Good News About Sex and Marriage...what is the deal with this book?

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I keep hearing that this is a good book. Anyone want to reveal some details about it and some of the stuff that it says? I am interested in maybe getting the book but would like to know some of the basics. Anyone who has read the book want to share their thoughts and maybe a small synopsis?
 
I skimmed through it. Basically it talks about the Church, what marriage is, purity before marriage, during marriage, as well as contraception, homosexuality, fertility treatments, celibacy, and so forth.

I was not overly impressed with what I did read of it. It’s not a summary of Pope John Paul’s Theology of the Body as much as it is a description of sexual ethics.

However, keep in mind that the book is by Christopher West, and he has come under scrutiny for his interpretation and presentation of Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

By far the best criticism of his work that I’ve read is by Alice Von Hildebrand, in which she compares Christopher West’s approach to her husband’s approach. Here is the link to her article.

catholicnewsagency.com/document.php?n=999

BTW, I did decide to borrow some of the work from her husband, Dietrich von Hildebrand, from the library, and I just finished Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love. It’s short, but it’s an excellent read, and I highly recommend it to anyone!
 
Yes, Christopher West came under a bit of scrutiny last year following his appearance on some Nightline news program, but he has some very notable defenders as well (including some bishops). If you want to look at both sides of the issue, there are many links gathered here:

headlinebistro.com/hb/en/news/jp2_theologyofbody.html

I haven’t read this book of his myself, but I know many good Catholics who love it.
 
I read this book a couple of years ago before I donated it to my church library. I found it to be a very good summary of the Church’s teachings on sexuality and marraige. Chapter list is:
  1. The Great Mystery - Lays Foundation, brief intro to TOB
  2. Who Says? - Preliminary questions about Church Authority etc.
  3. What Are You Saying “I Do” To? - Chuch Teaching about Marriage
  4. What to do Before “I Do” - Chastity outside of Marriage
  5. “I Do”-ing It - Chastity within Marriage
  6. “I Do…Not” - Contraception
  7. “I Do,” But Not as God Intends - Reproductive Technologies (IVF etc.)
  8. When Saying “I Do” is Impossible - Same Sex Attraction
  9. Saying “I Do” to God Alone - Celibate Vocations
Yes, Christopher West has come under fire for some stuff, and both sides have had a lot of good points. There are a few things in the book that probably could have been said in a better way, but certainly the bulk of this accurately reflects Church teaching.
 
I do not deny that Christopher West has many respected supporters. However, given the controversy surrounding his book, Catholics should probably be careful before recommending his work.
 
OK, I have really tried to resist commenting, but there is no need for a Catholic to be hesitant in recommending West’s work. I am sorry, but AVH’s criticisms sound to me like she is jealous that West is getting attention from the popular media and everyday Catholics that her husband did not. “What would DVH say?” Please! If your point is that a certain teaching existed all along in Church history (a point, valient, I think you of all people would find most interesting), why in the world does she need to phrase it as, Well, my husband, the great moralist, would say X?

I find her criticisms to be way over the top, and she does not see the all the good West does, despite her acknowledgment of it. West encourages reverence, in his explanation of the theology of the body as an image of Trinitarian love. I am not sure if DVH expounded on this or not, but again, the point is that West brings this message to those who need to hear it. West’s work has had a profound influence on my life and marriage.

West’s work is the basis for my local diocesan pre-Cana preparation, and, as I have posted previously, the typical class is 20 to 25 couples, 23-24 of which are a) already living together, b) sexually active, and c) using contraception. These folks are not going to pick up DVH’s books or JPII’s Love and Responsibility. Every time, at least a few couples, after being shown authentic Church teaching, will reserve sex for marriage and will forswear contraception.

West is not above criticism, certainly, but it is totally out of proportion to his alleged transgressions. Has AVH heard an entire presentation of West’s? Or is she relying on Dawn Eden’s interpretation?
 
Choose to love,

I never said that a person couldn’t recommend Christopher West. I am glad that his work is useful.

