Chastity and the Soul

"""Ron Rolheiser has a rare gift of discerning and expressing the deepest movements of our souls. In this courageous and prophetic book he presents chastity - defined as respect, reverence and patience - as the pathway to joy and the fullness of life. In one way or another you'll hear your own story told as you read this book, and you'll experience yourself as being wisely and compassionately guided to your heart's home."" --Michelle Jones, author of The Gospel Mysticism of Ruth Burrows: Going to God with Empty Hands ""Fr. Ron Rolheiser, in this daring and holy book, defines sexual longing in the context of love and patient reserve as we seek within ourselves what is truly meant by the chastity of our souls in the presence of those we love. This is a book for young people seeking a way to the marriage bed, and a celebration for those who have already discovered in their relationships the meaning of commitment, compassion, sexual joy, and spiritual ecstasy."" --Christopher de Vinck, author of Things That Matter Most: Essays on Home, Friendship, and Love ""This book is a welcome addition to the body of work seeking to clarify a stronger and more fruitful connection between our sexuality and our spirituality. I am not sure how chastity got such a bad rap but I am grateful Fr. Ron has initiated the work of reclaiming it as an attitude and a practice that fosters a spirituality wholesome enough to celebrate sexuality as a beautiful gift from God intended to be linked to exuberance, spirituality and delight. What a blessing!"" --Ruth Haley Barton, Founder, Transforming Center, and author of Sacred Rhythms ""Ronald Rolheiser's new book offers a rich, beautifully written and reflective reinterpretation of the theme of 'chastity.' He expresses his spiritual vision through insightful images that present an honest way forward accessible to all of us. He asks us in challenging ways to radically rethink how we conventionally understand the word 'chastity' and limit its scope to a narrow view of sexuality. Ronald Rolheiser's alternative perspective promotes 'healthy' chastity in all our lives as a value that focuses on proper reverence and respect for other people. This includes sexuality as a way of affirming other people rather than exploiting them."" --Philip Sheldrake, Professor, Senior Fellow, and Research Director, Institute for the Study of Contemporary Spirituality at Oblate School of Theology ""It takes both courage and a very clear head for a Catholic theologian to take on any issue regarding sexuality today. Ron Rolheiser succeeds here in a very positive, honest, and helpful way! His approach is brilliantly not sin-centered but value-centered. Bravo!"" --Richard Rohr, O.F.M."