🎙 For more questions like these, check out the Ask Christopher West Podcast where Christopher and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom. They answer questions about sexuality, marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II’s beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body. The podcast is available on all streaming platforms. askchristopherwest.com/
This is a really interesting topic, would you please expand more? I am a single woman with brokenness and fears towards man, but I want to heal, trust, and better understand and love my brothers in Christ. I am afraid while searching for a spouse that he won't be willing to share in my regular pains and griefs, and I will be left to suffer alone. I am working on building my trust again, but do you have spiritual guidance on how to know if a man is a man of God, and how to face this fear and better trust in a man of God?
Hello! Thank you for your honest question! We'd highly encourage you to continue to go deeper into the Theology of the Body! Christopher's Good News About Sex & Marriage would be a great start. You can find it here: shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage but we also have this free playlist where he walks you through the book th-cam.com/play/PLAbqXQaOvkM4Q01szl54g7Sj9mJ8bfKf0.html&si=zZG7qYfniz9J_KKB Apart from that we have tons videos on dating, discernment and healing in our channel so feel free to check them out. God bless you and thank you for watching.
I am sorry to hear that, we are all broken in one way or another and need Christ in our lives. I'm learning theology of the body to better understand myself as a man and to know how to rightly love women through avoiding temptations. God bless
Please review the song “Take Me to Church” by Hozier. It’s a very popular song and has a brilliant melody but communicates such a sad misunderstanding of theology and the Church. I think that you’d be able to do a great analysis of the song and I’d love to know your thoughts!
My pastor preached on circumcision and the Church. He said that it is a mark on a man’s body which identifies him as a Jew. But women were not circumcised, so how could they be identified as Jews? By their marriage to a Jewish man, because the two become one flesh. It’s their union, that identifies her. Why then, is Christ circumcised but we are not? Because he is the groom, identified by his circumcision and also his wounds of crucifixion. We, the church, are His bride, so we are identified as Christians, part of the Body of Christ, by our union to Him! And how is this union sealed, through the sacraments, but most especially the Eucharist (receiving Christ into our flesh and soul), which is the conjugal act between Christ and His bride, the Church (this is my body, given up for you).
I love how prostate reflects the dignity of a man. How its name is dervied from Ancient Greek and means "the one who stands before", "protector", "guardian". How it's the part of reproduction system that's actually inside. Testicles are on the outside becasuse it's a gift of life given from the outside. And phallus is on the outside because it belongs to the person who God has chosen to receive the gift of life. So the only part that actually belongs to man is the prostate (and seminal vesicles). So our focus is meant to be, designed to be put on protecting life, tending to life and being the mediator between God Himself and the person that chooses freely to receive His gifts.
As a 20 year old man I am grateful to know theology of the body. I am trying to avoid the hook up culture that is prevalent in my generation because there are a lot of temptations.
Great video, Christopher! I do have 2 questions: That's a good point that we need to embrace both the agony and the ecstacy of being a man, and we miss the big picture if we embrace only the ecstacy and shun the agony, but is there also a danger of embracing the agony and shunning the ecstacy? My 2nd question: Who is the name of the artist of the picture?
Hello, William Murphy. To your second question: by picture, are you referring to the thumbnail image please? If you are, it is a painting by Michelangelo and it is “The Creation of Man”. I hope it helps!
The bible tells us, in many places, to rejoice in the Lord always. Jesus says to let our light shine, to be the salt of the earth, to never lose our flavor. There is a great joy in knowing that the Lord of all is right beside you. Getting to know Christ also means getting to know his cross, BUT he tells us that his burden is easy, and just as he used his cross to redeem the world, he transforms our suffering to be a sacrifice for him and for others.