But given the cult-like following that he seems to have I thought it best that someone throw in a caveat before the OP starts to think that this is the greatest book written since the Bible.
 
here are some criticisms of West’s work:

David Schindler - Provost/Dean and Gagnon Professor of Fundamental Theology
at the Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
headlinebistro.com/hb/en/news/west_schindler2.html

and some comments by Alice von Hildebrand
catholicnewsagency.com/news/christopher_wests_ideas_on_sexuality_ignore_tremendous_dangers_alice_von_hildebrand_says/

in addition to her article, already cited above
Dietrich von Hildebrand, Catholic Philosopher, and Christopher West, Modern Enthusiast: Two Very Different Approaches to Love, Marriage and Sex
catholicnewsagency.com/document.php?n=999

Pope John Paul II’s theology of the body
ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/JP2TBIND.HTM
is very different from West’s work.

JP2’s lectures are deeply philosophical and theological; his approach is scholastic. He analyzes Scripture on the topic of gender and sexuality, always considering the whole person, and the proper scale of values.

West, in my opinion, takes the exaltation of sexuality found in secular society and adapts it to Catholicism by exalting sex within marriage. Certainly, marital relations is one of the goods of marriage. But there are many other goods and many higher goods in marriage, beyond the mere physical sexual act; these receive much less attention from West.

Due to the influence of secular society, many Catholics give excessive importance to marital relations and to sexual pleasure within marriage. West’s message plays to this bias, and so it is very popular. Many Catholics read West, but few read the actual TOB lecture series by JP2.

Alice von Hildebrand is right to criticize West for his lack of understanding of modesty, self-denial, self-restraint, shame, and the dangers inherent in exalting sexual pleasure, even within marriage, beyond the limits of its place in the scale of values.

I recommend Dietrich von Hildebrand’s book, In Defence of Purity, as a good example of theology of the body (though the book was written before the term was coined). His approach is very much like JP2’s approach, very philosophical and well-aware of the dangers of sin found in human sexuality after the fall from grace.
 
Ron_Conte said:
here are some criticisms of West’s work:

David Schindler - Provost/Dean and Gagnon Professor of Fundamental Theology
at the Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
headlinebistro.com/hb/en/news/west_schindler2.html

and some comments by Alice von Hildebrand
catholicnewsagency.com/news/christopher_wests_ideas_on_sexuality_ignore_tremendous_dangers_alice_von_hildebrand_says/
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And don’t forget, these links – along with those that give the other side of the story – are available here:

headlinebistro.com/hb/en/news/jp2_theologyofbody.html

😉
 
I have though read a good deal of work of D. Von Hildebrand and have some that of his wife…both are very good.

Though even if there can be honest debate such matters…we must remember there can be very honest disagreement between very good persons…and writers etc.

I am not per se a “follower in detail” of Mr. Wests work. I have read some of it. But not my frequent reading.

But he certainly has the support of some very orthodox Catholic writers, Theologians and Philosophers.

For example:

headlinebistro.com/hb/en/news/janetsmithresponse.html

thepersonalistproject.org/index.php/TPP/the_linde/1290/

headlinebistro.com/en/news/pinto_west.html

headlinebistro.com/en/news/smith_schindler.html

headlinebistro.com/hb/en/news/waldstein_schindler.html

zenit.org/article-26893?l=english

lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jun/09060108.html

catholicity.com/commentary/waldstein/06117.html

And from West himself:

catholicnewsagency.com/document.php?n=946

And very importantly there was issued a statement:

Currently Mr. West is on sabbatical from teaching and travel was for “personal and professional renewal"

“Christopher is taking this leave to attend to family needs, and to reflect more deeply on fraternal and spiritual guidance he has received in order to continue developing his methodology and praxis as it relates to the promulgation of the Theology of the Body.”

So he is taking time now to reflect on things and work on developing things on his end…so let those interested…pray for him for the perfection of his work…we all need to work on ourselves and our work…and seek excellence.

