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Christopher West’s ideas on sexuality ignore ‘tremendous dangers,’ Alice von Hildebrand says
 Christopher West / Dr. Alice von Hildebrand
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.- Renowned Catholic thinker Dr. Alice von Hildebrand has criticized Theology of the Body speaker Christopher West, saying his approach has become too self-assured. She criticized his presentations as irreverent and insensitive to the “tremendous dangers” of concupiscence. Also cautious of West’s remarks on his recent interview with ABC television were Mary Shivanandan and Fr. José Granados, both Catholic authors and theologians. The news segment showed him calling for Catholics to complete “what the sexual revolution began.” He also described “very profound” historical connections between Hugh Hefner and Pope John Paul II. West spoke to CNA on Friday, claiming the report somewhat sensationalized his views. He also denied several characterizations conveyed by the news story, explaining that he believed Hefner to be right in rejecting “the disease of Puritanism” but radically wrong in beginning the “pornographic revolution.” He had told ABC that Hefner had a "yearning," an "ache" and a "longing" for love, union and intimacy. In a Monday interview CNA spoke about West with Dr. Alice von Hildebrand, a Catholic philosopher and theologian who is professor emerita of Hunter College of the City University of New York. Dr. von Hildebrand said she knew the “gist” of Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and believed it was “very indebted” to her husband Dietrich von Hildebrand’s 1927 book “In Defense of Purity.” She said there is obviously an “abysmal difference” between the views shared by her husband and John Paul II and those presented by Christopher West. Reporting that she had seen CNA’s follow-up interview with West, Dr. Von Hildebrand was very critical of the speaker. “My feeling is that Christopher West has become famous because he started discussing the Theology of the Body, which is extremely appealing topic. The difficulty is that, in the meantime, he became so famous that I do believe he has become much too self-assured and has lost sight of the extreme sensitivity of the topic.” This is “very troubling” because what she calls the “intimate sphere” is something “very mysterious, very profound, something that has a direct relationship with God.” “My feeling is that his vocabulary and his way of approaching it totally lacks reverence.” “Reverence is the key to purity,” she told CNA.” The intimate sphere “is not a topic of public discussion” but is “extremely serious.” “It seems to me that his presentation, his vocabulary, the vulgarity of things that he uses are things that simply indicate that even though he might have good intentions he has derailed and is doing a lot of harm.” She said people should not forget that we have been “profoundly affected” by original sin. “In paradise there was perfect harmony between Adam and Eve. There was no concupiscence.” “After original sin, not only were we separated from God and condemned to losing eternity. On top of it, every single human faculty was affected. Our intelligence was darkened. Our will was weakened. And all of a sudden, we had the dreadful experience of something called concupiscence. Before the Fall, there was no inner temptation to impurity between Adam and Eve even though they were naked, she explained. After they sinned, the two started to look at one another with concupiscence. The Fall had consequences that are “so serious” that it was only the Redemption and the grace of God could remedy. The fight against concupiscence is “not an easy process,” Dr. von Hildebrand continued. “It is something that calls for holiness, which very few of us achieve. It is a sheer illusion to believe that by some sort of new technique we can find the solution to the problem.” While one can lead a holy life in marriage, she said to become a saint is “a long and difficult process that calls for a spirit of penance, a readiness to sacrifice.” “The tragedy of original sin is that all the beautiful male qualities of strength, courage, objectivity, nobility, a chivalrous attitude towards women, degenerated. The danger created by original sin is that many men use their strength and become brutal and abuse women or look at women as mere objects of pleasure. “Eve was also profoundly affected by original sin,” she added. “To my mind the conflict between man and woman can only be healed by striving for holiness,” she said. “There are many things Christopher West does not mention.” Additionally, she charged that West does not mention the Old Testament figures who fell to sexual sin: David, King of Israel, who was blessed in “an extraordinary way” but ordered the murder of the husband of a woman with whom David committed adultery. “Adulteries lead to murder. It is one of the most abominable stories you can imagine,” she said, explaining the Prophet Nathan’s rebuke of David led to the composition of Psalm 50. She said it was upsetting to her as a youth to learn that a young man who prayed for “the straight and honest heart so that I may serve my people” went on to have 750 concubines. “How can you be so good when you’re twenty, and lead such an abominable life when you’re seventy?” she asked. “As far as I can tell, this is something that Christopher West forgets, in this sphere which is extremely dangerous.” She reported that a priest friend of hers had told her 90 percent of the sins that men accuse themselves of involve the Sixth Commandment against adultery. Christopher West’s approach makes him forget that sex is “an extreme danger.” Though sex can be sanctified, that sanctification implies “a humility, a spirit of reverence, and totally avoiding the vulgarity that he uses in his language.” “I’m shocked and horrified by the words that he uses. His mere mention of Hugh Hefner is to my mind an abomination.” Mary Shivanandan, a theologian who authored the book “Crossing the Threshold of Love: A New Vision of Marriage in the Light of John Paul II’s Anthropology,” was also critical of West’s remarks. “The sublime teaching of John Paul II’s theology of sexuality is not well served by West’s comparison to Hugh Hefner and his playboy bunnies,” she told CNA in a Monday e-mail. “The late pope had a profound reverence for God’s plan for human love, which such a comparison, no matter how well intentioned, can only diminish and degrade.” Also providing comment for CNA was Fr. José Granados, a theologian who co-authored with Supreme Knight of Columbus Carl Andersen a book on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body titled “Called to Love.” Fr. Granados said West’s suggestion that John Paul II took the sexual revolution a step further was “highly inadequate and open to serious misunderstanding.” He explained that Puritanism shares with pornography a negative vision of the body, viewing it without reference to the dignity of the person and to God’s plan for man. “It is deprived of its symbolism and its language,” he said. While Puritanism attempts to silence the body and its urges, the sexual revolution exalts them “as an absolute.” “Pornography is in no sense an attempt to recover the beauty of the body and sexuality, but a sign of despair regarding this beauty and the possibility of finding meaning in human love,” he said. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body recovers “the meaning of the body” with reference to love and to man and God, Fr. Granados told CNA. “The Pope’s proposal is not just about sexuality, but about the truth of love as the foundation of the person’s dignity and the meaning of reality; and about the family as the place where the person finds himself and his way towards happiness. “Moreover, one of the results of the sexual revolution is precisely the pansexualism that surrounds our society. We cannot respond with a different kind of pansexualism, with a sort of ‘Catholic sexual revolution,’ which in the end promotes a similar obsession with sex, even if ‘holy’.” Subscriber comments:
Published by: Lee
USA 03/17/2010 04:25 PM EST
As a childless woman myself, I find Andover mom's remark offensive: that Mrs. von Hildebrand has no authority to speak on the issue of sexuality and womanhood because she has had no children. What a reductionist view of authority! And of women! Not to mention how uncharitable it was. AVH is exactly right about Mr. West and I noticed the problem myself before I knew anybody else had. He may mean well but that is not enough. That he won't listen to criticism is evidence that he suffers from pride. And also, therefore, does his work.
Published by: Laura
Brooklyn, NY USA 02/14/2010 02:22 PM EST
As someone who has had issues with sexuality due to past abuse, I must say that Christopher West's frankness and his talks have helped me in coming to understand sexuality as God intended. That being said, I have concerns that he takes some of the Church's teaching a bit too lightly (sin, for example) and while he may be presenting to his audience in a way that they can understand, vulgarity is never appropriate. I do believe his heart in in the right place, but I am worried about him. I see trouble within him. He is not the Lord, he is not St. Paul, nor is he Pope John Paul II. We need to take what he says and test it against the Catholic Faith. We must discern and discern carefully for our sexuality is a mystery and most powerful and where our greatest wounds occur, speaking from experience. Let us not get too upset by AVH criticisms of CW - CW is only a man. AVH is a woman who I must say has a longer track record than CW so we should and must respect her. I do agree with her, but I also believe CW has done some good work. He must proceed with caution though and keep himself close to the Lord as we all should.
Published by: Juliana Davis
Lincoln, NE 01/04/2010 04:01 PM EST
As a laywoman, I am happy that the current conversation is taking place. I think there is merit in West's approach as well as in his critics' expressed concerns. I have thought some approaches, even though in line with using natural family planning, are too masculine, too. I also agree that there is a uniquely feminine perspective that is left out. I have found Mary R. Joyce's new book, The Future of Adam and Eve: Finding the Lost Gift, particularly enlightening in regards to these concerns as she recommends that the most beneficial treatment of the theology of sexuality is one that allows Eve, re-created with Adam through redemptive grace, to find her voice and to take her place beside Adam in the discussion by providing wisdom typically missing from a commonly "too male" interpretation of John Paul II's TOB.
Juliana Davis
The Leaven
Published by: Andover mom
Andover MA USA 01/03/2010 05:13 PM EST  Rate: Bad
I would just like to comment that I have a hard time accepting the authority of von Hildebrand since she is a woman who is speaking to Catholic women about the spiritual nature of sexuality which is procreative but she herself has no procreated or raised children. It seems she truly is not qualified to address real women and their issues about childbearing which is directly an offshoot of female sexuality in a catholic context. She is by choice barren or God chose that she not enjoy the privilege of a fruitful marital relationship for whatever reason.
Published by: Frank
Superior, WI USA 01/01/2010 07:35 AM EST
I heard Christopher West speak on TOB and I did get a feeling that the end result was kind of open-ended. People were wondering what to "do" to respond. I could have seen people justify different types of sexual sin based upon the talks and the call to "not repress". I understand that that was probably not intended by CW, but I did get an uneasy feeling about this after the talk. I could see the danger that AVH was speaking of.
Published by: susie
Omaha NE USA 11/13/2009 05:23 PM EST
I concur with the good and WISE Dr. Von Hildebrand. Respect for the elders in thie country is appalling, and even more appalling in the "have it your way" Burger King mentality of many in the Catholic Church in America. God bless her, and God bless him. It's my hope that he might arrange an appointment to sit down with her to disucss this and be open to "learn even more" thatn he already knows.
