This book delves into the universal longing for love and union, exploring how human desires, particularly romantic and sexual desires, are not mere biological or psychological phenomena but rather indicators of a deeper spiritual yearning for God. Christopher West draws on classical and contemporary art, pop music, movies, and the Christian mystical tradition to argue that these desires should be understood as pointing towards an eternal banquet with God. He critiques the common perceptions of Christianity as repressive and anti-sex, instead presenting a vision where Christ inflames and stretches our desire for love and union to the point of infinity. The book is divided into three parts: 'Desire', 'Design', and 'Destiny', outlining three possible responses to human longing: the 'Starvation Diet' (ignoring desires), the 'Fast Food Diet' (indulging desires), and the 'Banquet' (recognizing desires as pointing towards God)[1][3][4].
This book by Christopher West provides a thorough and accessible explanation of the Catholic Church's teachings on sex and marriage. Drawing heavily from Pope John Paul II's 'Theology of the Body', West addresses various questions about human sexuality, marriage, contraception, same-sex attraction, and other related topics. The book is structured in a question-and-answer format, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand Catholic teachings on these subjects. West's approach is compassionate and insightful, presenting the Catholic vision of marriage and sexuality as sacred and beautiful. The book also includes a chapter on questions of gender identity in the updated edition.
In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
Joseph Ratzinger's "Introduction to Christianity" offers a comprehensive overview of the core tenets of the Christian faith. The book delves into fundamental theological concepts, exploring the nature of God, the person of Jesus Christ, and the significance of the sacraments. Ratzinger's clear and insightful prose makes complex theological ideas accessible to a wide audience. The book is a valuable resource for both those new to Christianity and those seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. It serves as a foundational text for theological study and reflection.
Christopher West is a renowned Catholic author, speaker, and theologian, widely recognized for his engaging presentations on St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. With a passion for making profound theological concepts accessible to modern audiences, Christopher has spent over two decades inspiring individuals to discover the beauty of human love in God's divine plan. As the founder and president of the Theology of the Body Institute, he has written numerous bestselling books, including Fill These Hearts and Our Bodies Tell God’s Story. Christopher's dynamic approach to faith, culture, and relationships has made him a sought-after guest for podcasts, conferences, and media appearances worldwide.
Christopher's Links: https://theologyofthebody.com https://shop.corproject.com/collections/books/products/copy-of-fill-these-hearts-paperback Use Code: HEARTS
🍺 Get episodes a week early, 🍺 score a free PWA beer stein, and 🍺 enjoy exclusive streams with me! Become an annual supporter at https://mattfradd.locals.com/support
💵 Show Sponsors: Exodus 90: https://exodus90.com/matt Hallow: https://hallow.com/mattfradd
💻 Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Pints_W_Aquinas TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pintswithaquinas
👕 Store: https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com/
Pints With Aquinas 
