Clerical Celibacy: The Heritage

by William E. Phipps

Book Overview

William Phipps' study gives a comprehensive, historically-based account of the commitment of the Roman Catholic Church to a celibate priesthood. His position is, he states, 'conservative, not radical. Mandatory celibacy is relatively new-fangled, having appeared during the last half of the church's existence. The innovation was imposed in the feudal and crusading era, a dark period for the Church.' Phipps' understanding comes from probing ancient...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 082641852X
• ISBN13: 9780826418524
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Continuum
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.2" x 8.1"