Published by: Patrick
NY/USA 10/29/2009 10:02 AM EST
Those who hastily assume that Dr. Alice von Hildebrand has only a cursory understanding of ToB should first read at least a representative sample of her husband's and/or her writing on the subject. As one who is well-versed in the subject, and who has had a lifetime to reflect upon and experience the reality of Christian marriage, Alice von Hildebrand warrants listening to, not a glib dismissal.
It seems like Christopher West's "popular" treatment of John Paul II's Theology of the Body itself contradicts the very rudiments of the pope's teaching: that the body, including all its functions--among which, together with sexual expression, are vocal and cultural expression, modes of manner and dress--is meant to convey the sublime image of God. Man needs salvation, which does ennoble and does not debase him. The culture of life and truth must transform the popular culture of death and relativism, not be conformed to it. True, Paul became all things to all men, but this did not come about at the expense of modesty, circumspect manner or pure speech.
I challenge those who have hastily discounted Dr. Alice von Hildebrand's "take" on ToB to read what she and her husband, Dietrich, have already written and discussed about it, to study Christopher West in parallel and gain a balanced and informed perspective.
Published by: RoseMarie
Pgh Pa USA 10/28/2009 10:08 PM EST
Aside all comments and opinions, If everyone would spend more time on reading The Word, over and over and over, all these "opinions" would turn to "Truth" who is "Jesus Christ". He never spoke of these topics. He did say, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God", he said "if a man looks at a woman with lust, he commits adultry with his mind" Psalm 119:9 "How can a man keep his way pure, by guarding it according to thy word" "Whereas the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith" 1Timothy 1:5. These are some of the scriptures of "purity". Does everyone read the Word often, meditate and ask the Holy Spirit for discernment? If we could only imitate Christ, we wouldn't need to discuss these things. God designed us to marry, become one and procreate according to His will, not our will and opinions. He made it pleasurable, not for free enjoyment and discussion, but for His plan. We hear the old saying "do what you are told", isn't God our Father? Then we MUST obey and read his instruction. Jesus said "seek and you will find, knock and it will be open unto you" if we cannot heed these simple instructions, how can we dare speak of opionions? Jesus Is the Truth, we Must read Jesus,who is the Word. AMEN PRAISE BE TO GOD ALLELUIAH!!!!!!
Published by: Chris A.
PA 10/23/2009 04:16 PM EST Rate: Regular
Many holy priests have referred me to Chris West talk. He seems to address this generation much better, than any talk Dr. Alice would give. I think Dr. Alice is so anxious to be the forefront Catholic Teacher & rides off the success of her husband...she misses the big picture.I think she is already wanting to be cannonized as a saint.
Published by: judy
herndon,va, usa 10/13/2009 08:42 PM EST
St. Paul spoke like the people to whom he was speaking! Chris West is doing this also. Know your audience! Dear Alice VH, did that perhaps in her era. Now we are into another whole culture and another time in history. Sad to say this era is very irreverent and is used to receiving evil messages that way. Christopher West has come into the society of evil and misunderstood sexuality and he is sending GOOD messages and teaching so that this crazy generation can understand. Each generation has a different "lingo". I am pleased that Chris West is addressing many who would never listen to Alice VH. God bless Alice and Chris for speaking to their eras for God!
Published by: Sam
Waterbury, CT.,USA 10/10/2009 05:02 PM EST
I admire Alice Hildebrand but she does not seem to realize that Christopher West is speaking to a different audience than did her husband and he is having great success in inspiring young people to embrace chastity...as for the authors who criticize West's approach...it does indeed seem to be a jealous response...West has high praise from the Vatican...there are many ways to evangelize the culture...Hildebrand may reach some intellectuals and cultural elites but West reaches the common man and woman struggling to make sense out of life while striving to live goodness and truth...we need both...
Published by: emily
san diego 09/25/2009 08:18 PM EST
All I want to say is GOD IS IN CONTROL! Let's pray for all of our religious, and lay people - who are all doing God's work. Let's pray for the spirit of joy, peace and humility.
I recently attended a CW seminar and will be attending another one soon. I've personally seen many young people transform their lives. Let's continue to pray for many more conversions.
Published by: James
Canada 07/17/2009 03:28 PM EST Rate: Regular
Concerning Christopher West's presentation of the Theology of the Body and the criticisms associated with it...I think there might be a bit of jealously operating here. Unfortunately, many Catholics, even good Catholics take great exception to other people's success. They see it as if someone was stealing something from them. Those who are working very hard to make a name for themselves.
This is why pride is the worst and most entrenched vice. The first to enter man and the last to be removed. On the other hand, Christopher West is not perfect and may be given to an excess here and a deficiency there. But all of us have been guilty of that at sometime or another. May we always strive to be truthful in charity and humilty.
Published by: Christopher Sperling
Round Rock, Texas 06/24/2009 01:04 PM EST Rate: Good
I respect Mrs. von Hildebrand's comments but many of them are not based in what CW teaches. Many of the things that she says are missing in his presentation I have personally heard in his head to heart course. I think many of these people who are criticizing CW would do well to go to the TOB Institute for themselves & see the fruits that are coming out there. They would only have to watch CW in his presentations to see the reverence with which he approaches the subject to know that he is faithfully presenting the material. He does speak of David infidelity & committing murder. He does speak of Samson & Delilah. He is a faithful son of the Church. I have spent 30 + hours listening to him lecture. I can't imagine that any of these theologians have taken the time to listen to him or read his books by the comments they make. He's not perfect. Maybe the way he approaches the material steps on some toes, but lacking in reverence he is not. Hearts are being touched and turned back to our Lord. Experience before you condemn.
Peace & Prayers, CLS
Published by: Jean Charles
Lyndonville/US 06/14/2009 08:43 AM EST Rate: Regular
What all this sex talk has to do with Catholicism?
Published by: Linda Kracht
Fortifying Families of Faith 06/09/2009 11:03 AM EST Rate: Very Good
At a time when marriage (sacramental) is under attack, Catholics should be doing everything to defend holy marriages rather than trying to sensationalize; shock; liken marital sexuality to Hugh Hefner's lifestyle; justify sodomy; or veer any discussions about marriage off course and into the gutter. C. West did that several days ago in several ways; his over-emphasis and explanation of "Westified" marital sexuality during the Nightline discussion did little to set forth a holy discourse and the proper purposes/roles of marital sexuality. C. West "provacatized" all our sensibilities with his frank - off the mark - comments and explanations on Nightline. He offered little explanation of the principles of authentic love. Yes, marital love is mysterious and beautiful but let's not mix up authentic marital love with acts of use or "Westified" principles and "aches".
Published by: LibidoDominandi
Madison/WI/USA 06/08/2009 11:06 AM EST Rate: Good
The distinguished lady is right. Christopher West has gone overboard. He teaches that sodomy can be good in certain circumstances. However, the Church teaches that sodomy is one of the 4 sins crying out to heaven for vengeance. Christopher West is attempting to deconstruct that catechetical teaching of the Church. Once he starts doing that it's time for us to say GoodBye Chris West!
Published by: Frank Lally
Pottstown, PA,USA 06/07/2009 12:38 PM EST
I am not an academic, nor am I a theologian but I am struggling to be a good disciple of Jesus Christ who was "the" teacher about the dignity of the human person. I was first engaged to learn more on the theology of the body from a seminar by Chrostopher West. I have read West's book on JP II's teaching, The Theology of the Body, and plan to re-read often. It was in fact Christopher West's passion and engaging style that turned me onto The Personalist project. None of the harshest criticisms of Alice von Hildebrand ring true to me from West's serious work. In fact I find at the root a very compatible teaching between the two. I sincerely hope that the media is not able to drive a stake between two extraordinary people who are committing their lives to what I believe is the single most serious topic we face as society.
Published by: Clay
Pennsylvania 06/01/2009 08:40 AM EST
The important thing is that Christopher West is helping people to reattach the iconic meaning to the sexual act. Properly expressed in marriage, its the MOST VISIBLE expression of erotic love and is meant to be filled with divine love. A true sense of reverence comes from a deeper understanding of the meaning of the act in relation to Christ and the Church, irregardless of what language is used. I tremble at the thought of holy sex because I finally understand what it is an expression of, thank you, Christopher West.
Published by: Jerry
Hudson/WI/USA 05/29/2009 04:52 PM EST
How many theologians does it take to change a light bulb?
All of them: one to do the work and the rest to stand back and say, "Your methodology is unorthodox." Seriously folks...I have met several notable people involved in furthering TOB. They have spoken privately to me about their differences of approach and concern over some of what their counterparts do. But none that I have spoken with in this manner have ever played the label game. And occassionally I see them sharing a podium at a TOB gathering. Does this blog, this exercise in labeling, not embarrass you? The graces of Marriage, not JPII, introduced me to the theology of body. My wife kept telling me that I needed to write a book, but through CW I discovered that the pope had already written it. In Love and Responsibily, when the pope-to-be suggests that a man should suppress his urge to climax so that his climax coincides with his wife's, was that vulgar of him? One of the posters here makes the point that sex is not a sacrament. So? Sex is sacremental. Intimacy consumates a marriage. Marital intimacy is an occassion of grace, a prayer opportunity. My mother tells me that her mother once bragged, "I can honestly say I've never stood completely naked before your father." Wow. Is that what we want to go back to? John Paul was able to address the joy of the marital embrace because he interacted with couples both inside and OUTSIDE of the confessional, and hopefully, the world will never be the same.
Published by: ICT
USA 05/28/2009 09:47 PM EST Rate: Excellent
I was born into a nominal Lutheran family in 1960. My parents marriage ended in divorce in 1973.