Ok thank you. I’ll check it out. I’m sure his intention is good but I just think that the temptation of every young man since the Fall has been to think that sex will be a kind of heaven on earth. Things can become distorted and almost idolatrous in people’s hearts if we are not cautious…
I've always wondered why God specified circumcision as the sign of the covenant. When the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, they had already forgotten their abrahamic roots and have long forgone the practices their forefathers passed down to them, but God made the warriors circumcize themselves before occupying the promised land, basically renewing the covenant with Abraham. Apparently, it's a reminder of the role and nature of the male figure in accordance to God's will. The covenant with Moses was, if the Israelites obey the laws of Moses, hence manifesting the masculinity in its holiness (sense of responsibility, loyalty and fatherhood), God would give the promised land to them. They would be his people and he would be their God. Unfortunately, leading a holy life is never easy. Sex isn't just about pleasure, it always comes with the burden and joy of new life. In addition, the pain of circumcision is nothing compared to the pains and aftereffects of childbirth on the woman's body. A physical sign on the man's genitals is a reminder of all that. Now that we've put them into words, it seems like the sign of the covenant can't be anywhere else except the male genitals.
Wow, what an amazing dive into the sacred mysteries of the Theology of the Body! It proves that our Catholic faith is anything but prudish or body-denying. Instead, the Wisdom of the teachings of the Church shows us the way out of short-term pleasure that leads to misery. Thank you for sharing those wonderful news with us Christopher! Will share with my husband! May God bless you, your family, and your Mission ❤🙏
Thank you for explaining my deepest desire in my heart that I crave past sex. Now I understand why I have the desire in my heart to be a father and husband. However, it’s true that I have fallen for the lie even though I know it’s wrong that God does not want to give me the desires of my heart and wants me to make me wait and deny me causing me to willingly listen to the temptations of the Devil because of the pain of loneliness without any friends or family, love from others, and a spouse. I have a hard time believing God wants to give me the desires of my heart (to be a husband, spouse, lift me up out of poverty, send me help and support to get me moving in life, wealth to support a family one day, etc.) even though I know it’s a great sin to doubt Him and live in disbelief and mistrust of Him and others. Any advice you could give me to overcome doubting God and have faith in Him even though I don’t see anything happening in my life as a 28 year old single man?
Also a 28 year old single guy with those desires. It sounds counterintuitive, but one thing that's helped recently is embracing the single life that I'm currently in. It's made me more grateful for the many blessings I already have. God bless brother!
Things change rarely, even when you 100% commit to it for life. But don’t forget to give credit to god, because he allowed you an unfair, uneven, untimely, unspoken, half second opportunity for you to simply try to succeed in a broken, fallen world. A world with almost no clear directions , tons riddles in scripture that need advanced interpretation all while fighting off temptation.
The Gates of Heaven??! Is this not a bit OTT? Mary was certainly Heaven on earth because God was in her womb but I am not sure what JP2 would have thought of certain ideas that Mr West has tried to suggest are derived from his sacred teaching on sexuality. In Christ alone will we find happiness and a true experience of Heaven on earth; and any poor young man who thinks that sexual union with his sinful wife will be his Heaven on earth will have to mature in wisdom along the way. I think the average Catholic couple guided by a bit of realism can see that this is all going a wee bit too far. Acknowledge the sacred mystery of the body but there is no need to invent exaggerations.
Hello! Thank you for your honest comment. It's difficult to provide nuance in a short 10 minute video but if you'd like to get a more wholesome understanding of where Christopher is coming form, we'd recommend Good News About Sex & Marriage. You can find it here: shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage but we also have this free playlist where he walks you through it: th-cam.com/play/PLAbqXQaOvkM4Q01szl54g7Sj9mJ8bfKf0.html&si=zZG7qYfniz9J_KKB
Modern men and boys that were medical circumcised have over sacrificed. To the point that the sacrifice has destroyed the beauty and mystery of sexual intercourse.
Great topic to review in this year where all the election year debate is about the irrelevance (irreverence) of a male’s body in sport, in the military, and at the altar. I’m wondering if you can connect any dots from the current transgender movement and the feminization of the military back to the decision by the Vatican to allow girls to serve at the altar in 1994.
Thank you for watching! Christopher has a whole chapter on his latest book "Eating the Sunrise" where he goes deep into the connection between the liturgical chaos and sexual chaos from the 60's. You can find it here: shop.corproject.com/products/pre-order-eating-the-sunrise-meditations-on-the-liturgy-and-our-hunger-for-beauty-paperback
Humans are the creators ( sharing In creation as our endowment buy God) of SOULS. We are so callus and frivolous with this power. We think we are creating humans. True… but that is only stage one. We are universe creators.
