Thanks to Christopher West from the Theology of the Body Institute for this discussion of the excerpt from Beautiful Union. He’s a leading global voice on the theology of the body tradition, which is inspired by Pope John Paul II’s work, widely considered the most significant theological reflection on the body and sexuality in the 20th century. Christopher is a theologian whose work I’ve learned tremendously from. Posting the link here as a resource for those interested in the conversation.
Don’t Cancel This Man! A Defense of Josh Butler
Our goal is not to attack those who have attacked Josh Butler. His language may need some polish and it’s understandable why some people have been triggered. But we must not cancel this man! His writings aren’t only theologically sound but they’re Biblically supported! For those who don’t know, Joshua Ryan Butler is an Evangelical pastor who has gotten brutally slammed for using the Biblical symbolism of marital union to describe Christ’s love for the Church in his book “Beautiful Union: How God’s Vision for Sex Points Us to the Good, Unlocks the True, and (Sort of) Explains Everything.”
About Christopher West
Christopher West’s passion for how finite beauty points to Infinite Beauty has led to a prolific career as a theologian, author, and global lecturer devoted to helping others encounter the divine mystery as it’s revealed in and through our physical world, especially the human body. Dr. West serves as president of the Theology of the Body Institute near Philadelphia and as Professor of Theological Anthropology in its jointly sponsored master’s program with Pontifex University. His work has been featured in The New York Times, on ABC News, Fox News, MSNBC, and in countless Catholic and evangelical media outlets. His book Our Bodies Tell God’s Story explains John Paul II’s Theology of the Body specifically for an evangelical audience.