Playboy was in our home from the time I was 8 or so. Later I would learn that it was supposed to "help" my father because he and my mom had "problems" in "that area". Well that early exposure to porn would be something I would battle for nearly 3 decades. It would take me through a failed first marriage excluded children intentionally that was not based on any semblance of Catholic teaching. The Holy Spirit gave many graces to finally "come home" to the Catholic Church in 2007. Of course this included a full Tribunal investigation, because I had since remarried. I'm not familiar with much of Christopher West's work but I do own have read quite a bit of the Michael Waldstein TOB Translation. Concupiscence nearly destroyed my life and and I war against it with much diligence. Our marriages need real holiness and a return to a simple love for Christ, His (Catholic) Church, spouse, and children. There is nothing dignified about lust or the "Playboy" mentality. We need to place ourselves in first of Christ's love, the sufferings of His Cross (prominent in the Holy Mass), and embrace the Holy Virgin Mother of God with our whole hearts. This will give consecrated virginity and the sacrament of marriage the proper dignity. Husbands and wives should make a complete gift of themselves one to another with great love for their children!! Pornography destroys this.
Published by: Stephanie
Wichita, KS, USA 05/28/2009 08:56 AM EST Rate: Good
My trouble with von Hildebrand's remarks came when she judged West's person and not just his actions and his material. She based her remarks on his personal attitude based, not on a thorough review of his material or on an analysis of how his material relates to Pope John Paul's "Theology of the Body" but on seven minutes on ABC. Not fair!
Published by: Bretski
Vista/CA/USA 05/27/2009 11:48 PM EST Rate: Very Good
I have studied under Von Hildebrand as an Undergrad in College - a course in Christian Marriage. And it was great. And my wife and I are presenters now of Chistopher West's marriage prep classes for engaged couples in our Diocese called "Joy Filled Marriage". The difference is that Christopher is bringing God's Truth about sexuality to couples that have been saturated in the pop media culture. Dr. Von Hildebrand would have no clue how to work with this culture. My wife and I have seen hearts and minds enlighted and converted to God's plan for His amazing gift of sexuality. Thank You Christopher West!
Published by: David
Ottawa, Canada 05/27/2009 03:42 PM EST Rate: Bad
Her comments are completely relegated to his style not substance. She's 86 years old. She sounds like my Gramma. She may be respected in theological circles, but she has zero uptake with young couples in the pews. West does.
I've got a full critique here;
Published by: Apollo F. Salle
Hillside, NJ, USA 05/27/2009 09:49 AM EST Rate: Good
Dr. Alice von Hildebrand most certainly is a very intelligent woman with exceptional intellectual gifts, and she surely is a woman of great piety. However, beneath all that is (and I hate having to say this) is someone who was born and raised and is governed by the already very much outdated Victorian mentality, the exact same kind of mentality which led the likes of Hugh Hefner to look for liberation in the wrong places. No wonder "(she is) horrified and shocked" by Christopher West's choice of words! His contemporary language undoubtedly will shock someone like Dr. von Hildebrand who has deeply-ingrained Victorian sensibilities. Thank God for Christopher West!
Published by: Suzanne McGuire
Indiana 05/26/2009 09:28 AM EST Rate: Excellent
One has to be crass and vulgar to be relevant and heard? That's preposterous. The truth is always relevant and doesn't have to be made base to be apprehended. The idea that one has to make it so to be understood does should be offensive to intended audiences.
Alice von Hildebrand is always and everywhere a lady. She is to be highly commended for that. We young women have so few role models who embody such dignity and femininity and such intelligence! She has the facts of the matter correct; West's theology is ***flawed*** and that is the main point. No number of hip gimmicks by West is going to correct that. He needs to correct his teaching.
Published by: Brian
Arizona 05/25/2009 03:28 PM EST
As a former fan of Christopher West's who has attended three live conferences by Christopher West, has listened to the Naked Without Shame audio series multiple times, and have taught ToB classes I completely concur with Dr. Alice von Hildebrand's words.
What our current culture has lost including Christopher West (or at least past presentations which I was present) is a sense of reverence and modesty. Whenever Dr. Alice von Hildebrand talks about the beauty of marital relations she does so with dignity, mystery and beauty. I have often found that Mr. West has sunk to the point of debasing the richness of sexuality and also the traditional teachings of the Church in regards to sexuality. In the last presentation that I went to of Mr. West he took a question from a man in the audience who was respectfully bothered by some of the aesthetics of the presentation. I pray that Mr. West takes the sage advice of Dr. von Hildebrand and the others and becomes less vulgar and more respectful of the dignity of the traditional teachings of the Church in regards to reverence and modesty.
Published by: brief comment
Canada 05/25/2009 01:06 PM EST
For those who keep commenting that Dr.Alice only knows the "gist" of TOB keep in mind that her husband's writings (which by the way many people have not read! but which should be part of the books distributed amongst other books on TOB) played a large part of JPII's writings.
Published by: Anne
seattle/wa/usa 05/25/2009 12:43 PM EST Rate: Excellent
Thank you, Dr. von Hildebrand. It was “In Defense of Purity” and “Man and Woman” that opened my eyes to the wealth of beauty in Catholic teaching on sex. After pondering those books, I felt as if I were wearing 3-D glasses whenever I read Scripture, Church Fathers, theologians, papal encyclicals. The Church has been a fountain of beautiful teaching on this topic throughout the ages. Hoping to delve more into that teaching, I turned to Christopher West. My first reaction was negative--it was like raising a glass of fine wine to my lips, only to discover that the glass had been somehow filled instead with soda pop. But I persevered through the materials. Still I continue to find the pop presentation of TOB exceedingly un-nourishing. The young people’s group I work with manifests the same symptoms. They enjoy the Christopher West materials, but they exhibit malnutrition. They have tasted the excitement of sexual discussions in mixed company, with parental and priestly encouragement. They do talk about holiness and God. But a veil has been lifted. They have familiarity rather than a sense of veiled dignity. Their palates reject the notion of reverential awe. To Christopher West’s credit, he broaches topics which many have never dreamed are present in our Catholic heritage. Yes, our world truly thirsts for this knowledge. It is imperative that the beauty of God’s plan be revealed in our day. But we are impoverished. We have no comprehension of the veil before the holy of holies.
Published by: Martha
Winston-Salem NC/USA 05/24/2009 09:45 AM EST
I have listened to Christopher West for hours, live, in workshops, have seen videos of lengthy presentations, and have read some of his writings. I think the sound bites from the TV interview do not do justice to his thinking and his presentations. I believe that he is very faithful to Catholic teaching, and that he does a great service in makeing the teaching of Pope John Paul II more accessible to wider audiences.
Those who criticize should read West's writings and listen to some of his workshops, and see if they still have something to criticize. If so, they would do well to bring their criticisms directly to West rather than criticize in a public forum. There may be some things West may wish to change in future interviews, but the core of what he teaches is sound. Today there are many Catholic doctrines which are not as widely accepted or understood as they should be. For example, we know that many still press for women's ordination and that many Catholics do not accept the Church's teaching on artificial contraception. But some people who have heard West's teachings have finally been able to grasp why the Church was correct in these matters and others. Listening to West leads to a better understanding of many traditional Catholic teachings. The Biblical way to make a correction is to "go to your brother." The faith community is not well served when leaders snipe at one another, and the attack on West discredits someone who does much good.
Published by: Timothy
Philadelphia, PA 05/24/2009 07:33 AM EST
Madam, you may be correct in all you say. However, all of your scholarly disquisitions have surely done less to move Catholics toward an ordered sexuality. You and those like you may be cutting the only lifeline to chastity that ordinary Catholics have had. As happens so often, the perfect is the enemy of the good. Don't expect a reward for what you're doing.
Published by: Padre P
North Dakota 05/23/2009 01:31 PM EST
I happen to like Christopher and appreciate much of what he does, but that does not mean I like or agree with all that he does or says.
I have been to a presentation and also carried on a lengthy conversation with him, so I am not just responding to the Nightline piece. Dr. von Hildebrand is not misinformed about the theologian or the material and she is a very level headed woman who should not be taken lightly or dismissed as a ‘Pharisee’ or a ‘Puritan.’ Those are ridiculous assertions that do not merit serious consideration. Modesty is the key and it is definitely lacking in our society at large and in many particular instances: Calling the Song of Songs ‘the centerfold of the Bible’ is immodest and imprudent at best. Furthermore, the Sexual Revolution was not based in Victorian repression (the whole world is not represented by Victorian England, which was filled with sexual crudity and perversion) but rather the Rebellion of Lust. John Paul II did not complete the sexual revolution; he fought and taught against it. Christopher West could use some help with his vocabulary and a greater respect for the History of Moral Theology. Concupiscence is the root attraction to sin that is a part of our bodies that never goes away (until death): holiness combats it, it doesn’t replace it. Humility,
Published by: catholic love
NC 05/21/2009 09:41 PM EST Rate: Good
I would like to meet a single person who has attended West's talks or read his books who has, as a result, given themselves over to concupiscence. West inspires people to holiness, not to concupiscence.
We're seeing a multi-generational gap here. Anyone who grew up in the 80s, 90s, and 00s knows intuitively that the Catholic faith needs to address the culture head-on as West is doing, using today's language, because otherwise we will become irrelevant. God created sex, period, and it is good. God also created Hugh Hefner, who is essentially also good. Calling him an abomination is sacrilege. Jesus Christ died for him as much as he died for John Paul II. I pray Dr. Hildebrand reconsiders her harsh remarks and opens her heart and mind to the possibilities of reevangelizing the world through TOB. Seems she might suffer from puritanism herself, as we all have!
Published by: JLS
Riverside, CA, USA 05/21/2009 10:38 AM EST Rate: Good
West is a man of sex, while von Hildebrand is a woman of God.
Published by: Elizabeth
Cincinnati/Oh 05/20/2009 06:50 PM EST
As someone who has spent a couple hours (as opposed to soundbites) listening to Chris West, I have to say that he is doing a profound service in evangelizing the Theology of the Body in a way that is understandable to young people, especially. Understandable that people would be offended by the Hefner comparison! The point he's making, even if it offends people, is that sex is inherently a good thing, and the rejection of sex is not the way to go. To clarify, Chris West is pretty emphatic that this awesome sex belongs in a marriage, not in "free love."
Published by: Donal O'Sullivan-Latchford
Ireland 05/19/2009 06:21 PM EST Rate: Good
I agree with almost everything that Dr von Hildebrand and others who are critical of Christopher west have to say. The sad thing is that these well intentioned people do not seem able to see how their ideas are almost entirely consonant with those of Christopher West. But, just as Jesus did, West is taking 'risks' and doing things 'unbecoming' for the sake of rescuing those who are lost. Praise God for the gift he undoubtedly is to today's culture. Christopher West rocks!