Remember again …good persons who are very orthodox can disagree about various aspects of theology…or prudential judgment…such has often been the case…
 
Joe_5859 said:
Yes, Christopher West came under a bit of scrutiny last year following his appearance on some Nightline news program, but he has some very notable defenders as well (including some bishops). If you want to look at both sides of the issue, there are many links gathered here:

headlinebistro.com/hb/en/news/jp2_theologyofbody.html

I haven’t read this book of his myself, but I know many good Catholics who love it.
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I think it very important to note that Christopher West operates within the Church and under its scrutiny. It seems there are some fair criticisms and room for debate on what he teaches. West seems to detail what is and what is not allowed in the marital bedroom, whereas most contemporary teaching in this area , prefers guidelines and a properly formed conscious to guide us. Between the two approaches there is some legitimate conflict.

For the record I have read ‘Good News about Sex & Marriage’ and keep a reference copy of ‘TOB Explained’ by West to include the original source published under Karol Wotijla(pre-pontificate) as well as the Papal version by Pope John Paul II.
 
West has his critics. I think it important that his boosters include Archbishop Chaput of Denver, arguably the best bishop in the USA.

West isn’t a theologian, he’s a popularizer. That fact seems to have been missed by AVH and many of West’s critics who make valid nitpicky points but ignore the fact that West has opened whole new worlds to throngs of people who would never have considered giving the Church one iota of authority on sexual matters. I seem to recall hearing once that one body part shouldn’t scorn the other parts of the body as if it’s role was less important… 😉
 
manualman said:
West has his critics. I think it important that his boosters include Archbishop Chaput of Denver, arguably the best bishop in the USA.

West isn’t a theologian, he’s a popularizer. That fact seems to have been missed by AVH and many of West’s critics who make valid nitpicky points but ignore the fact that West has opened whole new worlds to throngs of people who would never have considered giving the Church one iota of authority on sexual matters. I seem to recall hearing once that one body part shouldn’t scorn the other parts of the body as if it’s role was less important… 😉
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If he’s a populizer and not a theologian then he should respect the insights of other theologians, both is supporters and his critics! 🙂 It’s not the voice’s place to question what the brain tells him to say. 🙂
 
I was thinking of getting this book but I don’t really agree that gay sex or birth control are bad so I don’t think it is for me.
 
valient_Lucy said:
If he’s a populizer and not a theologian then he should respect the insights of other theologians, both is supporters and his critics! 🙂 It’s not the voice’s place to question what the brain tells him to say. 🙂
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Agreed. Are you aware of instances of West disparaging his critics?
 
bingbang said:
I was thinking of getting this book but I don’t really agree that gay sex or birth control are bad so I don’t think it is for me.
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Christopher West’s book definitely argues that both homosexual sex and birth control are sinful.

Though I don’t agree at all when he talks about a gay person potentially being able to change his orientation. That alone was enough to make me reject the book.
 
That being said, I do understand the appeal of Christopher West, since he emphasizes redemption. Everyone has screwed up and everyone wants to believe they can change, and everyone wants to believe that they can repair the damage they have done. But there’s a world of difference between changing and becoming perfect, and there is a world of difference between repairing the damage and turning back the clock.

Many Protestant chastity promoters make the same mistake, by encouraging young people to claim “secondary virginity.” This always make me laugh. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for repentence and changing your ways. But don’t tell people that the past didn’t happen.

Allow me to use an extreme example. My father was (and in all likelihood still is) addicted to pornography. It contributed enormously to my parent’s divorce, and destroyed some of my younger brother’s innocence when he discovered my dad’s secret stash. Now, my dad is still alive, so there’s still hope that he could repent, and free himself from pornography. But my parents’ marriage is broken beyond mending. My brother’s (and my) innocence cannot be restored. No one can wave a magic wand and undo the last 10 years of my life. (And in truth, I’m not sure I’d want that.) Healing means accepting the new norm, not trying to restore the unrestorable.

Even after the Resurrection, Jesus’ glorified body still bore the scars of the crucifixion. Why should we be any different?
 
bingbang said:
I was thinking of getting this book but I don’t really agree that gay sex or birth control are bad so I don’t think it is for me.
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That’s precisely why you should read the book. It may help you to better understand the Catholic Church’s perspective on the matter.
 
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