Christopher West Takes Sabbatical to Reflect on Approach
By Patrick B. Craine
Does "anything go" as long as it is open to life?
EXTON, Pennsylvania, April 12, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Renowned Catholic writer and speaker Christopher West has taken a six-month sabbatical to consider his approach in presenting the Church's teaching on sexuality.
Seeking “personal and professional renewal,” West will cease teaching and has cancelled his speaking engagements for the period. The announcement came from the Theology of the Body Institute, where West serves as a research fellow and faculty member, and indicates that the decision was mutual between West and the Institute's board of directors.
The time away is intended to allow West “to reflect more deeply on fraternal and spiritual guidance he has received in order to continue developing his methodology and praxis as it relates to the promulgation of the Theology of the Body.” The announcement also indicates that West must “attend to family needs.”
While no direct reference is made to it, the sabbatical follows a controversy over an alleged lack of modesty in West's approach that began last spring....[continue reading West at LSN]
There are certain issues that I see defended by online apologists, often citing West. In particular, is an issue pertaining to married couples and I fall in line with Fr. Albert Lauer, now deceased. He was the founder of Presentation Ministries - a very strong catechetical foundation still working hard today, and with an online presence. People often say that just about anything goes as long as the marital act ends in a way that is open to life. Taking the position of Fr. Lauer, and based on concupiscence and Original Sin, I disagree with these justifications. I would encourage you to bookmark Presentation Ministries homepage and use it as a watering hole. It has got some great catechesis there that falls in line with the understandings held by many Grotto goers.
Please note that I will not be posting comments with explicit references because there are young readers. What pertains to married couples above should be read and prayed about.
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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!