Published by: Soren
Lancaster PA USA 05/19/2009 07:36 AM EST Rate: Excellent
Christopher West has helped thousands around the world. Helped them not to abort; helped them save their marriage; helped them see how profound the dignity of their spouse; how glorious their union; how precious the gift of celibacy; how unfathomably rich our divine inheritance.
He is "famous" because he is genuine and stands with his students at the well. He is bold, forceful, talented, earnest and hard-hitting but humble. He begins every talk kneeling before Christ on the cross and praying: "may my students test everything said here and take only what is good." Alice von Hildebrand, Mary Shivanandan, Fr. José Granados and the like may be fine scholars of Catholic doctrine and may have led many to the beautiful riches of intellectual thought in the Church but I wonder if their work has made it to the trenches of daily life in a sex-soaked, pornographic world. I thank God for the keepers of the truths of our faith and tradition but I thank God, too, for those who are not put off by the stench of the darkest sin. Jesus touched the lepers - so does Christopher West. Mr. West has touched the hem of his mentor's garment and has heeded his bold admonition - he is not afraid. Of his work and methods, I look not only to his genuine and talented delivery at the foot of the cross but also to the fruits. This is how we should know him.
Published by: Michael
Austin, TX, US 05/18/2009 04:29 PM EST Rate: Good
I urge and challenge a well-informed and educated outline of at least one part of West's teaching that is not in line with Catholic teaching. So far, everything presented in this article by Von H and Fr. G as rebuttals of West are complete reproductions of portions of West's presentation and things he'd agree with - as indicated by previous comments. It seems the vast majority of critics are totally unfamiliar with West's material. I see nothing but a bunch of angry, misinformed people dividing the Church against herself over self-righteous prudish piety. How can we reclaim the dignity of sex and the human body if it's "vulgar" to talk about them? You are exactly the reason why West does what he does and why it is so desperately needed.
Published by: In the Valley
Front Royal, VA 05/18/2009 04:13 PM EST
Thank you, Anthony for posting this and to all for some amazing comments... Like Kristin, I would have benefited much if I had been having discussion(s) like this in my 20s... Ain't there no more!
Published by: veronica lecnik
winnipeg manitoba 05/18/2009 09:57 AM EST
I have several very devoted friends who are respectful of their marriage sacraments. These couples along with myself have listened to the entire Theology of the Body CD set. In a society of such immorality, we found these CDs to be profound and refreshing. One of the biggest problems within the church today is the divisions that we create due to our broken world. Perhaps instead of ganging up on Mr. West with remarks to condemn him, we approach this with love and constructive criticism. What kind of example are we to be to non-believers when we can't support and stand up for each other? God can work through our broken attempts and for this we should hold back our attacks on our flawed and broken humanity. I believe Jesus came to the earth to redeem such a people!
Published by: florence
Kenya 05/18/2009 09:54 AM EST
As long as an iota of pride is present the Holy Spirit the author of intelligence and wisdom, knowledge and understanding is abscent totally as is the case in CW. Take heart Dr Alice our Heavenly Father brings such to irritants to light just to remind us there is a battle and we are just rented vessels by the warring parties. Question is who has rented CW's heart, mind soul and spirit?Humility is the Key to total enlightenment.
Published by: Kristin Caproni
Providence, RI 05/18/2009 09:42 AM EST
I believe Alice Von HIldebrand is seriously misunderstanding Chris West's message. For example, I watched his comparison of JPII to Hugh Hefner (on EWTN, not the news segment)and the latter he expressed as a misguided response to a repressed sense of sexuality. JPII offers a liberating view of sexuality based on the truth of the person. West explicated the differences and pointed out the unfortunate development of Hugh Hefner's views and life. I also have seen and heard West over and over discuss the dangers of concupiscence and calling the faithful to purity in AND outside of marriage. I can tell you at 42, that if people of my generation had heard west's message rather than the nothing at all taht we did, that life may have been different for us.
Published by: Travis
Camden, NJ 05/17/2009 09:52 AM EST Rate: Very Good
The key to Dr. von Hildebrand's critique of Mr. West, I believe, can be summed up in her claim that Mr. West has not respected the dangers of concupiscence. I have been to several TOB seminars by Christopher West, have read his material and that of John Paul II, and have publicly questioned him about his blind spots at his presentations.
Dr. von Hildebrand says that there are many things that Mr. West does not discuss. And that is key, as well. Mr. West has inherited an anthropology that has led him into some dangerous waters, including a virtual rejection of almost 2000 years of Catholic moral theology about human sexuality, writing it off with the overly simplistic label "Puritan", or worse, "Manichean". To me, the even scarier thing is that John Paul II has made similar claims himself in his own writings on TOB. Before the TOB mob picks up stones to dispatch me, let's remember that TOB itself is part of the Ordinary Magisterium, which only enjoys the charism of infallibility insofar as it participates in the expressly infallible teaching of the extraordinary Magisterium of the Church. Unfortunately, Mr. West (and John Paul II to some extent) have taken Catholic spiritual and mystical theology in a radically new direction, with consequences that smack of theological error. And I believe the unresurrected bodies of St. Jerome, St. John Chrysostom, St. Augustine, and the members of the Council of Trent, to name just a few, are rolling over in their graves
Published by: Charlie Balsam
Austin TX 05/16/2009 07:23 PM EST
I've met and heard CW a few times. He is still maturing, which means he tends to make mistakes of strategy than intention. Many of the criticisms are valid in this regard. Hopefully, he beckons many to look deeper into JPII's vision.
I would like to see ToB applied to human labor, not just sexuality, as Sr. Timothy Prokes does in her book "Toward a T o B." However, part of the reason we're in this catechetical mess is because the Church has rescued parents from their baptismal responsibility by focusing on children instead of adults in ongoing catechesis. Adults who vote for pro-choice politians not only lack knowledge or conviction about doctrine, they disconnect their espoused faith in Jesus with his promise to be with his Church. This may be a matter of ongoing evangelization and conversion as well. Until the Bishops decide they want to shape the faith of adults, esp. couples and parents across the lifecyle, we'll continue to have overworked marriage tribunals, few authentic celibate or conjugal vocations, and lukewarm Catholics unable to discern sound bite "theology" in the media from the life-changing teaching of Christ and his Church.
Published by: Paul
Chicago 05/16/2009 05:15 AM EST
Mrs. von Hildebrand is eminently more qualified to speak about the Faith, Catholic Theology and the teachings of Pope John Paul II than Christopher West.
"Theology of the Body" -as capitalized upon by West and so many others today, is popular mostly because it has to do with the subject of human sexuality, which, as Mrs. von Hildebrand points out, a very difficult and delicate subject. It must be spoken of and treated with utmost reverence, delicacy and respect. Reverence - a virtue that is all but forgotten today, is what we should begin to strive for: in all our thoughts and actions, with ourselves, with our family, friends, and most of all with Almighty God, our blessed Lord, the Holy Ghost, and the Blessed Mother and the saints and angels. Just as we reverence human life, so must we reverence the precious gift of sexuality, -through which human life is pro-created in the sanctity of marriage. This reverence should begin with our understanding, our thoughts, and then our words and actions. Beside only focusing on the "theology of the body", we should also study the “theology of the soul”, for it is the soul that gives life to the body, and not the other way around. All who are ingratiated with the TOB should now focus on traditional Catholic theology and the Catholic Catechism. I would like to recommend an excellent series of conferences by the late Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., on Catholic Sexual Morality, available from Eternal Life.
Published by: JPelham
Virginia 05/15/2009 11:47 PM EST
Yes the beauty of a pure mind is a rare treasure in any age, and how marvelously blessed was D.v.Hildebrand to have such a wife.
Published by: Michael
Charlotte, NC 05/15/2009 10:15 PM EST Rate: Regular
Go have some great sex with your spouse and be open to life.
Orgasm is a glimpse of heaven. I'm on board!!
Published by: JPelham
Virginia 05/15/2009 05:33 PM EST
Mr. West's intent surely is commendable, and the fault in his presentation is perhaps mainly aesthetic, but nonetheless lowering because his very evident pride has carried him over the threshold of decorum to salaciousness. One need not be coarse to be helpful to the coarse.
Published by: Mar
Australia 05/14/2009 05:24 PM EST
This did not get through the first time so I'm posting again.
May 13 2009 Talking about Christopher West Martin Silvain said: "Confronting, head on, our sex-obsessed culture is good way to do that." Martin and some other commentators seem to think that obsession with sex is something new, and exclusive to our age. Not so. Sexual obsession and all the perversions that inevitably accompany it are as old as the hills. Almost as old is the Church's teaching on how to deal with these evils. Many saints confronted sexual temptations "head on" both in their personal lives and in the culture in which they lived. They did this by emphasising purity, chastity, virginity and modesty and showing that these virtues are central to holiness. They did not dignify the cult of genitalia so widespread in ancient cultures by giving it the slightest flattering excuse, but confronted it "head on" with the chastity and virginity of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Dr. Alice von Hildebrand is familiar with the Church's tradition and respects it. Mr. West should follow her example and thereby take his lead from the Holy Family and countless Catholic saints, and not from a man who is known to be one of the greatest proponents of the cult of genitalia in our own times. Our Lady of Fatima pray for us!
Published by: Sam Rocha
Columbus/OH/USA 05/14/2009 12:31 PM EST Rate: Excellent
This thread is the usual game of people rushing to their own corners of the point in question, but the point in this article is that their is no intellectual monopoly on these sacred mysteries.
Too many good-willed Catholics think that West, Hahn, Weigel, EWTN and other mini-celebrities have some kind of sacred authority necessarily attached to their ideas that makes their work close to unquestionable. The truth of the matter is that many holy people dispute their positions and even find those positions distasteful or, in some cases, wrong. To ignore that dissent as though it were dissenting from Christ himself, is not only absurd, it is downright dangerous and toxic to the constant need to form our conscience through continual conversion. Agree or disagree, this article reminds us that even famous Catholics don't have a monopoly on Catholic discourse. It is incumbent on us to foster the restlessness of Augustine with rigor, not sectarian partisanship.
