Customer Reviews

Unchanging Heart of the Priesthood

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Fr. Acklin's book shows both the weaknesses and strengths which priests today experience. He speaks at length about contemporary challenges such as the abuse crisis, but more than that, his focus is on those things which enrich priestly life. He speaks of the challenge and gift of celibacy, the need for prayer and other similar themes. This is a book which takes a sober and realistic look at how challenging yet joyful a priest's life can be, and it gives great hope for the future of the Church.

Fr. Acklin again presents us with a spiritual treasure. "The Unchanging Heart of the Priesthood" has excellent sections on spiritual renewal, priestly celibacy, and sacramental marriage. The author is faithful to the Gospel and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Anyone interested in knowing what the priesthood of Jesus Christ is really all about would be well served to read this book.

Fr. Acklin's treatise on the priesthood is both timely and thought provoking. The text is an obvious product of much scholarly research, for there are copious footnotes throughout the entire text. More importantly it views the priesthood through two lenses: the modern questions about the priesthood and, of greater merit, the ultimate foundations of the reality of the priesthood.

Fr. Acklin brings an interesting perspective on the modern crisis by means of his professional experience as a psychoanalyst. This perspective is not harshly pervasive but is at least visible, particularly as he discusses the sexual deviance that occurred in the American Church. This focus is also an aid as he explains the priesthood in its relationship to the nuptiality of the human body.

The text addresses those questions that are central to many contentions raised today against celibacy and authority. Fr. Acklin's analyses on these topics are based heavily in Scripture and Tradition. His view is simultaneously theological and historical, grounding his responses very well in reality for those who may be a bit sceptical.

I suggest this book to all who are looking to further their ongoing view of the Catholic priesthood. The book clearly does not seek to address every aspect of priestly spirituality but instead to ground the modern perception of the presbyteral ministry in the Church in the context of its rich history and tradition.