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Rating: 
Summary: I question the purpose of this book
Review: If the purpose of this book is to show the historical origins and development of legitimate, differing East/West practices, it is fine. If its purpose is to argue that all churches should practice the discipline of clerical celibacy, or that clerical celibacy is a doctrinal rather than a disciplinary imperative, it is valueless. The ordination of married men in the Catholic Church is not an "exception to the rules" nor is it contrary to or inconsistent with Catholic doctrine. Only the Latin, of 22 Catholic Churches sui iuris in communion with the Bishop of Rome, requires the discipline of clerical celibacy by canon law. The canon law of the Eastern Catholic Churches, promulgated by Pope John Paul II, is legitimately different and not inferior. Do I think married men should be ordained in the Latin Catholic Church? Only as exceptions; the canon law should not be changed, in my opinion. Do I think married men should be ordained to the priesthood in the Eastern Catholic Churches? Yes, whenever it is consistent with their individual traditions. This is a disciplinary, not a doctrinal, issue.
Rating: 
Summary: Very interesting
Review: I found Stickler's short book on the development and tradition of celibacy for priests to be enlightening. It shows the various periods in history when celibacy (the free-will abstinence from sexual intercourse in order to conform to the order of the priesthood of Jesus Christ) took shape and form in the Church, both East and West. Some may disagree with his views (there are certainly opponents to celibacy out there), but the Cardinal does a very good job of showing the value, tradition, and importance of celibacy (especially for the latin rite). I'd recommend it for anyone who is seeking answers to the subject of celibacy in the history of the Church.
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