Women and the Priesthood

by Alice von Hildebrand, Peter Kreeft

Genres: Theology, Catholic

88 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Alice von Hildebrand DCSG (born Alice Jourdain; 11 March 1923 in Brussels, Belgium) was a Catholic philosopher, theologian, and professor.

She came to the U.S. in 1940 and began teaching at Hunter College in New York City in 1947. She earned a doctorate from Fordham University in 1949. In 1959 she married the philosopher and theologian Dietrich von Hildebrand (1889–1977). She retired in 1984.

Alice von Hildebrand lived in the United States and was a lecturer and author whose works include: The Privilege of Being a Woman (2002) and The Soul of a Lion: The Life of Dietrich von Hildebrand (2000), a biography of her husband. In 2014, she published her autobiography, Memoirs of a Happy Failure, about her escape from Nazi Europe and her teaching career at Hunter College.

Reviews

[Withinthegarden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A female perspective on the uprightness of the Church's doctrine of the priesthood reserved for men. Von Hildebrand argues that permitting only men to the priesthood distinguishes and honors the authentic feminine rather than reducing it. Also includes an essay by Peter Kreeft on the same subject.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel as though I should reread this book until its sense and truth are part of my permanent memory. Also, I would love to have certain people read it and then discuss it with me. I appreciated this clear, sensible, indisputable explanation of why women can't be priests.

[Karin Rosner · Rating 3 out of 5]

My four stars doesn't mean I agree, but the book, like Dr. von Hildebrand herself, and Dr. Kreeft, are always interesting, well-thought and rooted in Christlikeness. Every woman who is considering entering ordained ministry should read this book, or at least try.

[Zacaro Caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Kreeft's portion of the book is great.