Sacramental Theology (Volume 3): Marriage and the Priesthood
In this new trilogy, based on college-level lectures, Dr. Brant Pitre brings his knowledge of Sacred Scripture and ancient Jewish tradition to bear on a topic that touches every Catholic’s spiritual life: the Seven Sacraments. In Part 3, Dr. Pitre focuses on the two sacraments of service: Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony. In this third part of the trilogy, you will study topics such as:
• The Sacraments of Service: What is the relationship between the sacrament of Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders? How are they both ordered toward “the salvation of others”?
• The Mystery of the Priesthood: Is there any biblical basis for an ordained priesthood? What is the difference between the priesthood of the baptized and the ministerial priesthood? Where are the three levels of Holy Orders taught in the Bible, and how are they rooted in the Old Testament?
• Women and Holy Orders: Why is it that only Baptized men can be Priests? Will there ever be women priests? Were there ever priestesses in the Bible and the history of the Church? In this section, Dr. Pitre will equip you to be able to explain the Church’s practice from a deeply biblical perspective.
• Celibacy and Virginity for the Kingdom: Why do priests take a vow of celibacy in the Western Church? Why did Jesus call his disciples to celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven? And if celibacy is the norm, why does the New Testament appear to mention married bishops? And why does the Catechism discuss consecrated virginity in the section on Marriage?!
• The Mystery of Holy Matrimony: In our time more than ever we need holy families. But what is the meaning of the sacrament of Marriage? And how is it tied to the nuptial union of Christ and his Bride, the Church? Why did Jesus prohibit remarriage, and what exactly is an “annulment”?
The sacraments are the most important (and most misunderstood) aspects of Catholic faith and life, and this trilogy is Dr. Pitre’s most detailed study yet. Don’t miss it! |
