Clerical celibacy : the heritage /

Phipps, William E., 1930-2010.

Clerical celibacy : the heritage / William E. Phipps. - New York : Continuum, c2004. - x, 272 p. ; 24 cm.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 267-268) and index.

Introduction: my approach : defining terms -- The pre-Christian era : Jewish culture, pagan cultures -- A celibate Jesus? : arguments pro and con : His sexual orientation -- The apostolic era : Paul's letters and other New Testament writings -- The patristic era : movement toward sexual abstinence : monasticism and Jerome : -- Augustine's anti-sex theology -- The medieval era : Roman-Byzantine schism over clerical marriage : papal attempts to put asunder espoused clerics -- From Luther to Paul VI : the anti-celibate Protestants, the counter-Reformation -- Vatican II and aftermath -- The contemporary era : John Paul II's intransigence : diocese problems, abusive prelates -- Conclusion: the heritage in summary : on imitating Jesus : moving toward recovery.

0826416179 (pbk.)

2004003704


Catholic Church--Clergy.


Celibacy--Catholic Church.