“The love of man and woman “tends to rise ‘in ecstasy’ towards the Divine, to lead us beyond ourselves; yet for this very reason it calls for a path of ascent, renunciation, purification and healing.”
—- Benedict XVI (God is Love, n. 5)

How often do you hear conservative Catholic theologians discuss the moral propriety of anal sex. Christopher West a research partner at the Theology of the Body Institute has caused some controversy as of late. West claims that Pope John Paul II devoted the first main teaching of his pontificate to what he called the Theology of the Body. This teaching is being hailed as a “new sexual revolution,” because it calls everyone to an authentic understanding and living out of what it means to be created male and female in the image and representation of God.

West’s appeal to human sexuality is, unique. In seminars, he encouraged attendants to look at their naked bodies in the mirror every day to manage their perception of shame. And in the premier edition of his book, Good News About Sex and Marriage, he states there is nothing “inherently” wrong with anal or oral sex as long as it is foreplay leading to traditional intercourse.

The present controversy started when ABC’s ‘Nightline’ ran a story about him and his work.

West explains on his web site: The link between John Paul II and Hugh Hefner, Christopher often points out the interesting historical “coincidence” of the work of these two profoundly influential men. In the early 1950s, as Hefner was founding Playboy magazine, Karol Wojtyla began to speak and write about the necessity for Christians to experience a redemption of their bodies and sexuality. In their individual work, both Hefner and John Paul II responded to a puritanical/Manichean approach to sexuality, but they offered completely contrasting solutions to the problem.

West’s teachings will no doubt create more controversy. His Web site sells Books and DVDs, has free audio presentations, pod casts, and directions on how to schedule a speaking engagement. He has sold more than 400,000 books and 600,000 DVDs.

~ Who said sex does not sell.

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