The Case for Clerical Celibacy, Second Edition

The Case for Clerical Celibacy, Second Edition PDF

Author: Alfons Stickler

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2019-10-01

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 1642290963

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How should we think about clerical celibacy? Is it an "invention" of the Church intended for pastoral purposes? Or is clerical celibacy rooted in the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ? What to make of married priests in the early centuries of the Church and in Eastern-rite Catholicism and Orthodoxy today? How did clerical celibacy develop? What are its theological foundations? Cardinal Stickler, a theological expert at Vatican II, an eminent canon lawyer, and church historian, answers those and other crucial questions on clerical celibacy. He clarifies the concepts of celibacy and sexual continence. He then examines the development of clerical celibacy in the Latin West, exploding the myth celibacy is a medieval invention or simply a church-instituted practical discipline. He shows how though most priests (as well as bishops and deacons) of the early Church were married, they were also to observe "sexual continence"—to refrain from sexual relations with their wives. Next, he turns to consider the practice of Eastern Christianity. Finally, he concludes with a theological reflection on the priesthood of Jesus Christ, which shows why the popular distinction between "doctrine" and "discipline" doesn't fully explain all the important aspects of the requirement of clerical celibacy and continence. This edition features a foreword by Jesuit Father Joseph Fessio.

The Case for Clerical Celibacy: Second Edition

The Case for Clerical Celibacy: Second Edition PDF

Author: Cardinal Alfons Stickler

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2019-09-19

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 1621643549

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In order to arrive at a correct understanding of the much-discussed topic of clerical celibacy, it is necessary to clarify the pertinent facts and regulations found within the Church from its beginnings until the present time. Further, it is also necessary to explore the theological reasons for celibacy. This can be done only on the basis of a knowledge of the relevant sources and of current scholarship, especially if this book’s presentation is to be accepted as valid and credible. Before tracing the historical development of celibacy in the Western and Eastern Churches, this study begins with an analysis of the actual concept of clerical celibacy, which necessarily lies at the basis of the respective obligations that it imposes. To give solidity to his conclusions, Cardinal Stickler provides an outline of the method which a proper treatment of this argument demands. The final part of his book is dedicated to the theological presuppositions and foundations of celibacy

Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy

Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy PDF

Author: Christian Cochini

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2002-04

Total Pages: 496

ISBN-13: 9780898709513

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"Fr Christian Cochini has made a thorough examination, based on years of extensive research, of the topic of clerical celibacy in the first seven centuries of the Church's history. ...." [from back cover]

Why Celibacy?: Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest

Why Celibacy?: Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest PDF

Author: Fr. Carter Griffin

Publisher: Emmaus Road Publishing

Published: 2019-07-01

Total Pages: 134

ISBN-13: 1949013332

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“The Church today demands a profound renewal of celibate priesthood and the fatherhood to which it is ordered.” Priestly celibacy, some say, is an outdated relic from another age. Others see it as a lonely way of life. But as Fr. Carter Griffin argues in Why Celibacy?: Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest, the ancient practice of celibacy, when lived well, helps a priest exercise his spiritual fatherhood joyfully and fruitfully. Along the way, Griffin explores: the question of optional celibacy some pitfalls of celibate paternity the selection and formation of candidates for celibate priesthood why biological fathers are also called to spiritual fatherhood the powerful impact of celibacy on the Church and the wider culture In a critical moment for the Catholic priesthood, Fr. Griffin brings light and hope with a new perspective on the Church’s perennial wisdom on celibacy.