Infant circumcision trauma causes so many complications and problems for men later in life. Porn addiction is a potential pitfall from infant circumcision.
ive been circumcised and i have no wiener problems. But on the other hand, i know someone who had to get medicine for his tip cause he had some kind of problem with his skin.
@@cplmcevoy6380 congratulations. That doesn’t take away from the fact that medical circumcision is a demonic form of what god intended. Look up foreskin restoration millions of men struggle with sensitivity issues painful erections from being cut so tight they don’t have enough skin.
I'd like to know more about the porn addiction thing. I know a lot about the other dangers, but didn't know that. I will say from years of working in elderly care however that foreskin does cause more infections.
@@robynbeach3198 also medical circumcision is way different than biblical circumcision. Medical circumcision takes all shaft skin. Biblical circumcision takes the rim of the foreskin leaving 90% to 95% intact.
As far as opening your body to God, it's all very well for women but we guys start behind the eight ball on this one If woman represents humanity (which she does) men represent Christ - the priest is `In persona Christi.' Sometimes I can't help but feel sorry for us poor blokes getting a bit confused from time to time. We can't open our very body to God like Mary can so I find this description a little less than satisfying. We need more time to know what this means for us blokes. I know it's a spiritual thing and not a bodily thing. But your institute is Theology of the body. So what does it mean to be a male and be `In persona Christi’ one minute and a bride of Christ the next minute? I’ve seen your video named; `What Is the Theology of Your Body As A Man? | Theology of a Man's Body’ But it doesn’t help here. Theology of the male body you suggest images the fatherhood of God. Excellent. If we image the infinitude of God’s fatherhood we don’t open our bodies to receive; we impregnate. We can’t be like Mary. When do we change from being the `Fatherhood of God,’ to `Bride of Christ’? How can we be both at the same time?
Bible circumcision and medical circumcision are worlds apart from each other. The old way of circumcision was basically 3 to 5% of the foreskin. Essentially cutting the rim of the foreskin off. Men could still retract their remaining foreskin in biblical times. Medical circumcision aims to take 100% of the foreskin.
@@sassychimpanzee7431 instead of being a complete idiot on the matter that only denies facts without any proof or evidence to counter my facts. You should really research the subject. American circumcision is a good documentary to watch.
@@sassychimpanzee7431 believe what you want want. Reality doesn’t change to your falsely held beliefs. Do some research that is not pro circumcision. It will be eye opening.
Only clicking on this to see you actually talk about something you may be qualified to talk about, you all seem to constantly talk about subjects you don’t really understand.😂😂
Thank you for your comment and checking out the video! If you'd be open to it, we'd suggest checking out this video to get a feel for where we're coming from: th-cam.com/video/37daHBmiFM4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=58pZheVMhWG9Vhgx
🎙 For more questions like these, check out the Ask Christopher West Podcast where Christopher and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom. They answer questions about sexuality, marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II’s beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body. The podcast is available on all streaming platforms. askchristopherwest.com/
This is a really interesting topic, would you please expand more? I am a single woman with brokenness and fears towards man, but I want to heal, trust, and better understand and love my brothers in Christ.
I am afraid while searching for a spouse that he won't be willing to share in my regular pains and griefs, and I will be left to suffer alone. I am working on building my trust again, but do you have spiritual guidance on how to know if a man is a man of God, and how to face this fear and better trust in a man of God?
Hello! Thank you for your honest question! We'd highly encourage you to continue to go deeper into the Theology of the Body! Christopher's Good News About Sex & Marriage would be a great start. You can find it here: shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage but we also have this free playlist where he walks you through the book th-cam.com/play/PLAbqXQaOvkM4Q01szl54g7Sj9mJ8bfKf0.html&si=zZG7qYfniz9J_KKB Apart from that we have tons videos on dating, discernment and healing in our channel so feel free to check them out. God bless you and thank you for watching.
you shall know him by his fruits sister...
