In Defense of Purity: An Analysis of the Catholic Ideals of Purity and Virginity

Originally published in German as "Purity and Virginity," the book "In Defense of Purity" is absolute gold.This book, as von Hildebrand says in his preface to his book "Marriage," was not intended for a general audience, but rather for those readers who have a fairly good grasp of philosophy and theology. Having read through the book, I would agree. This is not to say, however, that the general reader without philosophical or theological training will get nothing from this book - far from it. Those readers will certainly have to read a little more carefully, but they can most certainly still benefit from the beautiful insights contained in this work.von Hildebrand received his philosophical training from Edmund Husserl, Max Scheler, and Adolf Reinach, three famous phenomenologists. While this book on purity does not abound in phenomenological terminology (as do some of his other works on ethics and morality) nor NECESSARILY presuppose knowledge thereof, its approach is overall rather phenomenological. What does that mean for the average reader who hasn't yet read Husserl, Scheler, or Reinach? Not too much, other than this: don't expect a perfectly delineated premise-premise-conclusion kind of structure in these pages. Phenomenology seeks to get at the essences of things, but not via definitions so much as via descriptive accounts of intuitive observations. Thus, von Hildebrand is not really going to try to "prove" a sentence like "Love impels us to express the self-surrender it involves, to give it an external shape (126)." The "proof" comes from the reader being able to bring this notion to "intuitive givenness", to see for himself whether or not this is the case. This is why philosophy is not exactly a young man's game: it requires life experience and wisdom. What I mean to point out by all the above is simply this: von Hildebrand wants his reader to see for himself whether the things he says are true or not. This means you have to be willing to do a bit of thinking as you read. Don't write off anything he says simply because it "seems" like he just throws it out there. Behind every statement lies a fair amount of reflective analysis - no good phenomenologist would ever write something down unless he had first thoroughly convinced himself that his conclusion not only IS but also MUST BE the case. And von Hildebrand was a VERY good phenomenologist.Just one more point: I have noticed a few other reviewers who mention their preference for the second half of the book (which focuses on consecrated virginity) over the first (which focuses on purity in general). Their reviews express their opinion, so obviously I'd be out of line to say that they're wrong in any way. I do just want to offer a possible explanation: the first half is going to be a little tougher to read, for precisely the same reasons I mentioned above. The second, though, speaks more on the level of spirituality instead of pure philosophy. Those accustomed to reading more Catholic spiritual literature will consequently probably be on more familiar ground with the second half of the book. The second half, though, presupposes the conclusions of the first, and so, at least under this aspect, might be deemed to be more "important." I think the case here is rather similar to von Hildebrand's books on the heart, death, and marriage (which is a good follow-up to this one!) - in each of these, the first half approaches its subject matter from a more natural (in the sense of non-supernatural) and philosophical perspective, while the latter halves go about the same topic in the light of Christ, the supernatural, Catholic theology, etc. Of course, it will come down to taste and familiarity in the end (I, for example, got more out of the first half - although the second is still excellent). This is something you'll simply have to decide for yourself.

Very good information and easy to read!

Not an easy read but the message is incredibly powerful. Marital love, virginity, chastity, purity, sex all are explored and explained systematically. The old canard that Christianity is against sex is debunked. So is also the equivalence between purity and lack of aptitude for sex.A good read for genuine seekers of truth that will do little to convince the slave of contemporary debauched hedonistic lustful distorted conception of anthropology.

A good book but somewhat over my head.

It's clear. Society needs a fresh perspective on sex. You may have seen the #MeToo movement on social media recently. Those who have experienced sexual harassment and assault, if they were comfortable in doing so, were invited to post "#MeToo" to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or another social media site.Seeing the sheer volume of posts online is heartbreaking. I wish for so many that they never had to experience the wound of sexual harassment. I do applaud their bravery in sharing their experiences. It brings a kind of hope for awakening society to its own wounds and the renewed need for virtue.This beautiful little volume, a reprint of Hildebrand's classic In Defense of Purity, offers a powerful antidote to a seriously confused society. Following in Freud's footsteps, many in our society today assume sexuality is an uncontrollable subconscious force. Either we can be honest passionate sinners by indulging sexual desire or insincere emotional cripples by repressing it.Hildebrand's solution is the rehabilitation of purity as a thoroughly positive and deeply passionate virtue. Self-control leads to being fully alive--loving in the right way and at the right time. Sexual virtue ultimately comes down to respecting the dignity of the other person, whether it is a spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, or stranger. While some Christians, with the best intentions, hide expressions of sexuality as if it were something dirty, we should openly affirm the beauty of sexuality and the responsibility we are called to exercise in this realm. If we love someone, we put them first and do what is good for them. That excludes all exploitation, impropriety, and sin. Sexual integrity is possible but only through the way of virtue. Just like the Olympic athlete who must daily deny themselves if they are to go for the gold, we must daily say "yes" to love and "no" to lust if we are to become the best versions of ourselves.The inclusion of Hildebrand's treatment of religious celibacy/virginity is most welcome. He shows clearly that both marriage and religious life are to be lived generously and with all the passion of properly spiritual love.Sexuality is indeed one of the most powerfully affective dimensions of the human person but it is also one of the deepest experiences of human dignity. Sex is intrinsically tied to authentic love, but this connection must be protected. When we carefully reflect upon the inherent value of every human person and the beauty of sexuality, we realize the virtue to which we are called.

Excellent theology though someone wordy

Me llegó en excelente estado, ¡gracias!

This is a new release of the great classic first published in 1930. It is a phenomenological study of the virtue and practice of Purity by the respected Catholic scholar and convert, Dietrich von Hildebrand, who was a student of Edmund Husserl. It demonstrates the seriousness of human sexuality. To give oneself to another sexually is to give one's very self; von Hildebrand's careful study leaves no doubt about this. The second part of the book is a well-argued defence of consecrated celibacy (for the sake of the Kingdom of God). In a culture that tends to trivialize sex, this book is a serious and thoughtful examination of the depth and meaning of human sexuality. There is also a brief introduction to this new edition by von Hildebrand's widow, Alice.

Necesario para todos aquellos que quieren conocer el significado profundo e incomparable de la sexualidad humana. Esta obra ha sido fundamental en el desarrollo teológico y filosófico de la concepción cristiana del amor esponsal.

Just started reading. But Dietrich Von Hildebrand was a brilliant man and anything I've read by him has been very good.