Whenever I read a book, I tend to mark pages that hold insightful quotes or powerful passages. While reading Christopher West’s, “At the Heart of the Gospel,” I nearly marked every page. At the Heart of the Gospel is not just a catchy title, but explains the purpose of this book and, I will go as far as saying, Theology of the Body as a whole. In the same way in which the body needs a heart to survive, it is not the be all and end all of what it means to be living. Theology of the Body, in turn, is not the be all and end all answer to the world’s problems. As John Paul II previously mentioned, and Christopher West now acclaims, the body offers the most in depth look at the Father’s love for us. In no way does it give us the complete picture, but it’s the best we have on this earth.
While his latest book is certainly readable for a large audience of those interested in the topic, I would recommend a brief familiarization with the topics at hand. Theology of the Body is becoming a “craze” in youth and young adult ministry. However, in my experience, many young people want to learn more about it without fully understanding what they are undertaking. There are preconceived notions by many young people which will leave them disappointed after studying this material. Theology of the Body is much more fruitful for those who study it in its proper context, that is, as a deeper look at how God created us and how that reveals God to man.
All in all, I found Christopher West’s newest book to be a phenomenal read. Of course, I am trying to be as objective as possible while not ignoring the fact that I focused a majority of my studies on this area of Theology. West truly has gift for taking the works of great theologians and philosophers and making it readable, relatable and understandable for today’s audiences. I would argue that I found the book much more enlightening because I have read West’s previous works as well as have a rooted knowledge in the subject matter. This is not to say that the book cannot be read with a basic understanding of TOB material.
West provides insights not only to John Paul II’s works, but numerous theologians and philosophers as well. Addressing many Catholic concerns of the present generations, West provides a glimmer of hope in what seems to be an ever-growing relativistic society. West presents solutions to major issues such as human sexuality, the definition of marriage, and the world’s utilitarian view of the body. All of which, I may add, are primary motivators in John Paul II’s call for the New Evangelization within the Church. The solution is simple-get to the Heart of the Gospel. Find out HOW and WHY God created men and women. Find out what purpose our bodies have. Find out what it means to be truly man and truly woman. View the body and sexuality in their proper context-not ugly or dirty, but beautifully created by God, for God.