Published by: Jim Sherry
Chicago, IL 05/14/2009 11:47 AM EST Rate: Good
As Dr Von H herself admits, she knows the "gist" of TOB and mostly seems to know about West from the piece she saw on ABC.
I would say it is dangerous to try to express the full teachings of TOB in sound bites-and for this reason Mr West might be faulted. But please acquaint yourselves with his full presentation before passing judgment-it is very faithful to church teaching and is very sensitive to some of the things the Dr is concerned with. For instance he spends a lot of time discussing the “tremendous dangers of concupiscence", as she puts it. I recommend his 10 CD course "Naked without Shame"
Published by: Greg Mont
Springfield/PA/USA 05/14/2009 07:57 AM EST Rate: Good
West fills the void that corrupt prayer time creates. He is one of the many self-help gurus out their that market their perspectives, attract people who are spiritually foundering, and make a living off their presentations, books, and dvd's. When you use emotion to attract people back to the faith, you get emotion-driven spirituality - a shell with no substance. I wonder what spirituality this attraction will create? In my diocese, all those into West have no real spiritual foundation. They follow cultural phenomenon, become spoke people for this "New" understanding and wind up in the end with the usual nothing. You can't reason with emotional or sexual driven faith. Give him time, and he will self-destruct like the rest of them. The sad thing being, the tons of Catholics who open the door to this bull-headed little man because their attention is still on carnal attractions.
Published by: A Fellow Sinner
Philadelphia/PA/USA 05/14/2009 05:27 AM EST Rate: Very Good
I feel a deep sadness and frustration in reading a majority of these comments. It seems the Pharisees are alive and well in the Church today. Here is a deeply faithful, prayerful, HUMBLE, and yes, very passionate man who has given his life to unpacking the very dense and philosophical truth in the TOB for hundreds of thousands of people who may NEVER have had the chance to read or hear it, while the scholars sit on their PHDs in a neat little circle criticizing him.
Jesus was called a drunkard, he was mocked for eating with tax collectors and sinners and talking to prostitutes. He was COMPLETELY misunderstood and misrepresented by the religious leaders of His day. And every person who follows in his footsteps and tries to engage the culture and bring them the Water of Life gets the same wagging finger from the self-righteous. I love you all, but do you see the irony here? Of course ABC misrepresents. But we must still speak the truth. Did that stop St. Paul from preaching to the Greeks in the Aereopagus? Should he have stayed where he was "comfortable?" Please stop this nonsensical rambling. Some of you have clearly never read the Pope's words, let alone CW's, and you are crucifying a man based on a distorted 7 minute news clip. Read JPII and his humble servant CW's thoughts, all readily available. Be still with them, pray... and pray for God's flawed and faithful servants who have the courage to face the culture, and speak to its heart.
Published by: Michael
Denver 05/13/2009 10:24 PM EST
Chris is great in helping Catholics overcome deep seated fears in regards to the body and sex. C.K. Chersterton said if the branch is bent you need to bend it in the opposite direction to make it straight again. Chris is a little extreme, but he needs to be in order to correct the lack of teaching in regards to sex. Alice Von Hildebran comment that Chris's language is vulgare is a sign of her own deep seated problems. She needs to read Pope's chapter on Sexology in "Love and Responsiblity". Alice Von Hildrebran needs to understand that words like erection, orgasim, and clitoris are not sinful.
Published by: CJC
Miami/FL/USA 05/13/2009 08:57 PM EST
Viva Von Hildebrand!!!
She is the Best!!!
Published by: ssoldie
Brainerd,Mn 05/13/2009 07:58 PM EST
Maybe it's about time we reread the the Encyclical "Casti Connubii" P.P.XI on Christian Marriage.Then read Deidrich von Hildebrand"In Defience of Purity"
Published by: Vince
Washington DC 05/13/2009 07:39 PM EST
First off, it seems that if Dr. Alice only knows the "gist" of Pope John Paul II's TOB, then she doesn't really have the right to comment about Christopher West's approach to TOB.
Secondly, I think a lot of people are missing the big picture here. What Christopher West is doing here is making JPII's message accessible and relatable to the general population (and don't base your opinion of CW's approach on what ABC told us). He's speaking the language of a culture, in the culture, to reach and lift that culture up. His gift lies in the fact that he knows his audience, and how to reach them. And GOD knows that we need someone like that in today's world. I think that West would agree with Dr. Alice that this is very sensitive and sacred ground, and must be approached with deep reverence. And for anyone familiar with West, he has this reverence in spades. But I think he would disagree that we should shy away from discussing in a public forum. This message is desperately needed. Finally, paraphrasing something that Dr. Schindler, dean of the John Paul II institute, said in a speach two nights ago - "If the Truth is lived rightly, you won't need to go looking for the scandal (AKA The Cross). The scandal will come to you". West is living proof of the fact that when you speak the truth, it makes people uncomfortable, and it brings the scandal. It happened in the Old Testament. It happened in the New Testament. And it's happening in 2009.
Published by: Sarah
Grand Island, NY, USA 05/13/2009 06:24 PM EST
Finally. thank God!! West's approach to sexuality is not new. Many "sexperts" before him have adapted the world view of "sex", baptized it and brought it to Catholic programs and school curriculae. His interpretation of JPII's Theology of the body is the most bawdy to date and not in any way compatible with Catholic thinking.
Published by: Ross
PA 05/13/2009 03:13 PM EST Rate: Very Good
I am moderately acquainted with JPII's works and significantly more acquainted with West's approach to them. Personalism's appeal to subjectivity aside, I think the crux of JPII's argument is the "adequate anthropology" he offers. Morality MUST be grounded in this anthropology--that is to say it must be grounded in the objective, non-cultural natural law (rather than in some uber-subjective application of theology to the present cultural climate).
JPII is wonderful because he highlights the dignity rooted in humanity. West's obsession with the present culture threatens to bury this truth under "hip" references that only serve to bewilder or confuse some of his audience. Even if Hef offers and interesting case study, I fail to see why he is more worthy of our consideration than the lives of the saints. West is too culture-bound for many peoples' tastes. He is too influenced by the pop culture. Rather than seeing him focus on "redeeming" music and the arts, I'd sooner see him focus on the timeless aspects of TOB that call us out of our cultural setting to counter-cultural lives of piety. Regardless of her level of interaction with West, Von Hildebrand's main critique is valid--his zeal to seek out the beautiful distracts him from putting enough focus on very real, very entrenched concupiscence. Whether intentional or not, West's flippant style does at times border on the irreverent and, in my opinion, undercuts the very sacredness of the topic he is purporting to cherish.
Published by: Steve
Kansas City 05/13/2009 02:36 PM EST
Yes, West has brought about more notoriety regarding TOB, which is a good thing. Hopefully, this has led to more conversions of heart and a more holy approach to the marriage bet. But does that give him a free pass on doing what is right? His language for mixed audiences is vulgar, not very JPII like. There are many other ways in which West has fallen from the pure teaching of TOB. Every time God sows a seed of grace, the devil is there to try and snatch it away. It is something we all need to be mindful of, and it is obvious that is what is going on here with West. The devil does not want the pure, holy teaching of TOB to be known. Creating confusion is one of his greatest tactics. Those defending West need to understand we are all human and subject to the same weaknesses. He's done some good, but if West doesn't clean up his approach, he needs to step aside.
Published by: Chris
La Crosse/WI/USA 05/13/2009 02:18 PM EST Rate: Very Good
As a graduate of the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and the Family and a student of the Theology of the Body, I believe that Christopher West has had an ongoing tendency to distort the TOB by reducing it to its sexual dimension (its roots lie far deeper than that, as Fr. Granados observes). And I agree that West, while intending to address the culture in an accessible way, has tended to the irreverent and sensational, just as Alice von Hildrebrand noted. It was once observed in a critique that instead of adequately Christianizing sexuality, West has had a tendency (which I believe he has sought to modify, but without sufficient success) to sexualize Christianity. I believe he is a fundamentally good, earnest man, but there is something here that he needs to take very much to heart.
Published by: Frank
Windsor/Canada 05/13/2009 12:13 PM EST
Right On.. Dr. von Hildebrand .. only you say it in a much more profound way. I had a bad feeling when I watched the 'abc' C.W. interview and I agree with the Dr. on this. You should not use Pope John Paul (hefner) and puritanism in the same sentence unless you are looking for diametrically opposed view.He even said 'Hefner had a "yearning," an "ache" and a "longing" for love, union and intimacy.. what is this guy on?
Published by: Christina
USA 05/13/2009 12:06 PM EST Rate: Very Good
Is this appropriate? If West uses an approach that's less than ideal, wouldn't Christian charity demand that we politely make suggestions to correct?
Instead, a man who's led many (including myself) away from society's understanding of sex and directed them to a initial understanding of TOTB is being fed to the wolves. He's being treated as if he's completely flipped TOTB to endorse porn and other sins, which is simply not the case. I'd expect the world to do this, not a Catholic publication.
Published by: Mike
Chicago,IL USA 05/13/2009 11:11 AM EST Rate: Very Good
Hugh Hefner and JPII had many things in common, eyes, ears, mouth, even a human heart. West is not saying that how Hefner used these parts was correct but rather the ache generated from having a human heart is the same in Hefner as is in you, me and JPII. This is the ache for true communion. Both JPII and Hugh responded to this ache, and that is the common ground between them. If we do not try to see the similarities between the sinners and saints then we will miss the point of separation and fail in the ability to properly fulfill what is lacking.
Are the two men similar? Of course, we are all yearning for the same thing as human beings. This is very basic. Did Hefner respond correctly to his ache by starting Playboy? Of course not. To be honest, I believe Hefner probably knows this reality by now more than any of us. The man is most likely hurting deep deep inside for communion. As Catholics we need to see this and truly love this man in hope that he will one day receive it. There is something huge being overlooked here. Theology of the body was on National Television!! Hello! Wake up! It seems like the theologians would like to spend more time whacking at each others knees then spread the great knowledge they contain outside of their little circles and to a NEW audience. Christopher needs to be supported and prayed for as he reaches into popular culture.