I am sorry to hear that, we are all broken in one way or another and need Christ in our lives. I'm learning theology of the body to better understand myself as a man and to know how to rightly love women through avoiding temptations. God bless
Please review the song “Take Me to Church” by Hozier. It’s a very popular song and has a brilliant melody but communicates such a sad misunderstanding of theology and the Church. I think that you’d be able to do a great analysis of the song and I’d love to know your thoughts!
Thank you so much for the suggestion!
My pastor preached on circumcision and the Church. He said that it is a mark on a man’s body which identifies him as a Jew. But women were not circumcised, so how could they be identified as Jews? By their marriage to a Jewish man, because the two become one flesh. It’s their union, that identifies her.
Why then, is Christ circumcised but we are not? Because he is the groom, identified by his circumcision and also his wounds of crucifixion. We, the church, are His bride, so we are identified as Christians, part of the Body of Christ, by our union to Him! And how is this union sealed, through the sacraments, but most especially the Eucharist (receiving Christ into our flesh and soul), which is the conjugal act between Christ and His bride, the Church (this is my body, given up for you).
Wow! I have never heard this teaching about circumcision before. Now it all makes sense. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Thank you! I've been waiting for this video. It makes me think more deeply about it.
Thank you for your patience and for watching!
Wow, I appreciate your vivid description of this mystical realities!
Thank you for watching!
I love how prostate reflects the dignity of a man. How its name is dervied from Ancient Greek and means "the one who stands before", "protector", "guardian". How it's the part of reproduction system that's actually inside. Testicles are on the outside becasuse it's a gift of life given from the outside. And phallus is on the outside because it belongs to the person who God has chosen to receive the gift of life. So the only part that actually belongs to man is the prostate (and seminal vesicles). So our focus is meant to be, designed to be put on protecting life, tending to life and being the mediator between God Himself and the person that chooses freely to receive His gifts.
As a 20 year old man I am grateful to know theology of the body. I am trying to avoid the hook up culture that is prevalent in my generation because there are a lot of temptations.
Keep fighting the good fight, brother!
That is very deep... 😳😳😮😮
Thanks for watching! Keep going deeper into the Theology of the Body, brother! We’re just scratching the surface of the surface.
Great video, Christopher! I do have 2 questions:
That's a good point that we need to embrace both the agony and the ecstacy of being a man, and we miss the big picture if we embrace only the ecstacy and shun the agony, but is there also a danger of embracing the agony and shunning the ecstacy?
My 2nd question: Who is the name of the artist of the picture?
Hello, William Murphy. To your second question: by picture, are you referring to the thumbnail image please? If you are, it is a painting by Michelangelo and it is “The Creation of Man”. I hope it helps!
The bible tells us, in many places, to rejoice in the Lord always. Jesus says to let our light shine, to be the salt of the earth, to never lose our flavor. There is a great joy in knowing that the Lord of all is right beside you. Getting to know Christ also means getting to know his cross, BUT he tells us that his burden is easy, and just as he used his cross to redeem the world, he transforms our suffering to be a sacrifice for him and for others.
one question, are men still created in the image of God, even though some may not be circumsized?
Ok thank you. I’ll check it out. I’m sure his intention is good but I just think that the temptation of every young man since the Fall has been to think that sex will be a kind of heaven on earth. Things can become distorted and almost idolatrous in people’s hearts if we are not cautious…
I've always wondered why God specified circumcision as the sign of the covenant. When the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, they had already forgotten their abrahamic roots and have long forgone the practices their forefathers passed down to them, but God made the warriors circumcize themselves before occupying the promised land, basically renewing the covenant with Abraham.
Apparently, it's a reminder of the role and nature of the male figure in accordance to God's will. The covenant with Moses was, if the Israelites obey the laws of Moses, hence manifesting the masculinity in its holiness (sense of responsibility, loyalty and fatherhood), God would give the promised land to them. They would be his people and he would be their God. Unfortunately, leading a holy life is never easy. Sex isn't just about pleasure, it always comes with the burden and joy of new life. In addition, the pain of circumcision is nothing compared to the pains and aftereffects of childbirth on the woman's body.
