Customer Reviews

The Courage to Be Chaste

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is extemely easy to read yet deals with a very complex subject. I found it especially helpful for those who have same sex attraction (SSA). It is refreshing to have someone put emphasis on the value of living a life with a pure heart. Especially, when the world would like to just assume that people who happen to be homosexual must all live the "Gay lifestyle". This book should be recommended to any Christian who contemplates living a chaste life.

"The Courage to be Chaste," a book originally written for homosexual men desiring to live as chaste celibates, has come to be one of the premiere reads for people who either wish to live as chaste celibates in today's world, or simply wish to know more about the Catholic perspective on chaste celibacy. Written from his perspective as a Catholic psychiatrist, Fr. Groeschel thoroughly examines the topic in just over 100 pages. He examines ways a chaste celibate can be an active member of the community, how chaste celibacy does not run contrary to human sexuality, and other topics that are often confused by people who wish to discount chaste celibacy as "psychologically unhealthy." Laced with anecdotes and personal experience, Fr. Groeschel's book is a steal for the price and can be easily knocked out in an afternoon.

I am a single man over 30 and I found this book to be quite helpful, for living a lifestyle which is chaste and pleasing to God. I like, for example, the author's focus on the importance of friendships, and the practical suggestions he offers in this and in other areas. I also like the fact that he addresses psychological conflicts people may have experienced. I definitely recommend this book for singles (especially those who can't or who are unlikely to marry for whatever reason).

Fr. Groeschel's book is intended for people who are committed to a chaste single life (e.g. priests, nuns, separated or divorced Catholics, or people who can't or shouldn't marry due to sexual issues). He's not addressing singles who expect to get married some day. But as someone in the latter category, I found this book to be useful anyway.

He talks about many day-to-day issues, such as loneliness, establishing boundaries in friendships, and dealing with sexual dreams and fantasies. I like his judicious use of psychology; it's a great example of how human discoveries can be used in the service of faith.

When first presented with this book I became agitated at the thought of being celibate for the rest of my life because of my divorce. I flat out refused to read the accursed book. I almost burned it!
A year later, after some spiritual surgery, occasioned by lots of time adoring the Lord before the Blessed Sacrament, I have recently read the book through twice in a row. I find it calm and reassuring about the position in life I am now in regarding marriage. What has happened lately has been a profound release from troubling sexual compulsions. No small feat there.
It is as if Adoration has tamed my soul. I feel a peace that seems like it's been there all my life regarding being single and sex-free for the rest of my life. It almost feels like I've always been single (though I have four children). It is truly a liberating feeling. I wish all people who suffer like I did from wayward sexual storms could have this.
Father Groeschel does a good job in revealing truths necessary to live the celibate life whether as a religious or layman.
Read it, it can't hurt. It may very well open up a new chapter in your life. His list of suggested reading is a treasure trove in itself.

Fr. Groeschel gives a beautiful and well rounded view of living a Chaste life. This book is specifically written for those who are also going to be celibate as well.

I must disagree withe the first reviewer they say it is just for people who are considering religious life.It is to show EVERYONE should be chaste if you are considering getting a call to be religious or married life that you shoukld try to control,through prayer,yourself.Sex is a gift from for marrige.

I was not the intended audience for this book. This book is targeted to those who are to live a lifetime of celibacy. Meanwhile, I am a woman in my twenties who hopes to marry one day. Nevertheless Fr. Groeschel provides valuable advice on helping oneself stay chaste. He discusses the psychological and physical aspects of sexuality that we have in a mature fashion. He discusses how to come to terms with one's sexuality, not only in the sense of wanting sex, but the other aspects of sexuality (how we interact with others, how we dress), talks about dealing with struggles of tempations, and thankfully addresses that repression is a dysfunctional method of suppressing sexuality! I found this book very helpful and recommend it to anyone, including singles who hope to marry one day and simply want to be continent until then.

A profound and insightful book that has helped me to peacefully accept where I am in my walk with Christ and stop beating myself up for not being perfect.

I highly recommend this book, and I wish I'd read it 15 years ago.

Despite being "dated" by now, this is truly a fantastic book on living a chaste, celibate life. Full of profound insights from both a fantastic spiritual guide as well as an intelligent psycho-analyst,I found much of me nodding along in agreement to many of Fr. Groeschel's observations. To give one example, his observation that the biggest challenge to a chaste celibate life is loneliness was very profound and meaningful, and how we are called in response to enter into relationship with God and others more deeply. The single life is truly a grace-filled call from God that no one should feel abandoned in embracing.

All in all I highly recommend this to anyone called to a celibate way of life by the Lord, no matter the circumstances. I think you'll find in this book some words or wisdom and guidance from a wise and holy man.