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.