A physical sign on the man's genitals is a reminder of all that. Now that we've put them into words, it seems like the sign of the covenant can't be anywhere else except the male genitals.
Modern circumcision takes 95% more than what god required. Causing erectile dysfunction in compounded ways.
Wow, what an amazing dive into the sacred mysteries of the Theology of the Body!
It proves that our Catholic faith is anything but prudish or body-denying. Instead, the Wisdom of the teachings of the Church shows us the way out of short-term pleasure that leads to misery.
Thank you for sharing those wonderful news with us Christopher!
Will share with my husband!
May God bless you, your family, and your Mission ❤🙏
Amen to that! Thank you for watching. We're praying for your marriage.
@@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute Thank you, I really appreciate your prayers!
Biblical circumcision is not the same at medical circumcision.
Thank you for explaining my deepest desire in my heart that I crave past sex. Now I understand why I have the desire in my heart to be a father and husband.
However, it’s true that I have fallen for the lie even though I know it’s wrong that God does not want to give me the desires of my heart and wants me to make me wait and deny me causing me to willingly listen to the temptations of the Devil because of the pain of loneliness without any friends or family, love from others, and a spouse. I have a hard time believing God wants to give me the desires of my heart (to be a husband, spouse, lift me up out of poverty, send me help and support to get me moving in life, wealth to support a family one day, etc.) even though I know it’s a great sin to doubt Him and live in disbelief and mistrust of Him and others.
Any advice you could give me to overcome doubting God and have faith in Him even though I don’t see anything happening in my life as a 28 year old single man?
Also a 28 year old single guy with those desires. It sounds counterintuitive, but one thing that's helped recently is embracing the single life that I'm currently in. It's made me more grateful for the many blessings I already have. God bless brother!
Things change rarely, even when you 100% commit to it for life. But don’t forget to give credit to god, because he allowed you an unfair, uneven, untimely, unspoken, half second opportunity for you to simply try to succeed in a broken, fallen world. A world with almost no clear directions , tons riddles in scripture that need advanced interpretation all while fighting off temptation.
Thank you for watching and for your honest question! This video might be helpful: th-cam.com/video/W53zbZvVBN0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=kLC9NRj9vo3cQnuZ
The Gates of Heaven??! Is this not a bit OTT? Mary was certainly Heaven on earth because God was in her womb but I am not sure what JP2 would have thought of certain ideas that Mr West has tried to suggest are derived from his sacred teaching on sexuality. In Christ alone will we find happiness and a true experience of Heaven on earth; and any poor young man who thinks that sexual union with his sinful wife will be his Heaven on earth will have to mature in wisdom along the way. I think the average Catholic couple guided by a bit of realism can see that this is all going a wee bit too far. Acknowledge the sacred mystery of the body but there is no need to invent exaggerations.
Hello! Thank you for your honest comment. It's difficult to provide nuance in a short 10 minute video but if you'd like to get a more wholesome understanding of where Christopher is coming form, we'd recommend Good News About Sex & Marriage. You can find it here: shop.corproject.com/products/good-news-about-sex-and-marriage but we also have this free playlist where he walks you through it: th-cam.com/play/PLAbqXQaOvkM4Q01szl54g7Sj9mJ8bfKf0.html&si=zZG7qYfniz9J_KKB
Agreed. When I heard that, I had to put it on pause. This is not Biblical at all. Chilllll outtttt.
Modern men and boys that were medical circumcised have over sacrificed. To the point that the sacrifice has destroyed the beauty and mystery of sexual intercourse.
Great topic to review in this year where all the election year debate is about the irrelevance (irreverence) of a male’s body in sport, in the military, and at the altar. I’m wondering if you can connect any dots from the current transgender movement and the feminization of the military back to the decision by the Vatican to allow girls to serve at the altar in 1994.
What do you want to say as feminiation of the military back? Truly I don't get it
@@marianievessolsona2119 I don’t understand your grammar. Please edit it.
