Synopses & Reviews
Addressing a core concern raised by the recent sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, Richard Sipe explores the confusion, conflicts, and imprecision surrounding our current understanding of the meaning of celibacy As the twenty-first century begins and as the words "celibate and "celibacy are bandied about from Rome to Dublin to Boston, careful definitions and distinctions need to be drawn in order to deal with the issues involved. Never before has it been so important to analyze the meaning of these words; even at the highest levels of the Church, an adequate vocabulary for discourse is lacking. "Living the Celibate Life counters this confusion and imprecision by offering a vocabulary derived from a realistic context: a lived experience. This examination gives the tools and inspiration for a more rational and productive discussion, as well as paving the way for a more effective re-dedication to the chosen celibate life. Part I examines celibacy in the context of confronting self and confronting Jesus. Through these tensions, a personal model of celibacy emerges. In Part II, celibate models are presented: St. Paul, Origen, Antony, Cassian, Augustine, Thomas Merton, and Henri Nouwen. Finally, in Part III: the elements of renewal are explored: dignity, examination of conscience, integration, and service. An important contribution to the debate and a significant sourcebook for anyone concerned about the future of the Catholic Church.
Synopsis
Addressing a core concern raised by the recent sexual abuse crisis in the CatholicChurch, Richard Sipe explores the confusion, conflicts, and imprecision surroundingour current understanding of the meaning of celibacy. As the twenty-first centurybegins and as the words celibate and celibacy are bandied about from Rome to Dublinto Boston, careful definitions and distinctions need to be drawn in order to dealwith the issues involved. Never before has it been so important to analyze themeaning of these words; even at the highest levels of the Church, an adequatevocabulary for discourse is lacking. Living the Celibate Life countersthis confusion and imprecision by offering a vocabulary derived from a realisticcontext: a lived experience. This examination gives the tools and inspiration for amore rational and productive discussion, as well as paving the way for a moreeffective re-dedication to the chosen celibate life.