Course Description

The Theology of the Body semester outlines the key principles of John Paul II’s teaching on marriage and sexuality and adapts it to teens.

Institute Director

Eric Westby, Phd

Eric J. Westby, PhD is the Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the Director of Parish and School Catechesis at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. He is an assistant professor of Theology for Franciscan University of Steubenville. He received his doctorate from Liverpool Hope University, with his thesis entitled "Equipping the Catechist of Catechists: A Critical Discussion of Seminary Formation in Light of Priestly Ministry in Catechesis." He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University in Steubenville, from where he was the first student to complete the graduate specialization in catechetics. He holds a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development, and has been involved in full-time catechesis since 1988. He is a regular presenter at the summer St. John Bosco Catechetical Conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. More importantly, he is husband to Nikki and father of five beautiful girls.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome to the Crossroads Semester 11

    • Accessing the Sessions

    • About This Semester

    • Meeting Essentials

    • Administration Tips

    • Discussion Board
  • 2

    Unit 1 - God’s Original Plan for Sex and Marriage

    • About Unit 1

    • Unit 1 - God’s Original Plan for Sex and Marriage - pdf Version

    • Unit 1 - God’s Original Plan for Sex and Marriage - Word Version
  • 3

    Unit 2 - Sex, Sin and Redemption in Christ

    • About Unit 2

    • Unit 2 - Sex, Sin and Redemption in Christ - pdf Version

    • Unit 2 - Sex, Sin and Redemption in Christ - Word Version
  • 4

    Unit 3 - Happiness and Heavenly Communion

    • About Unit 3

    • Unit 3 - Happiness and Heavenly Communion - pdf Version

    • Unit 3 - Happiness and Heavenly Communion - Word Version
  • 5

    Unit 4 - Celibacy

    • About Unit 4

    • Unit 4 - Celibacy - pdf Version

    • Unit 4 - Celibacy - Word Version
  • 6

    Unit 5 - Husband and Wife in Marriage

    • About Unit 5

    • Unit 5 - Husband and Wife in Marriage - pdf Version

    • Unit 5 - Husband and Wife in Marriage - Word Version
  • 7

    Unit 6 - Chastity

    • About Unit 6

    • Unit 6 - Chastity - pdf Version

    • Unit 6 - Chastity - Word Version