At the Heart of the Gospel: About the Book & Author

Now Featured at the Patheos Book Club At the Heart of the Gospel Reclaiming the Body for the New Evangelization By Christopher West The sexual revolution brought a terribly distorted vision of the body and sex into the mainstream. How should Christians respond? With his illuminating Theology of the Body , Pope John Paul II challenged the modern world not to stop at the surface, but to enter the depth of the "great mystery" that the body and sex reveal: a mystery that lies at the heart of the Gospel itself. Since he first discovered John Paul II's teaching in 1993, Christopher West has devoted himself to sharing its life-transforming message with the world. In this highly anticipated work, West leads us into the depth of Christ's "nuptial union" with the Church, demonstrating how authentic Catholic teaching on the body and sex saves us from both the libertine perspective of popular culture and the cold puritanism that has sometimes infected Christianity. In the process, West provides a blueprint for reaching our sexually broken world in the "new evangelization." With penetrating insight into Blessed John Paul II's Theology of the Body and the teachings of Benedict XVI, At the Heart of the Gospel demonstrates how the "great mystery" of human sexuality illuminates the entirety of God's plan for human life and gives us an effective program for reaching the modern world in the new evangelization. About the Author Christopher West is a renowned educator, best-selling author, cultural commentator, and popular theologian who specializes in making the dense scholarship of the late Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body accessible to a wide audience. His extensive global lecturing, his numerous books and articles, and his multiple educational programs have sparked an international groundswell of interest in the late pope's teaching across denominational lines. West has been teaching graduate and undergraduate courses on the Theology of the Body and sexual ethics since the late 1990s, having served on the faculty of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, and as a visiting professor of the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne Australia. Since 2004 he has served as a research fellow and faculty member of the Theology of the Body Institute near Philadelphia. His courses there continue to draw priests, religious, and lay people form around the globe. He also serves as a visiting faculty member of the Saint Therese Institute of Faith and Mission in Bruno, Saskatchewan, Canada. West is founder of The Cor Project, a global outreach devoted to cultural renewal through the "new evangelization." Millions have seen him on Fox News, ABC News, MSNBC, EWTN, or heard him on national radio shows. Of all his titles and accomplishments, Christopher is most proud to call himself a devoted husband and father. He lives near Lancaster, Pennsylvania with his wife Wendy and their five children. Endorsements for At the Heart of the Gospel The light of the Gospel, which is a clear but at times painful light, can illumine human sexuality to its very depth in order to transform it and bring it to its full beauty. Here lies the great strength of Blessed John Paul II's Theology of the Body. In this peaceful and positive response to critics, Christopher West proves once again that he is a faithful and inspiring interpreter and communicator of this great Pope's teaching, a teaching so urgently needed for an effective proclamation of the Gospel. Christoph Cardinal Schönborn Archbishop of Vienna General Editor, Catechism of the Catholic Church Grand Chancellor, International Theological Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family Christopher West is to be commended for the courage and strength of conviction with which he proclaims, upholds, and defends the spousal vision of the Church, particularly as it's articulated in John Paul II's Theology of the Body. It's with great enthusiasm as his diocesan bishop that I endorse this magnificent book and recommend it to a wide, wide readership. Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden Bishop of Harrisburg Chairman, USCCB Committee on Catholic Education Inspiring, compelling, faithful and compassionate — At the Heart of the Gospel invites us to follow in the footsteps of Blessed John Paul II as authentic witnesses of the truth and beauty of the Gospel amid the many challenges of contemporary culture. A must read for everyone involved in the new evangelization! Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend Chairman, USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth Christopher West has gone to the desert... and come back stronger than ever. Those who may previously have thought his work was one-sided in its celebration of the body and sexuality will find here, brought out more clearly than ever, the deep balance and integration that has always been the foundation of his work. Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson Archbishop of Saint Louis Chairman, USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations As a former professor of West's, I may be biased in his favor, but I can honestly say that he has taught me a great deal through this magnificently developed and theologically sound work. His balanced and insightful analyses make it clear that West has immersed himself in the great mystics, Fathers, and doctors of the Church. His treatment of a delicate question of foreplay by married couples is perhaps the finest I have ever read. In short, this is a magnificent theological work that ought to be widely read by all interested in the Theology of the Body and the new evangelization. William E. May Emeritus Michael J. McGivney Professor of Moral Theology at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at The Catholic University of America. West's highly anticipated work At the Heart of the Gospel is in keeping with the man I have come to know and respect since our close collaboration on the new English translation of TOB. In short, this balanced and judicious work demonstrates what I have long understood: West knows John Paul II's TOB as few others do and he shows great theological skill in presenting, explaining, and upholding the late Pope's teaching. He grasps its letter with remarkable completeness and is led faithfully by its spirit. He is to be commended for his courage in defending John Paul II's teaching (and the theological tradition upon which it's based) in the face of strong opposition. Michael Waldstein Max Seckler Professor of Theology, Ave Maria University The beatification of Pope John Paul II is more than the Church's official recognition of his sanctity. John Paul II's teaching is now bequeathed to the Church in a new way — not only by his authority as Pope, but also by his personal experience of sanctity. Christopher West is an authentic witness to the transformative power of John Paul II's teaching and this book accurately captures the meaning of his Theology of the Body and its critical importance for the new evangelization. Monsignor Lorenzo Albacete Theologian, Author, and Founding Professor of the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, Washington D.C. Theology of the Body is John Paul II's synthesis and analysis of the Church's theological tradition on what it means to be human. At the Heart of the Gospel is a book that provides an intellectually clear summary, synthesis, analysis, and catechism of John Paul II's Theology of the Body. As a professor of homiletics I consider this book a guiding light for how to proclaim the gospel to the modern world. It is Christopher West's Apologia Pro Vita Sua. Fr. Fred Gaglia Professor of Homiletics, St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, Denver Why should you read this book? Because Christopher West is the "translator" of Pope John Paul the Great's Theology of the Body into clear, simple, popular language; and the Theology of the Body is the Church's answer to the great heresy of our time, the "Sexual Revolution"; and the Sexual Revolution is the main cause of the corruption and decline of marriage and the family; and the family is the primary key to the health of any civilization; and our civilization is already half way to "Brave New World." At the Heart of the Gospel provides the alternative. Peter Kreeft Professor of Philosophy, Boston College If complacency in the Church is a sleeping lion, then one can expect many swipes of the paw at the work of Christopher West. At the Heart of the Gospel compellingly demonstrates the truth of the matter: West is bringing fresh grace to both the Church and the wider culture. With the wisdom born of trial and the humble acceptance of his own poverty, West targets our aching need and directs us to healing with surgical precision. His proclamation of the Gospel is joyous, contemporary, and contagious! Onward Christopher, we are listening! Anne, a lay apostle Direction for Our Times; Author, Lessons in Love At the Heart of the Gospel presents the wisdom and knowledge of an evangelist who's been on the front lines for nearly twenty years. With great humility, clarity and charity, Christopher West unpacks the life—giving teachings of the Catholic Church on what Blessed John Paul II considered the most pressing issue of our day — what it means to be a person made in God's image as male and female — and teaches us how to communicate this life—saving truth to a world starving for love. Matthew Pinto President, Ascension Press Christopher West is a pioneer in reaching today's culture with the Gospel. Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R. In Christopher West's At the Heart of the Gospel , the author continues his prayerful unpacking of Blessed John Paul II's Theology of the Body, and brings the reader to an ever deeper understanding of the late pope's magnificent catechesis. West reminds us that, in witnessing to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are inviting people to a "way of beauty." I wholeheartedly recommend this latest contribution to our appreciation of the Theology of the Body. Most Rev. Michael J. Sheridan Bishop of Colorado Springs, CO. In At the Heart of the Gospel , Christopher pauses to clarify and enrich the main themes of his teachings to date, and then launches like a rocket into the next phase of his incredible journey to spread the good news of John Paul II's life-changing Theology of the Body. At the Heart of the Gospel proclaims boldly that the Catholic faith established by Jesus Christ is the source of joy and beauty. Beauty shatters the glass ceiling of relativism. Beauty cannot remain neutral or private. Christopher passionately reminds us that, in living