Greetings in Christ.
I was curious if anyone on the board here has read the following book and what they thought of it? What is written in the book kind of suprised me based on discussions I have had concerning religious vocations with various Catholic priests. Though it is true that in my reading the writtings of the Eastern saints, they all have said that marriage was given by God by means of exception (economia), and not rule.
Peace be with you.
Christopher
Religious Vocation - An Unnecessary Mystery
By: Fr. Richard Butler OP
Religious Vocation - An Unnecessary Mystery. The question of discerning a vocation is agonized over by many generous young Catholics today. A solid Thomist, who wrote this book in 1961, Father Butler shows that this type of question shows a totally wrong approach to a religious vocation - an approach that began with misguided theology in the 20th century, which then trickled down to the popular level, confusing both aspirants and spiritual directors. Though Fr. Butler deals primarily with vocations to the religious life, he also gives the classic guidelines on priestly vocations. The author states, based on the tradition of the Church, that religious vocation is not uncommon, rare or extraordinary and that it does not require an introspective search for some special voice or attraction. This book provides welcome, intelligent guidance both for spiritual directors and for those considering the religious life or that of the priesthood!