Abstract
What do celibates consider the adaptive and maladaptive aspects of their celibate religious lifestyle? What role has celibacy played in understanding the differences between those who persevere and those who choose to resign from celibate religious life and/or ordained ministry? Using data from extensive interviews, this exploratory study begins to focus some of the perceived effects of celibacy upon personal development for both those who persevere in celibate religious life and those who resign.
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The author wishes to acknowledge the generous assistance of Jason Heard in preparing the manuscript and Ann Muriel Ronan, C.S.J., in transcribing the interviews.
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Manuel, G.M. Religious celibacy from the celibate's point of view. J Relig Health 28, 279–297 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986066
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986066