a life of beauty, holiness is not an abstract concept or unattainable goal, but rather is firmly and excitedly within everyone's embrace. Thank you, Christopher, for the risks you have taken over the years to invite us deeper into the Great Mystery. Bill Howard Editor, The Colorado Catholic Herald What an absolute pleasure and encouragement to have the opportunity to read At the Heart of the Gospel. As lay facilitators of Theology of the Body for Teens and parents of teens, Christopher West's latest work has us energized and given us additional tools to be more effective when communicating John Paul II's Theology of the Body. The significance of West's clarifications for our culture is enormous. We can't wait to recommend this book and use it on our journey as a resource to better understand and explain how not to "throw out the baby with the bath water." Chris and Mary Watson Teachers of TOB for teens and young adults Other Works by Christopher West Books Good News About Sex and Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions About Catholic Teaching (Ann Arbor, MI: Servant Publications, 2000; revised edition 2006). The Wisdom of John Paul II (London: Catholic Truth Society, Publishers to the Holy See, 2001), author of chapter six on the Holy Father's theology of the body. Theology of the Body Explained: A Commentary on John Paul II's "Gospel of the Body" (Boston, MA: Pauline Books & Media, 2003; revised edition 2007). Theology of the Body for Beginners: A Basic Introduction to Pope John Paul II's Sexual Revolution (West Chester, PA: Ascension Press, 2004; revised edition 2009). The Love that Satisfies: Reflections on Eros and Agape (Ascension Press, 2007) Heaven's Song: Sexual Love As it Was Meant to Be (Ascension Press, 2008) Sampling of Catechetical Programs, Study Guides, & Workbooks FAMILIA Program for Men, Year 2 ; A Study of the Ten Commandments and the encyclicals Casti Connubii and Humanae Vitae.(Minneapolis, MN: FAMILIA, 1999). Crash Course in the Theology of the Body , Study Guide, second edition (Dundee, IL: GIFT Foundation, 2002). The Good News About Sex & Marriage Seminar , Workbook (West Chester, PA: Ascension Press, 2001, 2003). Introduction to the Theology of the Body , Study Guide (West Chester, PA: Ascension Press, 2003; revised edition 2008). Created and Redeemed: The Universal Message of John Paul II's Theology of the Body , Study Guide (West Chester, PA: Ascension Press, 2004) God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage , Couple's Workbook and Instructor's Edition (Ascension Press, 2005). Freedom to Love , Study Guide (Ascension Press, 2007) Preaching the Theology of the Body: A Seminar for Priests , Study Guide (Ascension Press, 2008) Your Call to Greatness , Study Guide (Ascension Press 2008) Into the Heart: A Journey through the Theology of the Body , Study Guide (Ascension Press 2008) Syndicated Column Body Language: Commentary on the Intersection of Faith, Sex, & Culture appeared twice a month in diocesan newspapers and on the Internet between 2005 and 2010. Sampling of Articles "Corporal Communion," Our Sunday Visitor (Aug, 2005) "To Love as God Loves," Catholic Answer (July/Aug, 2005) "The New Language: A Crash Course in the Theology of the Body," Crisis (Dec, 2004) "God, Sex, and Babies," This Rock (Nov, 2003) "A Basic Theology of Marriage," Priests & People (June, 2003) "Addressing the Mystery," Catholic World Report (Dec, 2002) "Making the Theology of the Body Accessible to the Body of Christ," Envoy (6.4, 2002) "Face to Face," Star: Saint Austin Review (Oct, 2002) "Christian Nuptiality & Nuptial Christianity?," National Catholic Register (Jan 20, 2002) "Theology of the Body: Key to an Authentic Marital Spirituality," Lay Witness (June, 2001) "The Theology of the Body," Catholic Faith & Family (May 21 - June 3, 2000) "A Prophet of the Sexual Counter-Revolution," (ProLife ProFile) National Catholic Register (Aug 27, 2000) "John Paul II's Theology of the Body: Part III," Family Foundations (March-April, 2000) "God's Plan for Human Sexuality: The Key to the New Evangelization?," Immaculata Magazine (March-April, 2000) "John Paul II's Theology of the Body: Part II," Family Foundations (Jan-Feb, 2000) "Prominent Protestants Rethink Contraception," National Catholic Register (Dec 12, 1999) "John Paul II's Theology of the Body: Part I," Family Foundations (Sep-Oct, 1999) "A Great Nuptial Mystery," Inside the Vatican (Aug-Sep, 1999) "Marriage & the Philosopher Pope," National Catholic Register (June 13, 1999) "John Paul's Distinctive Contribution: A 20 th Anniversary Reflection on the Theology of the Body," Inside the Vatican (Nov, 1998) Sampling of the Audio & Video Presentations available from Ascension Press : Introduction to John Paul II's Theology of the Body (4 talks) Created and Redeemed (8 talks) John Paul II's Theology of the Body & the New Evangelization (1 talk) Woman: God's Masterpiece (2 talks) Winning the Battle for Sexual Purity (2 talks) Purity of Heart & the Redemption of Our Sexuality (1 talk) God, Sex, & the Meaning of Life (1 talk) Sexual Honesty: A Proposal to Engaged Couples (2 talks) Freedom to Love (6 talks) God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage (6 talks) Into the Heart (16 talks) Preaching the Theology of the Body (8 talks) Visit the Patheos Book Club for more on Christopher West's At the Heart of the Gospel.