CHRISTIAN TOTALITY
Theology of the Consecrated Life

This book is a comprehensive and scholarly treatise on Christian living. After highlighting the dignity of lay Christian life and its mission to transform the world, it contrasts the lay and consecrated vocations and then proceeds to explore the splendid love and mystery of the consecrated life from the scriptural, historical, conciliar and theological perspectives.

It deals at length with the three evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience which are the principal elements of the religious life, with the common life and apostolic work of consecrated men and women. It also addresses the mutual influence of consecrated life and ministerial priesthood in the lives of religious who are ordained.

Besides tracing the origin and development of the three evangelical counsels, the book presents a lucid and balanced exposition of the real meaning and essential features of the allied virtues and suggests practical ways and means of avoiding pitfalls and of growing in each virtue. Of special interest is the sensitive treatment of delicate issues like friendship with the same or opposite sex among consecrated persons.

Christian Totality is a stimulating introduction for beginners and a heartening re-exploration for those who have been struggling for years to fulfill their dedication to Christ.

About the Authors: Basil Cole, OP, STD, is the author of Music and Morals (Alba House, 1993) as well as several articles in theology. A member of Western Dominican Preaching, he gives parish missions and retreats and also teaches at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome and at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. Paul Conner, OP, STD is the author of Married in Friendship (Sheed and Ward, London, 1987) and Celibate Love (Our Sunday Visitor, 1979) along with numerous articles on topics of moral and spiritual theology. He has taught in seminaries and colleges in the U.S.A. and abroad, and is currently Associate Professor of Theology at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island.