Demythologizing Celibacy: Practical Wisdom from Christian and Buddhist Monasticism [Paperback]

William Skudlarek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2008

In light of the Christian understanding of marriage as an authentic--indeed, the ordinary--path to holiness, Skudlarek proposes a demythologized view of celibacy, presenting it as an alternate and equally valid spiritual practice for those who choose not to accept the demands of a committed sexual relationship. Drawing on the monastic interreligious dialogue, Skudlarek considers the Buddhist view of celibacy, their regard for it as simply--and profoundly--a path to freedom, peace, and happiness. As Christians become aware of the benefits of celibacy for monks who observe it without reference to the Gospel, they may be able to appreciate all the more its importance and value for those who wish to follow Christ as celibates, and in this way come to share in the freedom of the children of God.

Editorial Reviews

Review

He expands the terrain to benefit from the lived tradition of celibacy in centuries-old Buddhist monasticism. A major contribution is the encouraging of an awareness of the importance for healthy celibate living of paying attention to one's thought world and not just to the control of behavior." -- Rt. Rev. Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB, Subiaco Abbey, Subiaco, Arizona

About the Author

William Skudlarek, OSB, is a monk of Saint John's Abbey and administrative assistant to the abbot. In addition to having taught theology and homiletics at Saint John's University, he served as a Maryknoll Associate in Brazil and was a member of Saint John's Abbey's priory in Japan. During his years in Japan he began to practice zazen with the Sanbyo Kyodan. After serving for five years as president and then executive director of the North American branch of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, he was appointed General Secretary of Dialogue Interreligieux Monastique/Monastic Interreligious Dialogue in September 2007.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (May 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814629474
• ISBN-13: 978-0814629475
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,014,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What We have in Common, December 24, 2009

By 

Alan Parham "Brother Alan" (Jackson, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Demythologizing Celibacy: Practical Wisdom from Christian and Buddhist Monasticism (Paperback)

This book makes a good case for the common understanding of celibacy in both Buddhism and Catholicism. It would be of great help to anyone contemplating the Religious Life or preparing for vows. Both common sense and traditional spirituality are combined to show the beauty of this charismatic gift we call celibacy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read for anyone, October 9, 2010

By 

JBERNS - See all my reviews

This review is from: Demythologizing Celibacy: Practical Wisdom from Christian and Buddhist Monasticism (Paperback)

This is a great book for anyone who is or will be affected by sex in his or her lifetime (this should include just about everyone). As a college student who hopes to end up married, I ironically found this book on celibacy extremely relevant, fascinating, and helpful. It is very relatable to the average reader and provides good food for thought.

Highly recommended to college, adult, and most high school readers.