Detroit, Mich., May 29, 2009 / 04:14 am
Following several critical theological appraisals of Christopher West, Professor Janet Smith has come to the defense of the Theology of the Body speaker. Stating her “enthusiasm” for West and the Theology of the Body, she contended that his style is a response to “the sexually wounded and confused” and said many criticisms of him were “without foundation.”
Dr. Smith, a professor of moral theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, wrote an essay that was published on the the Knights of Columbus' site HeadlineBistro.com responding to an earlier essay by the theologian Dr. David Schindler, dean of the John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C.
Schindler had criticized West’s teaching for significantly misrepresenting Pope John Paul II’s thought, describing his approach as “too much about sex and too romantic” and calling on him to subject his theology to “renewed reflection.”
Smith, in what she called a “brief, partial” reply to Schindler, noted the debate over West had been prompted by his interview with ABC Nightline which West said “sensationalized” his views.
Cautioning about the ability of media to distort stories, she said West has likely been suffering “a kind of crucifixion” over the past week. Smith questioned why Schindler chose the aftermath of the interview to issue his “sweeping, negative critique” of West.