Clerical Celibacy in the West: c.1100-1700

Clerical Celibacy in the West: c.1100-1700 PDF

Author: Helen Parish

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-05-23

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 1317165160

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The debate over clerical celibacy and marriage had its origins in the early Christian centuries, and is still very much alive in the modern church. The content and form of controversy have remained remarkably consistent, but each era has selected and shaped the sources that underpin its narrative, and imbued an ancient issue with an immediacy and relevance. The basic question of whether, and why, continence should be demanded of those who serve at the altar has never gone away, but the implications of that question, and of the answers given, have changed with each generation. In this reassessment of the history of sacerdotal celibacy, Helen Parish examines the emergence and evolution of the celibate priesthood in the Latin church, and the challenges posed to this model of the ministry in the era of the Protestant Reformation. Celibacy was, and is, intensely personal, but also polemical, institutional, and historical. Clerical celibacy acquired theological, moral, and confessional meanings in the writings of its critics and defenders, and its place in the life of the church continues to be defined in relation to broader debates over Scripture, apostolic tradition, ecclesiastical history, and papal authority. Highlighting continuity and change in attitudes to priestly celibacy, Helen Parish reveals that the implications of celibacy and marriage for the priesthood reach deep into the history, traditions, and understanding of the church.

Celibacy in the Early Church

Celibacy in the Early Church PDF

Author: Stefan Heid

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2014-02-14

Total Pages: 390

ISBN-13: 1681490811

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Heid presents a penetrating and wide-ranging study of the historical data from the early Church on the topics of celibacy and clerical continence. He gives a brief review of recent literature, and then begins his study with the New Testament and follows it all the way to Justinian and the Council in Trullo in 690 in the East and the fifth century popes in the West. He thoroughly examines the writings of the Bible, the early church councils, saints and theologians like Jerome, Augustine, Clement, Tertullian, John Chrystostom, Cyril and Gregory Nazianzen. He has gathered formidable data with conclusive arguments regarding obligatory continence in the early Church.

Priestly Celibacy

Priestly Celibacy PDF

Author: Gary Selin

Publisher: CUA Press

Published: 2016-03-11

Total Pages: 233

ISBN-13: 0813228417

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Pope Francis has called mandatory priestly celibacy a "gift for the Church," but added "since it is not a dogma, the door is always open" to change. As this Church discipline continues to be debated, it is important for Catholics to delve into the theological and not merely pragmatic reasons behind its continuation. Priestly Celibacy: Theological Foundations, therefore, fills a critical gap in the current theological literature on this important topic of ecclesial ministry and life, and also helps to contribute to the advancement of the rather underdeveloped theology of priestly celibacy.

Clerical Celibacy

Clerical Celibacy PDF

Author: William E. Phipps

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 2004-09-10

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 9780826416179

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"The recent sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church raised new questions about the abilities of a celibate priesthood to deal realistically with matters of sexuality. Critics and journalists who have examined these scandals have called for an end to mandatory celibacy for priests." "In this overview, Phipps points out that "mandatory celibacy is relatively new-fangled, having appeared during the last half of the church's existence. The innovation was imposed in the feudal and crusading era, a dark period for the Church."" "In order to provide this survey, Phipps probes ancient religious texts and church history and uses studies that provide factual assessments of the general individual and cultural consequences of celibacy. He avoids anecdotal evidence about celibacy and offers a balanced exploration by allowing celibate advocates and church representatives to speak in their own voices about these matters."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

From the Depths of Our Hearts

From the Depths of Our Hearts PDF

Author: Pope Benedict XVI

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 1621644146

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"The priesthood is going through a dark time", according to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Robert Cardinal Sarah. "Wounded by the revelation of so many scandals, disconcerted by the constant questioning of their consecrated celibacy, many priests are tempted by the thought of giving up and abandoning everything." In this book, the pope emeritus and the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments give their brother priests, and the whole Church, a message of hope. They honestly address the spiritual challenges faced by priests today, while pointing to deeper conversion to Jesus Christ as the key to faithful and fruitful priestly ministry and genuine reform. Benedict XVI and Cardinal Sarah "fraternally offer these reflections to the people of God and, of course, in a spirit of filial obedience, to Pope Francis", who has said, "I think that celibacy is a gift for the Church. . . . I don't agree with allowing optional celibacy, no." Responding to calls for refashioning the priesthood, including proposals from participants in the Amazonian Synod, two wise, spiritually astute pastors explain the importance of priestly celibacy for the good of the whole Church. Drawing on Vatican II, they present celibacy as not just "a mere precept of ecclesiastical law", but as a sharing in Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross and his identity as Bridegroom of the Church.