In The Unchanging Heart of the Priesthood: A Faith Perspective on the Reality and Mystery of Priesthood in the Church, Father Thomas Acklin presents an apologetic for that which is immutable—that which cannot change since it is found in the unchanging heart of Christ. Father Acklin refutes modern misconceptions and false understandings of the priesthood, while uncovering the beauty, strength, and hope that is found in God’s plan. This book will encourage the heart of every priest and help the laity to understand and appreciate the reality and mystery of the priesthood in the Church.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
This volume is part of the Catholic Church and Ecclesiology Collection (6 vols.).
“In fact, priestly consecration is not being set aside from love but is being set aside for love” (Page 105)
“ true pedophilia, that is, sexual abuse of prepubescent children.” (Page 82)
“The particular vulnerability in which a priest finds himself, without any particular ‘other’ of his own, is greatly exacerbated by the fact that by his priesthood he is in a position in which people can expect him to be everything for them.” (Page 49)
“Celibacy lived authentically is a witness to the way God loves us—the love of one who is set aside, yet who thereby is in a position to be ‘everything to every one’ (1 Cor. 15:28).” (Page 105)
“The danger of secularized understandings of priesthood lies in suspicion of what is spiritual. Cries that priestly formation has been too ‘monastic’ and now must be secularized often relegate intense prayer and conversion to merely subsidiary roles, disregarding the supernatural power that is essential to any vocation, and surely to priestly vocation. This leads to a tendency to diminish certain essential elements of priestly life, such as the sacramental, ascetic, and contemplative, in favor of a more pastoral ministry that emphasizes preaching.53 Indeed, the communion given to the Body of Christ is at once a supernatural gift and a continuing task over which the priest has a shepherding role.” (Page 21)
Father Acklin dispels many of the great clouds of confusion that have gathered about the priesthood. And he does this in the most effective way: by revisiting the biblical foundations of Holy Orders, in both the Old and New Testaments.
—Scott Hahn, professor of theology and Scripture, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Father Acklin’s timely analysis of the challenges to authentic priestly life and ministry is reflective of the great insights of Pope John Paul II. . . . A true understanding and appreciation of the unchanging heart of the priesthood will attract priestly vocations, help priestly renewal, and ultimately invigorate the Church.
—Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Immensely helpful to anyone trying to contextualize the abuse scandals within the Church, while at the same time holding a profound love and reverence for the priesthood.
—Msgr. Steven P. Rohlfs, STD, rector, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary
Fr. Acklin makes his own statement—clear and solid—about ordained, ministerial priesthood. Any change in the face of the priesthood, however responsive it may seem to contemporary challenges, must be legitimated by a rooting in a clear appreciation of the unchanging heart of the priesthood.
—Fr. George Aschenbrenner, SJ, cofounder, Institute for Priestly Formation, Creighton University
1 rating
Br Damien-Joseph OSB
1/13/2015