Published by: NT
Chicago 05/13/2009 10:28 AM EST Rate: Very Good
I think she's totally missed the point. It seems that she's grasped on to a phrase or two and taken them out of context.
In all fairness, I think CNS needs to give Christopher West and chance to clear his name and respond to these allegations. CNS, if you're going to basically transcribe her conversation, why not just ask her to write it down herself and call it an op-ed. This isn't reporting as much as it is recording.
Published by: Joe
Colorado Springs 05/13/2009 09:50 AM EST
The greatest evils spawn as a result of twisted truths. Our sex obscessed culture is a perversion of the true beauty of sexuality. Christopher West offers an antedote to our perverse culture - an antedote that puritainism had tried in futility to counter.
God Created sex. He created sex good. It is the most powerful and intimate way we can participate in God's creative act. We tend to think that we need to practice the opposite of the seven capital sins to reach holiness. If we did we would be people who are self demeaning, propertyless, childless, backboneless, starved, motivationless, and sleep deprived. The seven capital sins are pervesions of good things: Taking honest pride in ones work and acomplishments is GOOD. Having sufficent possessions is GOOD. Having a healthy monogamous sexual relationship with your spouse is GOOD. Being able to stand up for your beliefs and having justifiable anger is GOOD. Eating is GOOD. Working hard towards your goals is GOOD. Getting a good night sleep is GOOD. The opposites of the capital sins are not Christian virtues, The correct outlet for our human faculties is GOOD. Yes we have to be on guard for perversions of these good things, but must we like puritains deny that God created them good and avoid them??? Last time I checked most of us Thank God saying grace for the food we eat....
Published by: Craig
Birmingham/AL 05/13/2009 02:28 AM EST Rate: Good
"Pride goes before the fall"
From what I have read, both in the article and from respondants to it, Mr. West has become inflated by the success of his venture. Humility and purity go hand in hand, and it seems he has lost both virtues. I deplore any reference to Hugh Hefner, of whose heart, and motivations West cannot possibly know much. Alert Catholics would do well to avoid the spirit of West's work, which seems increasingly focused on his interpretation, and not on the message of PJPII. We would do well to pray for Mr. West, one of our brothers in Christ, whose soul seems gravely at risk of that which Christ spoke in Luke 17: ""Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin." Let all those in opposition to West be mindful of our call to love and care for the souls of those who lead others atray: Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive him." Jesus, we trust in You!
Published by: Donna
Canada 05/13/2009 12:48 AM EST
Tracy may have wisely hit the nail on the head when she suggested that Dr von Hildebrand may feel "her husband (and by virtue of marriage an offshoot of herself) hasn't received recognition due him by JPII or West." I am impressed with the thread of responses here. Lots of food for thought. For me, the bottom line is that without Christopher West "enculturating" TOTB to the west, it might still be largely unknown. Not everyone is a well-read scholar. Many would like to be able to read the heady works of JPII, and more, but are unable. Mr. West has made this wonderful theology available to the common man. God bless him!
Published by: Mary Lou
Glenrowan Victoria Australia 05/12/2009 11:12 PM EST
At Last ! commonsense Catholic relief from on topic gone mad.
God bless Dr. Alice von Hildebrand
Published by: Phyllis Stanton
Greenville, SC 05/12/2009 10:31 PM EST
In light of Sunday's gospel perhaps we should be asking, is Christopher's branch a fruitful one? There are many, many that can affirm this. But he is also a man who is willing to accept being pruned because it can only mean that he will be capable of bearing more fruit for the Lord. So prune away, just be careful you do not damage the Vine.
Published by: Eileen Filan
Beaufort, SC USA 05/12/2009 10:27 PM EST
I agree with Dr. Von H. Christopher West is very immature in his speaking and intrepretation skills. He needs to pray for God's Grace to speak through him. He sounds insincere, as if he's faking it, and he's afraid someone will find out.
Published by: James
Silver Spring, MD 05/12/2009 10:18 PM EST
Isn't the problem of Christianity one of virginity and not sex? We have seen in Christ a love that comes back and interprets everything else. For this reason even the body has a new meaning. Where did we see this new love, was it in sex or in friendship? The most interesting thing for humanity is a friendship with a man who walked around 2000 years ago. The character of this love is virginal love, and it becomes a part of every other love. To me, this is West's oversight, even if he mentions it somewhere in his books. What I must have each day is not a new meaning about sex, but a simple friendship...albeit one that is Divine.
Published by: Rick
Forest Hill, MD 05/12/2009 09:19 PM EST
CW's only mistake was trying to get the TOB message out through the secular media. Bad idea. They always distort the message. To criticize his long record of very good teachings on the TOB based on a 7 minute ABCnews clip is very unfair. Sounded like a little bit of envy to me.
Published by: Andrew Kong
Singapore 05/12/2009 09:09 PM EST
I am disappointed that CNA has painted a very critical image of West's effort to promote the TOB. If it weren't for West's style and approach, TOB would have remained a deep secret within the Catholic Church. Thanks to him, Singapore is now hearing about TOB at all, and has attracted countless youth to understand and love the Church. Appreciating TOB is like looking at the naked body. You can lust at it, get disgusted or ashamed, or allow it to show forth the glory of the God through the revelation of the embodied person (if you have that matured purity of the heart)
Published by: Kala
Australia 05/12/2009 08:10 PM EST Rate: Good
I wonder if Dr Alice, Dr Mary or Fr Jose have ever spoken about sex to a group of young people in their 20s? To use the language of theology would lose them in a nano second. Christopher uses the language of the culture to get the message of JPII to a generation which badly need to hear it.
To criticise CW based solely on a 10 minute interview is not very intelligent. What is it with practising Catholics? Always ready to put in the boot against other Faithful Catholics. You never hear dissenting Catholics criticising other dissenting Catholics. They present as a united front.
Published by: Fernanda
LOs Gatos 05/12/2009 07:53 PM EST
Thanks to be God somebody had the courage to stand up for the truth. West has done much more harm to young catholics than help them to understand why sex is SACRED.
Published by: Cookie
Chappaqua, NY USA 05/12/2009 07:24 PM EST
CW is right about Hefner. West uses an approach St. Thomas would have used. The negative argument and the positive. I heard Hefner on the radio years ago. He is a sad, lonely man who was rejected by his first great love(he was a virgin into his twenties). He needs TOB! Somebody might send it to him and save a soul, AND get rid of Playboy at the same time.
Published by: Carla
Tampa, FL, USA 05/12/2009 06:34 PM EST
Unfortunately, this is a classic case of misunderstanding by members of the same team. It is very clear by her comments that Von Hildebrand is only slightly acquainted with TOB, has had very limited exposure to Christopher West (probably only through the ABC interview), and is biased by her own experience of the culture she grew up in--a pre-sexual revolution culture. I mean, look at the age difference. She can criticize today's sexual immorality all she wants, but no one is going to listen because she doesn't speak the language. She's from a different time. The fact that she is offended by the terminology is evidence enough that she is not called to confront the culture like West is. What she should do is recognize his gift of being able to reach people and applaud him for it. You will know the good of someone or something by its fruits, and West's ministry is doing incalculable good throughout the world. Let's give credit where credit is due and stop undermining the other team members, Alice et. al.
Published by: Mary D.
Alton IL USA 05/12/2009 06:31 PM EST
I believe Mr West intended his remarks to attract the un-churched or the non-practicing Catholic who uses birth control
and wanted them to know that Catholics believe sex within marriage is holy & good.... I give him the benefit of the doubt.
Published by: Corinne
Edmonton 05/12/2009 06:10 PM EST
I think the CW crowd are turning the TOB into a cult that does not admit criticism. CNA gave Mr. West the first chance to clarify by interviewing him last week! Nevertheless, either because he was satisfied or he did not want to antagonize ABC, he called the report "mostly accurate." After that, How could you not look for others for clarification? Calling this a "firing squat" is just cultish and dangeous. Wake up guys! Our saviour is Jesus, not CW!
Published by: sparksj3
Front Royal, VA, USA 05/12/2009 05:03 PM EST
I've been familiar with the lectures and writings of Christopher West for a number of years, so my introduction was hardly by means of the ABC interview.
I'm extremely glad that Alice von Hildebrand has come forward with her very welcome remarks on the deficiencies of Chris West's understanding of sexuality. Given his writings, one would think that we can completely overcome the effects of original sin in this life simply by a new understanding of sexuality. Such naivety can only lead to disaster. His blatant disregard for the delicacy of the topic stands in stark contrast to the teachings and practices of truly orthodox Catholic theologians who have dealt with the topic in far different ways. Thank you, CNA, for giving voice to Dr. von Hildebrand and the other authors cited in the interview!
Published by: BakerStreetRider
Virginia 05/12/2009 04:38 PM EST
Excellent article. Having heard and read Christopher West's works, I completely agree with Dr. von Hildebrand's assessment. West really crossed the line in his latest interview. Comparing the pope to Hugh Hefner is not only an insult to His Holiness, it is a great scandal against the Church. However, the problems with his interpretation are present in other places besides this interview.
Christopher West's presentation of the Theology of the Body is not in line with Pope John Paul's original writings. Compare how often his Wednesday addresses actually addressed sex, and how often West discusses the topic. It is significant that not just one, but three authors on the Pope's teachings on this subject have condemned West's presentations. I hope this will lead to future accuracy from Mr. West, and an end to scandalous and insulting comments about Catholic doctrine and popes.
Published by: Clayton
Saint Paul, MN 05/12/2009 04:24 PM EST
Whatever happened to the Gospel command to take an issue to one's brother in private first?
I wish Dr. Von Hildebrand had refused the interview with CNA until she had a chance to speak to West personally. I think that would have been a more prudent course of action.
Published by: Jeremy
Minneapolis, MN 05/12/2009 04:09 PM EST
Cont'd from point 2.
