Christopher West Theology of the Body and
EXTON, Pa., Monday, December 7, 2009 (ZENIT.org ) .- Although humans need to be ever vigilant against the temptations of sex, not we define ourselves only by our fallen nature, says Christopher West's Theology of the Body Institute.
The work of the popular American writer and lecturer has been the subject debate since last May, was made a controversial and poorly presented their views on ABC's Nightline. Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, came to his defense, supporting the work of the organization and the "charism" of the West to carry out its mission.
In this interview with ZENIT, explained in depth about sexuality, surveillance, lust and redemption, in the light of the teachings of Pope John Paul II.
The first part of this interview was published in the edition of 6 December ZENIT.
- In the statement you recently published, notes that the debate focuses on distinguishing between "man dominated by lust, or "Man redeemed by Christ." But do not all men have the same tendency toward lust? How can classify people into one category or another?
- West: Actually there are distinctions of John Paul II.
In response to those who want to mitigate the Church's teaching on sexuality in a way that satisfies the "concrete possibilities of man," John Paul II asked "But what are the 'concrete possibilities of man'?" And man what is this? Of man dominated lust or of man redeemed by Christ? " (Veritatis Splendor, 103).
Everyone experiences lust, that our passions disorder caused by original sin. In this sense, we are all "man of lust" - a phrase that John Paul II used repeatedly in his Theology of the Body. But, and this is the key point, we are not a mere man of lust.
We are not just fallen. We are fallen and redeemed.
And the redemption of Christ calls us, says John Paul II - and calls us to effectively - to undergo a "deep and genuine victory" over the distortions of lust.
The following statement by John Paul II makes clear, I think: "While the man remains naturally as a man of lust ... is both the man of the 'call'. It 'called' through the mystery of redemption of the body, a divine mystery that is at the same time - in Christ and Christ in every man - a human reality. "
- John Paul II told us in Veritatis Splendor that Christ "has made our freedom free from the domination of concupiscence." How does this apply to our daily life? What concerns, especially with regard to our sex life? On a practical level, can a person assume that it will always be watching their sexual passions?
- West: We must always be vigilant when it comes to temptation, sexual or otherwise.
But this surveillance may differ from person to person. For example, an alcoholic, barely manages to stay sober, you will need to be vigilant with the alcohol in a way that someone who has never fought against alcoholism is.
surveillance will differ depending on where we are on our journey. As John Paul II wrote, "Over time, if we persevere in following Christ our Master, we feel increasingly burdened by the struggle against sin, and will enjoy more and more of the divine light that pervades all creation ".
"This is the most important because it will allow us to escape the constant state of internal exposure to risk sin - although, in this land, this is always the risk of sin to some degree "(Memory and Identity).
But to answer the first part of the question, how does the" freedom from domination of lust in our daily lives? John Paul II wrote that to experience this freedom, we dedicate ourselves to a "progressive education from simple gestures, it is relatively easy to implement this decision internally."
For example, we consider our eating habits. If a person can not say no to a piece of cake, how to say no to an e-mail urging him to watch porn?
Fasting is a wonderful way to grow in the mastery of our passions. If not already part of a person's life should begin with a simple sacrifice that is relatively easy to implement.
As you exercise this "muscle", you will increase your strength. What once was "impossible" is gradually becoming possible. The analogy of the muscle, however, is only half right.
Growth in the required purity is a human endeavor, but also received help from supernatural grace.
Here I think it is crucial to distinguish between repression and into redemption.
When lust "Flares" rather than restrained by pushing the subconscious, or trying to ignore, we can deliver our lusts to Christ and allow that "crucified" (Galatians 5, 24). In doing so, "the Lord's Spirit gives new form to our desires" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2764).
In other words, when we allow lust to be "crucified", we also experience the "resurrection" of sexual desire as God understands. Not immediately, not so easy, but gradually, progressively, taking up our cross daily and follow along, we may experience sexual desire as the power to love God's image.
When sexual temptations assail us, as they usually do, we pray a prayer like this: Lord, I thank the gift of my sexual desires. I give my sensual desires and I ask you please, the power of your death and resurrection, to "straighten" in me what sin has twisted so that you can get to experience sexual desire as you understand it - as desire to love your image.
By Genevieve Pollock
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