Good News about Sex and Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching

I'm a non-Catholic and have always felt the Protestant denominations I have been a part of were somehow missing something spiritual by embracing birth control, separating the creative act from the intimacy of lovemaking, as well as embracing a more "recreational" view of sex in marriage. I could not put my finger on why I intuitively longed for more meaning in the sexual experience but Mr. West has addressed many of the things in this book that I somehow knew to be true in my spirit, but was not taught in my church--bravo West! You have done us all a great service in addressing these at times complex issues regarding human sexuality in plain language, pulling back the curtain on the original design for wedded bliss,and the joys to be found in highlighting the spiritual symbolism and ultimate meaning found in one of God's greatest gifts... we are greatly endebted to you.

Having been a student of John Paul II's writings and teachings on the Theology of the Body and having studied his personalistic approach to the human person in graduate school (yes, I am tooting my horn...but more on that in a minute) I can speak to this book with an informed conscience.First off this book is a useful tool for all who want to understand the Pope?s Theology of the Body better. West uses mostly a Q & A format that is user-friendly and easy to read yet he answers most questions very adequately. I recommend that you read the book front to back rather than skipping ahead to the questions that interest you most because your familiarity with the foundational material will help you understand the questions that follow. West approaches topics timely to all people. It would be a favor to yourself if you read it.Now as a response to those that think he is "one-sided" in his approach to Catholic moral teaching I would like to give an answer to this. The critics on this site seems to reduce their arguments against West's text to the argument that he has simplified something much more complex. I beg to differ.I will address a few statements by one reviewer that adequately sum up their disagreements. They say "We shouldn't just willy-nilly disagree with a Church teaching without first researching what the Church says about it."--In other words, this person seems to say that all we have to do to disagree with a teaching of the Church is to research it enough and THEN disagree. But, they go on:"However, if we do research it and pray about it, and still honestly do not agree with the Church, then our conscience should be our guide."--My response is Yes and No.Yes, freedom of conscience is paramount, but that doesn't mean we can act on a decision to disagree with the Church so easily. True freedom isn't to do what we wish, but is freedom FOR the good. In this freedom we find our dignity. Our uniqueness and freedom isn't lost in aligning ourselves with the truth, but is rather found there.Freedom of conscience is NOT freedom from the truth but rather freedom IN the truth. While Veritatis Splendor by JPII goes into much more detail of this freedom (as does the Catechism in 1776-1809) I can only briefly touch on it here. The moment that one opens himself to the huge metaphysical claim that truth exists, then you have to ask the question of epistemolgy - how does one know this objective truth? The Church in the CCC and in the tradition of the Church has consistently said that it is known in right reason and Revelation and that the conscience can be wronly formed away from these truths. Here is where the error in the critics lies. To argue that no moral teaching of the Church can take precedence over our conscience is correct in the sense that we must follow our consciences. But, it forgets that we are a fallen people that seemingly want to do as we please and can misform our own consciences. The teachings that you can dissent from the tea

I have searched and searched for several decades for a true meaning of human sexuality. I found secular teachers disappointing in their promises of physical pleasures and Christian writers just as disappointing when addressing the soul. No one seemed to present sexuality and marriage in a more cosmic sense of what is really taking place. Christopher West does an outstanding job of introducing us to the Pope's explosive thinking on the total human person - body, soul and spirit. How awesome we really are! And how critically wonderful our sexuality is.West does a fine job of showing how we can understand our nuptial life in marriage in the context of Baptism and the Eucharist. Of considering the nuptial embrace to be meant to occur in the light with eyes wide open, both spouses celebrating and reaffirming their vows over and over. After absorbing West's work, I encourage you to delve into John Paul's "The Theology of the Body" and "Love and Responsibility".I do like West stepping forward and away from the euphimisims that plague most Catholic texts on human sexuality. The Cathechism refers to "acts proper and exclusive to marriage". West actually goes further and addresses parts of the genitalia and to oral and anal sex. He meets us where we are, i.e., in the midst of a culture that shows no reserve about sex and relationships. And helps one to sort it all out.I do have one reservation about his book though. I sense that he is presenting the Pope's teaching and his own views at the same time. But where does the Pope leave off and West continue? This is why I am also reading the Pope's on words as well.My wife and I have recently been reunited in our marriage of 32 years after an eight year separation. We have been so impressed with the Pope's teaching as presented by West that we agreed to continue our marriage using this book as the basis for our sexual life.One last note. Some may resist the Pope's, indeed the Church's, teaching on sex and marriage. Some may say that they must understand before they accept this teaching. Interestingly, wisdom does not work that way. Rather, I have learned to allow wisdom to embrace me and through this obedience I then understand its practicality and effectiveness. West's book is wisdom presented very well!

This is an excellent resource for anyone desiring to know what the Catholic Church really teaches about sex and marriage. It is clear and concise, and answers lots of tough questions. Christopher West does an excellent job of bringing John Paul II's "Theology of the Body" to the people. What a great way for readers to discover the "nuptial meaning of the body" from an internationally recognized speaker on the subject!The chapters of this book clearly build upon one another, starting with "The Great Mystery: Laying the Foundation." Subsequent chapters cover Church Authority, Basics of Marriage, Chastity Outside of Marriage, Chastity within Marriage, Contraception, Reproductive Technologies, Same-Sex Attraction, and Sex and the Celibate Vocation. I would highly recommend this book to parents, married or engaged couples, Catholic teachers, marriage preparation ministers, or anyone desiring to know more about authentic Catholic teaching on sex and marriage.

I'm unimpressed with most Catholic sex books -- they're either too sappy and prudishly vague, or too clinical, or try to be too cute in their orientation toward teens, or are just plain heterodox.This one is different. It's frank, without being prurient. It's clear. It's written for grown-ups. And best of all, from its sound practical advice to its soaring theological reflection, it's thoroughly Catholic.Archbishop Chaput said it best: "Do the Church -- and yourself -- a favor: Read and reread this book. Encourage everyone you know to do the same."