Sometimes that means talking about things in a way that would seem inappropriate in different times. While not descending to the level of lurid language, innocence and virtue do not mean ignorance, especially in today’s world. 2. Please address how CW’s presentation of the issues of original sin, etc. as you mentioned are different from the writings of JPII and your husband. One issue is presentation; the other is theological content.
Published by: Jeremy
Minneapolis, MN 05/12/2009 04:08 PM EST
Cont'd from point 3.
In some there is a fair amount of graphic detail to show that the Church of the time was neither naive nor insensitive to the struggles of humanity. It also shows that many of our modern struggles were also felt a century ago. 4. “I love Hugh Hefner. I really do.” Seriously? I understand the point he was trying to make with the historical connection and the “ache” of Hugh Hefner for a fulfilling love, but isn’t sensationalism one of the reasons why we have such a sexually charged society? This point could have been made in a better way. If ABC sensationalized the piece somewhat, they used CW’s own words. This seems to confirm that too much sex on the brain leads to imprudence. Even if he doesn’t intend it, he should know that such comments will appear to some as a partial legitimization of Hugh Hefner. It is the partial good exaggerated and the lack of good being downplayed. This is the very essence of all temptations to sin and in particular to sins of the flesh. We are all tempted by the appearance of good. It would seem that CW’s search for the Holy Grail of “good sex” places JPII and Hugh Hefner in the same genre, just at different ends of it. This makes sense only in the mentality mentioned in #1 above. To von Hildebrand: 1. Language can be scandalous or not for different people, depending on their backgrounds. What is considered appropriate to mention in the public sphere today would not have been tolerated in times past.
Published by: Jeremy
Minneapolis, MN USA 05/12/2009 04:07 PM EST
I can partly agree with both sides of this debate. It is very important to understand our sexuality as it was meant to be used as well as the depth in which our own sexuality is a part of much or what we do, even if sex itself is not. There are a couple of criticisms that I would like to offer to both sides.
To Christopher West: 1. Sex is not a sacrament; marriage is. When reading and listening to his works, he does indeed cover many of the things that von H mentions in the above article. However, many of the things he does say about sex tend to give this impression, that is, that sex itself is a sacrament instead of a sacred act within an institution that is the sacrament. 2. We are not Adam and Eve. Even though CW does talk about original sin and its consequences, on a practical level, some of his material, in my opinion, forgets its practical reality, in particular with talks addressed to those who are not married. 3. JPII did not create or discover the Church's teaching on sex. Theology of the Body is without a doubt a great blessing to the Church in this time of bacchanalian liberty. This is precisely what the Church does. She develops those aspects of her teaching that need to be clarified in light of contemporary situations. Any moral theology manual used in the seminaries in the 1930s contains all the principles of Theology of the Body. Cont'd.
Published by: Jeanne
Franklin, NC 05/12/2009 03:37 PM EST
Deep gratitude to Dr. Alice Von Hildebrand for speaking to a mass-marketed display of irreverence and calling attention to the significance of “In Defense of Purity”.
Reverence is a profound response to sanctity and cannot be mandated. Some of the responses read here seem proof enough that there is not only dearth of reverence but a basic carnal barbarism. One need not be steeped in the material in question to speak out on that which is a primal response to God and those who seek to respond to His invitation to Union through Him Crucified. Adam and Eve hid in consequence of their sin. In act and word they knew wrong. Today's Adams and Eves flaunt their "noble parts". In act and word they imitate a pagan cultural standard. At the very least Mr. West's treatment of the subject fails in modesty and delicacy and, perhaps, in purity. Sexualisation and sensationalism in the presentation of this work distorts its content and disgraces its spirit. Mr. West’s form of presentation as a moral pedagogue is in contradiction its subject matter. Cultural mores change, in some cultures and periods of history at greater and lesser degrees. Morals do not change. They are changeless as the Living God, the author of all life. A gentle suggestion to all of us: let us be vigilant in monitoring our feast of secular behaviours and products. Should we choose to live in two worlds, the sacred and the secular, let us remember that it is only as children we enter His Kingdom.
Published by: Faithful Catholic
FL 05/12/2009 03:21 PM EST
Finally!! Someone with a pure mind speaks the truth. But it is not received cordially by those so immersed in the flesh. "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."(Gal 5:24)
Published by: Chris
NOLA 05/12/2009 03:06 PM EST
I would want to draw everyone's attention to the fact that Dr. Shivanandan and Fr. Granados are at least as competent an authority to JPII's TOB as is Christopher West. I think they are trying to say something very important about the significance and scope of JPII's work that is often missed given West's emphasis. They should not be dismissed. Puritanism and "Hefnerism" are exactly the same -ism. This is Granados' point, and any adequate critique of Puritanism must always and at the same time include just as strong and powerful a critique of "Hefnerism". This is not always clear in West's talks and it raises the question of how adequately he understands the problem with Puritanism. The point here is not whether Puritanism is a problem, but rather what exactly is the nature of that problem. This is a very subtle, but crucially important point that it seems many of the defenders of West's approach to the TOB (if not West himself) miss. If we are going to be able to face the current cultural situation in a helpful way we must show that we can understand the problems of the culture in a more profound way. I commend West for his efforts, but I would caution that there is very much more at stake in the issues he presents than may at first appear. West would do better if he could find innovative ways to express to his hearers an awareness of the difficulties involved in order that they might be better clued into the significance of our current problems.
Published by: Gail
Seattle, WA, USA 05/12/2009 02:52 PM EST
To mention Pope John Paul II and Hugh Hefner in the same sentence is an affront to this Catholic. I appreciate what Christopher West has accomplished but I think perhaps the medium can sometimes becomes the wrong message. Dr. von Hildebrand and other critics can be of help to this younger, fervent evangelizer. The topic is so important in our sadly sex obsessed national psych that I hope he will listen to their message. He has the enthusiasm, energy and talent to speak to a wide audience. The virtue of humility can open all our hearts to the Holy Spirit and his ministrations. The world has never needed this message more than now. Lack of knowledge has led to promiscuity, abortion and a myriad of sins that work against holiness in marriage and family life.
It is such a vital topic and this dialogue can serve to open hearts and minds to the depth of our need. One thing we can all do to help is to pray. Thanks be to God!
Published by: Brendan
Maryland 05/12/2009 02:45 PM EST Rate: Good
This is a very unfortunate article. It's clear by comments given by von Hildebrand that she HAS NOT even read West's TOB Explained book or any of his other books. I know for a fact that his books cover every topic that Dr. von Hildebrand discusses.
Mr. West said that ABC recorded 5+ hrs of interview with him and edited it down to less than 10 minutes. It's too bad she didn't blame ABC instead of C. West. I'm also very disapointed with CNA. You cover the ABC piece and read C. West's response to it. then immediately go looking for people to rip him to shreads. Why not contact him and let him explin the other 5 hours of information that ABC took out. This was very lousy journalism. I expect more from CNA.
Published by: Chris
CT 05/12/2009 02:42 PM EST
I am glad that some public criticism of the TOB crowd is now taking place. We must distinguish between JP II's actual teaching, and what some TOB enthusiasts have practically taken and run with- the two of which can sometimes be a bit different.
West is almost a cult like figure to the TOB crowd and it is interesting the way they are lashing out at his critics. There are some elements which are contrary to the Church's moral and spiritual theology, which need to be questioned.
Published by: Imelda
Colorado Springs, CO 05/12/2009 02:08 PM EST
I have heard Christopher West on two occasions. The first time, I came away very inspired by his lecture. The second time, both my husband and I thought he could have done without some of the "language of the culture." We even said we were going to write to him about it, telling him that except for these instances, his talk was excellent, but we somehow never got around to it.
Published by: Jane
Scranton 05/12/2009 02:02 PM EST
Sorry, I don't agree with the rest of these comments. I saw Christopher West speak at a "Catholic" university a few years back. His talk was way too casual for such a serious topic. I blushed and was uncomfortable with his talk. And I worried about the nominally Catholic-educated students in the room. The talk was edgy, and not consistent with the usual Catholic treatment of such a delicate topic.
I expressed my concerns to Mr. West afterwards, but he did not like what I had to say. His interview shows the grave dangers of West's ideas and approach.
Published by: Nancy H
Parkland 05/12/2009 01:16 PM EST
There is absolutely nothing wrong with Christopher West's approach. He does a terrific job of disseminating John Paul II's prophetic teaching "Theology of the Body". We are all indebted to Christopher West for his excellent work. Our society today is dying from perversity. Our children have no self esteem because they throw away too soon their great gift of sexuality never knowing of its sacredness. I hope von Hildebrand does not hinder the reception of Christopher West's efforts to carry on what John Paul II began.
Published by: David
Denver, Colorado, USA 05/12/2009 12:28 PM EST Rate: Good
Martin has hit the nail on the head with his comment. Christopher West has given to the Church a great gift: the gift that our sexuality is not somehting shameful. For Fr. Granados to talk about Puritanism and define it as he does above, and then criticisize West for being to open, isn't that a double-standard? West is only bringing to light the fact that God gave us a beautiful human body, human flesh. I am not (and neither is West) saying that we should all walk around naked, there is still the beautiful gift and virtue of modesty. However, we have been told by society for so long that our bodies are bad, that nakedness is shameful, that we have created a counter culture (pornography) to degrade the true dignity of the human person.
And for alice von Hildebrand (whom I greatly respect) to say that the fight against concupiscence is “not an easy process," That it, "is something that calls for holiness, which very few of us achieve. It is a sheer illusion to believe that by some sort of new technique we can find the solution to the problem.” Has she never heard of the transforming power of God's grace? I'm sorry, but it is possible for a person to change their heart through the redeeming and merciful love and sacrifice of Christ. If not, then what are we all doing here? David Denver, Colorado
Published by: Tara
San Diego/CA/US 05/12/2009 12:15 PM EST
I can understand that, based on the ABC story, Christopher West might seem irreverent. If you read his entire commentary or listen to his audio CDs on the Theology of the Body, however, you'll find something quite different. Obviously, editing an hours-long interview into just a few minutes is going to shortchange the message. I think the criticism ought to land on ABC, not Christopher West.
