanding?
Q2: Hello, I have a question about waiting for marriage. I’ve been blessed by TOB as it has given me a deep understanding of our dignity and why sexual acts communicate lifelong commitment and should be saved for marriage. I never had this growing up and it has changed my life! I am wondering though, could you give a non-religious explanation of this? Perhaps an appeal to natural law or reasoning that is accessible to secular people? I have many friends who are not receptive to the idea because of what our culture teaches and I want to share with them.
Q3: Hello! I am a young, single woman longing to be married and have children someday! I have been praying for a future spouse since I was little but am afraid I’m going about it all wrong. I want to be open to who God has for me without getting carried away in a fantasy. . . do you have any advice on how to pray for my future spouse and keep my desire open to the Lord and trusting in Him? I’d love to hear both of your thoughts.
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Resources mentioned this week:
TOB1 Online: January 18-29, 2021 (https://the.theologyofthebody.com/tob1online-jan2021)
At the Heart of the Gospel (https://shop.corproject.com/products/at-the-heart-of-the-gospel?_pos=9&_sid=cf98e4c0e&_ss=r&variant=554740481)
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah (https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Jewish-Roots-Mary-Unveiling/dp/0525572732)
Discerning Marriage Hosted by Elizabeth Busby (https://discerningmarriage.fireside.fm)
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Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals (https://tobinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/TOBI-Recommended-Psychologists-Updated-6-8-20.pdf).
Featuring music by Mike Mangione (https://www.mikemangione.com/).