Fill These Hearts: God, Sex, and the Universal Longing

Some skeptics may believe that the only thing God has to say about sex is “Don’t do it!” West, a popular author (At the Heart of the Gospel), speaker, and faculty member at the Theology of the Body Institute, attempts to dispel this perception and introduce a more nuanced and holistic approach to Catholic teaching about sexuality. With a solid foundation in natural law theory and Pope John Paul II’s “theology of the body,” the author attempts to navigate a middle way between a discouraging fear of human sexuality and an overindulgence in carnal desires, which he believes to be all too common in contemporary culture. West encourages all people to be mystics and attempt to encounter the glorious mystery of God in daily life. This will enable everyone to discern what is true, beautiful, and good so that people of faith do not waste time and energy pursuing desires that lead to dead ends. The traditional Catholic worldview that the author presents, unfortunately, will not resonate with everyone. The most valuable take-home message for all is that we should consider where our desires might lead us before acting upon them. (Jan. 8)