Books Quote by Charles River Editors
““as Barbara Tuchman, author of Distant Mirror, put it, “clerical celibacy was a joke.” Despite the previous ban on clerical marriages, nuns, monks, cardinals, priests, and other representatives of the holy cloth were frequently fraternizing in impious ways.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman, 1978
Notes that clerical celibacy was historically ineffective, with many clergy engaging in relationships.
In simple terms: Clerical celibacy often ignored; clergy had relationships.
Key Takeaway
Recognize historical realities of religious practices.
Themes
religion
hypocrisy
history
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- church policy analysis
- historical study
- theology debates
Key Concepts
celibacy
institutional critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do institutions maintain contradictory rules?
- How does hypocrisy affect credibility?
A Different Perspective
Modern reforms may face resistance despite past practices.
