Detroit, Mich., Jun 17, 2009 / 06:01 am
Continuing the discussion about Theology of the Body speaker Christopher West, Prof. Janet E. Smith has argued that theologian Prof. David Schindler’s criticism of West has been “unfair” and has focused upon “unsubstantiated” and “out of context” examples of errors he sees in West’s work.
Smith, a moral theologian at Detroit’s Sacred Heart Major Seminary, is teaching a June immersion course on Pope John Paul II’s “Love and Responsibility” with West through the Theology of the Body Institute.
Schindler, a dean at the John Paul II Institute at Washington, D.C., initially criticized West’s interpretation of the late pontiff’s Theology of the Body for significantly misrepresenting the thought of John Paul II, for being “too much about sex and too romantic,” and for neglecting a sound understanding of mankind's fallen nature.
In the second of his two criticisms published at HeadlineBistro.com, Schindler said West’s views can encourage a “dangerous imprudence” and argued that those not at ease with his presentation have some cause for concern.
Smith’s second response to Schindler, also published at HeadlineBistro.com, repeated her praise for West, saying he is a “pioneer” who has taught the public and has created an “excellent tool” for scholars with his commentary on the Theology of the Body.