The Courage to Be Chaste

by Benedict J. Groeschel

A contemporary treatment of the traditional theme of chastity that shows that a mature chastity can be loving, peaceful and fulfilled. †

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Christianity, Spirituality, Christian

132 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 1985

About the author

Benedict Joseph Groeschel, C.F.R. (July 23, 1933 – October 3, 2014) was an American Franciscan friar, Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist and television host. He hosted the television talk program Sunday Night Prime broadcast on the Eternal Word Television Network as well as several serial religious specials. He founded the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. He was Associate Director of the Trinity Retreat House for clergy and executive director of St. Francis House. He was professor of pastoral psychology at St. Joseph's Seminary in New York and an adjunct professor at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia. He was one of the founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and among his close friends were Mother Teresa, Mother Angelica and Alice von Hildebrand.

Reviews

[Peter Davids · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because it was in some ways foreign to me. I certainly embrace marital chastity, and learning how to protect and preserve that is important, but the focus of the book is on celibate chastity - its definition, problems (including various sexual problems in general) and its benefits (ending up with the spiritual benefits). It surprised me in many ways. First, the book was written in 1985 (by a Capuchin priest)so it called upon depth psychology, healing of memories, and other psychological movements of the time. I have heard Adrian von Kamm speak, as well as Susan Muto. I have read Morton Kelsey. So this took me back to a time when psychology and spirituality were more easily integrated than in the physiologically-oriented present. That was good, for I ended up more integrated for the reading. Second, the book is written with very few detailed examples. There are a few case studies (used with permission and with details changed), but mostly issues of sexual deviation are not described in detail nor are a lot of stories included. That was off putting, but also good. It showed that the author was indeed a discreet confessor and that he did not want to titillate with his discussion, but rather give enough information for psychological and spiritual reflection and diagnosis. If one needed more detail, it was probably because one needed therapy, and he refers to the type of person to see multiple times, as needed. Third, the book gives a positive case of celibate chastity as a deliberate choice. That was attractive. Some may end up celibate (and hopefully chastely celibate) due to an accident of history - they never could find an appropriate spouse, their spouse left them or died or was incapacitated. To be life-giving this needs to be turned into a choice. Groeschel is not at all blind to the down sides and traps, but he is clear on the strengths and advantages. And he draws on the long history of friendship (for him, principally Augustine) to show how one can have a rich life as a chaste celibate. This is a book that I have appreciated reading, and which I will also recommend especially to those considering the celibate life, but also to some married people struggling with chastity with marriage. Sometimes aged wine is better than the newer wine.

[Jonathan Wilbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way I view chastity. It isn’t overly complicated but is still dense with information. Fr. Benedict’s humor is apparent in his writing, which kept me looking for his one-liners. The most thought-provoking line for me was, 'We are often made aware of our unfulfilled needs by memories of their fulfillment in the past or by desire and fantasy in the present.' Would recommend reading.

[Christopher Pokorny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benedict engages in a contemporary approach to chastity. His title is catchy, and the contents of the book fulfill the promise. How to courageously live a chaste life, with recommendations, accounts and practical ways forward.

[Dustin Bagby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for those who are single, those who are not pursuing marriage, or those who have chosen chastity because of higher than normal same sex needs.

[T. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read in 2 days. A waste of time. If you want a therapy session this is for you. If you actually want advice on how to live a chaste life from the Bible or Church tradition there is little to find here. The book focusses more on phychology than theology. The writer also goes into disgusting stories and spends a good deal of time dealing with homosexuality which I skipped. The following quote sums up the book quite well.

"Temptation has its origin both in the mind, with the desires and
needs we have spoken of, and in the body, with its systems which
seek release or fulfillment. Religiously motivated people will often
include the Prince of Darkness among their sources of temptation,
and far be it from me to deny that possibility. However, we have
quite enough equipment—psychological and biological—to
account for most of our temptations."

[Lary Meca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chastiser de Maya Azarni

[C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn't agree with all of Groeschel's points in this book, I did find this most illuminating and very encouraging as one called to chaste celibacy. I particularly like the stories that he weaves into his points. His brusqueness can take some getting used to (I haven't quite acquired a taste for it yet) but then again, I prefer the brusque truth to a sugar-coated one.

[Avel Deleon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book a single chaste life!! This books covers quite a few psychological motives why people choose to remain single. It also expresses a few interpretations of dreams and speaks briefly on distortions of sexuality. A good book on chastity, I highly recommend it! Its only a 100 pages so, it could be read rather quickly.

[Amanda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book wasn't the best book I've ever read about chastity, it was pretty good. It touched more on the practical aspects of living a chaste life rather and the spiritual.