Description

About the Book

The book is all about what happens in the life of priests and religious whose behaviourial patterns are very much affected by the social-religious and psychological dimensions of life. As being human, they tend to be affected by the above said aspects of life as any other common man in the world. The author has tried to explore the major problems faced by the priest and religious, mainly, the misuse of power, loneliness, celibacy, low self-esteem and alcoholism. In fact, each of these problems occurs because of the deviation from one’s duties and rights in the chosen context of life. Even intellectualied orientation to the life also results in psychological problems. Realisation of the love of God within can answer many questions related to the social spiritual and psychological problems and as a result there can be drastic changes which will be seen in the positive approach to life. Inspite of the limitations, the author has attempted to highlight the problems in the priestly and religious life and tried to address their needs.

About the Author

Dr. Felix Podimattam is one of the best-known moral theologians in India & outside. Besides his full time job as a professor, he finds time to write books at an amazing rate. He has authored 125 books.
Besides his Master’s degree in Political Science from Mysore, he holds a Licentiate in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, & subsequently a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Alphonsian Academy, Rome. His post-doctoral studies were pursued in Washington, DC, USA. At present he is professor of Moral Theology at St. Francis Theological College, Kottayam, Kerala.

Contents

INTRODUCTION.
Chapter One.
ACTUALITY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
Chapter Two.
WHO BECOME CLERGYMEN?
PROBLEMS RELATED TO
CONSECRATED CELIBACY
1. Problems Related to Theological Ambiguities
1.1. Ambiguities with regard to the Law of Celibacy
1.2. Ambiguities with regard to the Living of Celibacy
1.3. Some Other Ambiguities
1.3.1. Ambiguities arising from Self-image
1.3.2. Ambiguities arising from Exhibitionistic Needs
1.3.3. Ambiguities arising from Sexual Deviations Expressed in Holy Communion
2. Problems Related to Loneliness
3. Problems Related to Sexual Addiction
3.1. Nature of Sexual Addiction
3.2. Characteristics of Sexual Addiction
3.3. Special Characteristics of
Sexually Addicted Clergy
3.4. The Recovery Process
3.5. Is the 12-Step Program Any Good for
Sex Addiction?
3.6. Recovery for Catholic Clergy
3.7. Christian Pastor Tells How He Overcame
His Pornography Addiction
3.8. Tips for Bishops and Superiors
4. Problems Related to Masturbation
4.1. The Problem of Masturbation for Consecrated Men
4.2. The Problem of Masturbation for Consecrated Women
5. Problems Related to Homosexuality
Chapter Four.
PROBLEMS RELATED TO MONE
Chapter Five.
PROBLEMS RELATED TO POWER
1. The Fact of Abuse of Power
2. Psychology of Pursuit of Power
3. Pastoral Reflections
Chapter Six.
PROBLEMS RELATED TO ALCOHOLISM
1. The Problem of Alcoholism in General
1.1. Nature of Alcoholism
1.2. The Blight of Alcoholism
1.3. Causes of Alcoholism
1.4. Treatment of Alcoholism
1.4.1. Self-help
1.4.2. Help from Others
1.4.3. Spiritual Help
1.4.4. Professional Help.
2. The Problem of Alcoholism among Priests and Religious
2.1. Higher Proportion of Alcoholism in
Priests and Religious
2.2. Specific Problems of Alcoholic
Priests and Religious
2.3. Drinking among Indian Priests
2.4. Testimony of a Recovered Alcoholic Priest.
Chapter Seven.
PROBLEMS RELATED TO LIFE-STAGES
Chapter Eight.
PASTORAL HELPS.
1. Meeting of Psychological Needs
1.1. Psychological Needs of
Priests and Religious in General
1.1.1. Nature of Psychological Needs
1.1.2. Psychological Needs and Priests and Religious…..244
1.2. Psychological Needs of
Priests and Religious in Particular
1.2.1. The Need for Self-Esteem
1.2.2. The Need for Recognition and Approval
1.2.3. The Need for Love.
1.2.4. The Need for Security
1.2.5. The Need for Independence
1.2.6. The Need for Creative Expression
1.2.7. The Need for New Experience