Published by: Nathan
Manchester, NH 05/12/2009 12:00 PM EST
This article really bothers me. Christopher West knows John Paul the Great's Theology of the Body backwards and forwards. How is it that Alice von Hildebrand can criticize his understanding of it when apparently she's only familiar with the "gist" of the Theology of the Body? The fact of the matter is that Christopher West is not irreverent about sexuality. He is simply trying to dialogue with a culture that had become desensitized to pornography, to the point of having Hugh Hefner and his multiple girlfriends having a hit show! I think West does a great job of engaging the culture and delivering the message that there is more to sex than what we've been offered. The fact of the matter is that these intimate matters carelessly thrown around in our culture. Not discussing them isn't going to make people respect them anymore. We need to direct the conversation so to lead the culture to a new place of respect.
Published by: Carson Weber
Sacramento, CA 05/12/2009 11:56 AM EST
I would like to see CNA give Christopher West a chance to respond to this news piece publicly.
Published by: Tony M
Winter Springs FL 05/12/2009 11:39 AM EST
This sounds very much to me like a case of a lack of communication. If Christopher and Dr. von Hildebrand were to discuss the topic with one another I bet they would see very quickly that they are on the same page despite Christopher's difference in presentation of the material.
Published by: Gabriel Castillo
Houston 05/12/2009 11:32 AM EST
The Secular media is constantly being criticized for misrepresenting the views of Orthodox Catholics. It does not sound like Alice Von Hildebrand has actually read Christopher West's books or listened to his lectures. I think that in context his statements are very profound and conservative. Hang in there Christopher.
Published by: Paul O'Brien
Denver, CO 05/12/2009 11:32 AM EST
Ha! A true journalistic criticism would have asked for a rebuttal from Mr. West or at least included, "Mr. West was not available for comment."
That these great minds would criticize Mr. West and not ABC is beyond me. If they actually knew West's work, they certainly might have a different tone. They go on to at least imply that West doesn't address these issues in his teaching efforts. This is certainly not the case, and besides von Hildebrand's comments which probably have some merit, the other theologians could have been quoting West word for word! CNA, I'm disappointed. This article sounds more like a firing squad than a criticism.
Published by: Susan Schudt
Macomb, MI 05/12/2009 11:12 AM EST
I have not seen the interview. However, I highly doubt that Dr. Hildebrand has read Christopher West's other works, especially "Heaven's Song," the most recent one. While I agree that there are times he uses modern analogies and they may seem crude, he CERTAINLY has expressed in his works a need to strive for holiness, a need for the Sacraments, etc., in order to conquer concupiscence. He has indeed talked about David and others. He has indeed talked about the consequences of Original Sin. He follows with how we are redeemed in Christ and His Church, and how we need to live in "the Spirit" of the Law. And of course, if we are unable to live in the Spirit, we must indeed follow the Law anyway! (i.e. Looking at a woman with lust is also adultery.) Her criticisms, seemingly only based on the ABC interview, are completely false. He has INDEED addressed the issues that she has brought up. I am saddened by this, because I highly respect both of them. This seems like another way the media, including the Catholic media, is trying to pit Catholic against Catholic without either telling or providing the whole story. Yet another way the Devil is tempting those with good intentions, for we indeed find it hard to live in the Spirit of the Law of Charity.
Published by: Paul O'Brien
Denver, CO 05/12/2009 11:01 AM EST
Reading this article brings tears of sadness to my eyes. These good theologians who are judging Mr. West's entire approach based on a highly skewed ABC interview, force me to doubt their skill at seeing through the mess of the media. Of course I am assuming that the CNA gave them a fair shake; hopefully I'm not falling into their error.
Certainly it seems West gave ABC too much credit by pulling out some lofty ideas. Having heard Mr. West speak, and now reading JP II's Theology of the Body for myself (which West always implores people to do, letting them know that he's only scratched the surface of Catholic moral thought). All of the objections raised here, even most von Hildebrand's, are ideas that West himself raises in his efforts. He never says this isn't hard, never paints a rosy picture of "magical liberation from concupiscence." He always points people in the direction of holiness, even begs it of them. He goes to great lenghts to point out what sexuality separated from Christ and the pursuit of holiness can do to destroy a person. His love for Hugh Hefner is the love of Christ, not some silly fandom. I am sad and ashamed that admirable folks like von Hildebrant, Shivanandan, and Granados are criticising West instead of ABC. If they have real concerns they should address them with Mr. West in a sincere effort of fraternal love and correction, not a public humiliation in which they say the many of the very things West says and claim he never says them.
Published by: maria
Broomfield, CO 05/12/2009 10:58 AM EST
I would be careful of criticizing a faithful catholic who is trying to do the Lord's work based on an ABC interview. Anyone who knows what those interviews are like realizes that they are heavily edited and many things are taken out of context. With all due respect- there are many things to speak against in the world, without catholics of good faith and will jumping at each other's throats. We need to stand united. We are ONE church.
Published by: Tracy
USA 05/12/2009 10:49 AM EST
If the good doctor has issues with how West teaches his take on JPII's TOB, she may ought to practice what she preaches and take it up with West himself and not use the media to communicate with him. It would appear from this article she feels her husband (and by virtue of marriage an offshoot of herself) hasn't received recognition due him by JPII or West. I have no inkling of the truth of this statement of hers about her husband, we can only assume it to be true based on the position she holds and by the esteem others have in her. However It is my opinion she should not sharpen her tongue publicly,and now that she has done so I have no remorse in pointing out to her publicly her lack of good manners and her lack of being circumspect regarding her opinion of West's work. I would suggest she educate herself more fully on how he teaches TOB before speaking out again about it.
Published by: alicia
duluth, mn 05/12/2009 10:16 AM EST
While I agree that the Great John Paul II should have have his Theology of the Body teaching down to the level of Hugh Hefner, it is my opinion that Christopher West's words were not meant to in any way give approval to Hugh Hefner and pornography. The criticism of Christopher West seems absurd to me because, being a college student, I have seen how sex can either destroy or sanctify souls. Christopher West's teachings have profoundly impacted the students at the U of M Duluth campus is an incredibly positive and holy way, and to criticize him for seeking to bring the good news that we--both male and female--have GREAT dignity and that we are created for me than being tied down by the sins of the flesh. It is an unfortunate and sad thing when the media can take a beautiful and holy topic and use it to divide faithful Catholics among themselves.
Published by: Julie Maria
Vilhena 05/12/2009 09:49 AM EST
It´s not easy to find a balance after the Fall and the language we use may be lacking of the reverence we need to talk such subjects.
But we need to talk about them, and so I appreciate the thoughts of this great catholic thinkers to help us understand in a better way how we should preach about the meaning of human sexuality, love and family. Julie Maria - Brazil
Published by: Thadeus
TX 05/12/2009 09:03 AM EST
I believe that Dr. von Hildebrand may misunderstand the context. Christopher West had limited time to promote to mainstream America that God and sex go together, and then point them toward the good teaching available in Pope John Paul II's writing. The point is, you have to start somewhere. I can't say that I would have heard about the Theology of the Body if I hadn't heard it from Christopher West. And I was raised in the Catholic Church starting in the mid-70s. I can't say that I've seen Dr. Hildebrand on network television evangelizing (or any of the other critics). The word needs to get out to the masses. And one of the few ways to do this is through network television over which we don't have editing rights. I think Mr. West spoke well in order to develop a curiosity in the viewers that I pray will lead them to better understanding of their sexuality.
Published by: Fr. JAKiley
Rhode Island 05/12/2009 08:34 AM EST
THEOLOGY OF THE BODY EXPLAINED by West seems as respectful as it is insightful. His readable promotion of authentic sexuality is sorely needed in this casual sex, same-sex era of ours.
Published by: spy
madison, WI 05/12/2009 07:13 AM EST
I think these theologians are making too big of a deal about this. Obviously Christopher West is trying to present the Theology of the Body in a way that his audience (this generation of youth) can best understand it. He does touch on the fall of Adam and Eve. Also he explained how wives need to submit to their husbands and that husbands need to love their wives as Christ loves the church. This implies that to see a man or woman for who they are, to truly love someone, you need to love them as Christ loves them and this means striving for holiness.
Published by: susie
Il 05/12/2009 07:01 AM EST
She is right, the whole CW thing has gotten out of hand.
It's unfortunate and again a twist of something that was meant for a personal theological approach not what it has become.
Published by: +William
Vermont, USA 05/12/2009 04:36 AM EST
Very important to have reporting like this - to help make Catholic people aware of resources and views, and respective merits and dangers, based on True Doctrine and Authentic Theology. And this topic of human sexuality so at the core of how the human society is degrading itself - and thumbing its nose at Our Loving God, Creator, and Redeemer. Thank you, CNA, for this Service to Truth.
Published by: David Larsen
Scituate Mass 05/12/2009 02:20 AM EST
The beauty of purer minds and thinking that we haven't been exposed to for such a long time! Amen!
Published by: Pieter Dunphos
New York, NY USA 05/12/2009 01:30 AM EST
Thank you, thank you, thank you Dr. von H., for putting the unqualified naif Christopher West in his place. There is nothing at all praiseworthy about Hugh Hefner -- not even his purported diagnosis of puritanism, to paraphrase West.
Published by: Martin Silvain
Western Australia 05/12/2009 01:16 AM EST Rate: Good
This is a bit sad isn't it.
It's similar to the old guard of the prolife movement attacking the new. Sometimes those criticsims are correct but the way they choose to air them shows that they are oblivious to the fact that the rest of the world couldn't care a stuff (infighting while civilisation burns around them). If I have a criticism of Christopher West it is that he is not gauche enough. He rightly talks about the sacharine nature of Christian culture in his YouTube podcast about Katy Perry's "I kissed a girl" last year and then goes on to reference KD Lang and Bruce Springsteen, artists whose heyday were over a decade ago. Talk about a Christian nerd factor of 10. He uses the word "darn". He is known to break into song which is almost unpardonable. One thing he shouldn't be criticised for, however, is having a go and moving beyond the realisation that the Church needs to say real things to real people. Confronting, head on, our sex-obsessed culture is good way to do that. Martin ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):
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