Thank you for watching! Christopher has a whole chapter on his latest book "Eating the Sunrise" where he goes deep into the connection between the liturgical chaos and sexual chaos from the 60's. You can find it here: shop.corproject.com/products/pre-order-eating-the-sunrise-meditations-on-the-liturgy-and-our-hunger-for-beauty-paperback
I wonder if the ratio of sperm to egg could probably also symboize the ratio of sinners to saint present at every Mass
That's what I was thinking. Narrow the road that leads to life.
Humans are the creators ( sharing In creation as our endowment buy God) of SOULS. We are so callus and frivolous with this power. We think we are creating humans. True… but that is only stage one. We are universe creators.
So, do we need to cut out the wiener ? or no?
Infant circumcision trauma causes so many complications and problems for men later in life.
Porn addiction is a potential pitfall from infant circumcision.
ive been circumcised and i have no wiener problems. But on the other hand, i know someone who had to get medicine for his tip cause he had some kind of problem with his skin.
@@cplmcevoy6380 congratulations. That doesn’t take away from the fact that medical circumcision is a demonic form of what god intended. Look up foreskin restoration millions of men struggle with sensitivity issues painful erections from being cut so tight they don’t have enough skin.
I'd like to know more about the porn addiction thing. I know a lot about the other dangers, but didn't know that. I will say from years of working in elderly care however that foreskin does cause more infections.
@@robynbeach3198 infants are stimulated usually the first experience they have. Then they get cut. Not a good kind of trauma.
@@robynbeach3198 also medical circumcision is way different than biblical circumcision. Medical circumcision takes all shaft skin. Biblical circumcision takes the rim of the foreskin leaving 90% to 95% intact.
As far as opening your body to God, it's all very well for women but we guys start behind the eight ball on this one
If woman represents humanity (which she does) men represent Christ - the priest is `In persona Christi.' Sometimes I can't help but feel sorry for us poor blokes getting a bit confused from time to time.
We can't open our very body to God like Mary can so I find this description a little less than satisfying. We need more time to know what this means for us blokes.
I know it's a spiritual thing and not a bodily thing. But your institute is Theology of the body. So what does it mean to be a male and be `In persona Christi’ one minute and a bride of Christ the next minute?
I’ve seen your video named;
`What Is the Theology of Your Body As A Man? | Theology of a Man's Body’
But it doesn’t help here. Theology of the male body you suggest images the fatherhood of God. Excellent.
If we image the infinitude of God’s fatherhood we don’t open our bodies to receive; we impregnate. We can’t be like Mary.
When do we change from being the `Fatherhood of God,’ to `Bride of Christ’? How can we be both at the same time?
Bible circumcision and medical circumcision are worlds apart from each other.
The old way of circumcision was basically 3 to 5% of the foreskin. Essentially cutting the rim of the foreskin off. Men could still retract their remaining foreskin in biblical times. Medical circumcision aims to take 100% of the foreskin.
That is not true.
@@sassychimpanzee7431 instead of being a complete idiot on the matter that only denies facts without any proof or evidence to counter my facts. You should really research the subject. American circumcision is a good documentary to watch.
Circumcision causes keratinization of the glands which leads to lack of sensitivity, numbness and erectile disfunction.
That is blatantly false.
@@sassychimpanzee7431 believe what you want want. Reality doesn’t change to your falsely held beliefs. Do some research that is not pro circumcision. It will be eye opening.
enzo_2417 could you send the study you’re looking at? I cannot find any evidence for this, and I’m doubtful that this is true.
@@vivacristorey8302 TH-cam doesn’t allow links. Reddit has a foreskin restoration page with tons of information, studies, personal experiences.
@@vivacristorey8302 just search “glans keratinization after circumcision”
Only clicking on this to see you actually talk about something you may be qualified to talk about, you all seem to constantly talk about subjects you don’t really understand.😂😂
Thank you for your comment and checking out the video! If you'd be open to it, we'd suggest checking out this video to get a feel for where we're coming from: th-cam.com/video/37daHBmiFM4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=58pZheVMhWG9Vhgx
@@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute 😂🤷🏼♂️😜