E86: Why Theology Belongs In The Bedroom, a conversation with Christopher West
Jan 23, 2024
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Dr. Christopher West joins to discuss the beauty of God's plan for human sexuality. They explore sexual ethics, the impact of the Theology of the Body teaching, supporting pro-life values with coffee, the distinction between serving coffee and sex, skincare recommendations, the purpose of sex and contraception within marriage, and the societal shift in perceptions of sex.
The theology of the body teaches that spirituality and sexuality are intertwined, reflecting God's design.
Recognizing the dignity of others and treating them as persons to love is crucial to upholding the value and meaning of human sexuality.
True sexual freedom lies in self-mastery and using our desires in service of what is true, good, and beautiful.
Deep dives
Theology of the Body: Spirituality and Sexuality
The podcast episode discusses the concept of the 'theology of the body,' which explores the connection between spirituality and sexuality. The guest, Christopher West, explains that this teaching emphasizes the importance of recognizing that spirituality and sexuality are intertwined, reflecting God's design. He shares his personal journey of discovering this teaching and how it transformed his understanding of love, relationships, and the purpose of sex. The theology of the body invites individuals to see sex as a sacred act that upholds the dignity and reverence for the person, rather than reducing it to solely seeking pleasure or using contraception to alter its original purpose.
The Personalistic Norm and the Dignity of the Person
The podcast delves into the personalistic norm, a philosophy that distinguishes human beings from other animals and asserts that individuals must not be treated as a means to an end. Christopher West explains that the human person is irreplaceable and should be revered, and disregarding this principle erodes their dignity. He highlights the need for consent and freely chosen acts but emphasizes that the sexual act is not equivalent to serving a product. Instead, it involves the whole person, aligning with the belief that the value of sex must be subordinate to the dignity and worth of each individual.
The Adulteration of Sex and the Importance of Fertility
The podcast addresses the issue of contraception and the alteration of the sexual act. Christopher West argues that contraception adulterates the original intention of sex by divorcing fertility from the act of love. He asserts that fertility places individuals in the domain of God, and it should be revered rather than altered. While acknowledging that there may be seemingly valid reasons to avoid pregnancy, he suggests that rendering the sexual act sterile is not the only solution. Instead, he advocates for understanding and upholding the value and dignity of the person, valuing the person over pleasure, and being open to the possibility of life without artificially altering the act itself.
The Importance of Recognizing the Dignity of Others
Recognizing the dignity of others and treating them as persons to love, rather than things to use, is crucial. When we fail to do so, it leads to pain and degeneration in society. The fundamental purpose of human sexuality is to generate new life, and when we separate sexuality from its generative power, we lose the dignity and meaning of human sexuality. This results in treating the human body as a commodity and pleasure becoming the main focus, rather than valuing and honoring the dignity of the person.
Understanding Sexual Freedom and Self-Mastery
In the modern world, there is a misunderstanding of sexual freedom. True freedom lies in self-mastery, being able to control our desires and use them in service of what is true, good, and beautiful. Sexual addiction masquerades as sexual freedom, where pleasure becomes the ultimate goal and individuals become enslaved by their desires. Celibacy, whether chosen for the sake of the kingdom or practiced within marriage to space children through natural family planning, is a way to exercise self-mastery and direct our sexual energy towards love eternal.
Is sexual freedom good? What does Christianity teach about sexual pleasure? What about contraception? Today we discuss all things sex. Many people believe that Christianity is antithetical to sexual freedom and pleasure. This was the perspective that Dr. Christopher West, Th.D., had before he discovered a teaching pronounced by a Catholic Pope. Today I sit down with Christopher West, the President of the Theology of the Body Institute, to discuss the beauty of God’s plan for human sexuality. We discuss the philosophical background behind Christianity’s teaching on sex, the role of pleasure in sex, if there is ever a good time for contraception, celibacy for the Kingdom and much more.
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