There are times when I review a book and know that it will truly appeal to the readers of Christian Literature at BellaOnline. Other times, I'm unsure. This time, I feel confident that most of my readers will not be attracted to At the Heart of the Gospel: Reclaiming the Body for the New Evangelization by Christopher West. It is not that the book is not well written or theologically competent. For, surely, that is not the case. It is; however, a very technical, dry, and scholarly approach to the teachings of Pope John Paul II's Theory of the Body.

At The Heart of the Gospel is the Catholic response to issues such as Puritanism and the sexual revolution. In detail, West explains problems that arise from the disjoint between the body and the soul. Explaining that this phenomena did not occur until after the first century, he provides an in-depth history of teachings and commonly held views.

Billed as a Christian life/Love & Marriage book, it must closely be studied and, in the instance of some passages, re-read to understand some of what West is saying. Relying heavily on Catholic teachings--it is after all a Catholic book--At the Heart of the Gospel will be more difficult to grasp for people who lack a familiarity with the catechism and teachings of the pope. West makes some valid arguments and presents an in-depth look at human sexuality and the beauty of sex within marriagee...just don't expect the humor and ease of a book by Emerson Eggerichs.

At the Heart of the Gospel is available from online retailers such as www.amazon.com





Disclaimer: At the Heart of the Gospel was provided, free of charge, by the publisher in exchange for an impartial review. The opinions expressed in the review are solely those of the reviewer.