THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! If you are one of the three winners, you will be getting an email shortly!
If not, do take advantage of the code, MinistersofChrist25, which will give you 25% off your entire order at Sophia!
Merry Christmas!
I hope you appreciate the wide range of giveaways we've had! But that's you, my readers! So eclectic! Creative, aesthetic, and intellectual! Great taste and smart! So I know you will appreciate this book — actually three copies for three lucky winners! — I have to offer today (ending Tuesday, so act quickly!): Ministers of Christ: Recovering the Roles of Clergy and Laity in an Age of Confusion
And do use this code for Lovely Lady Linens if you weren't last week's winner, good for two weeks:
LMLD15 — for 15% off your order from Lovely Lady Linens!
A sort of tagline that has developed around here (and became the subtitle of my new 3-volume work The Summa Domestica, which I sincerely hope gets off whatever ship it's on and onto your porch soon!) is Order and Wonder.
Although I began life like most adrift children of the 60s, full of vague egalitarianism and major discontent, deep down I thrilled to the notion of hierarchy — right order that makes wonder possible.
Like Mother, Like Daughter has tried to offer a place where we can visit with each other and savor our place in the various hierarchies (all interlocking) we inhabit.
Dr. Peter Kwasniewski's book, Ministers of Christ: Recovering the Roles of Clergy and Laity in an Age of Confusion, is, quite simply, a must-read. The problem confronting us today is not one of “inequality” of the sexes and how to address or redress it, but of having forgotten the givens of creation.
Peter asked me to write the Foreword to this book, which was an honor for me to do. I find myself more and more convinced that the paradigm of equality needs to be rejected. Once we establish that man and woman are equal in dignity, which is not difficult to do by means of Scripture and natural law, there is so much more to talk about. But we never do talk about it, simply because we are always dragged back to this tiresome view, which harms everything it touches with its implicit stance of conflict.
No, the real discussion is about hierarchy, the paramount template for life itself, the universe, the Godhead, and for man in his life with woman. (For more on the hierarchical nature of the universe and how we intuitively understand it, see this post, What is Common Experience?) Everywhere we look, once we open our eyes, we find hierarchy. If contemporary man but realized it, here is the challenge; however, he's too blinded by binary discourse to meet it.
So we miss beautiful ways of living. We have hardly any notion of a society (small or large) that is based on cooperation. We can't imagine the peacefulness of complementarity.
Ministers of Christ is a readable inquiry into such things as they pertain especially to worship. Right away he puts the problem in a nutshell:
We tend to imagine that there is no more “nature” in the human body than there is “nature” in an automobile; each is a collection of parts that has no higher unity or purpose than whatever utility might be obtained from its use, in any way it can be operated.
By the way, I find that even extreme “back to nature” homesteading, self-sufficiency types have this mechanistic view of the body, which is so odd. They don't seem to view their animals or even plants as so detached from the general order of nature as a whole and from a higher meaning; yet they do view themselves this way. There is a whole culture of otherwise natural-minded people who are strangely open to being manipulated by a dry, utilitarian power structure. To me this attitude speaks of a deeply ingrained habit of mind that has lost sight of the horizon and what is above the horizon.
Kwasniewski goes on:
Why should having a female body involve a calling to motherhood? Why should having a male body involve responsibility to a family?
He speaks of a “false dynamic into the life of the Church” that “distorts our relationship to the liturgy and to each other in the Mystical Body.”
Ministers of Christ looks at the traditionally exclusively all-male service at the altar and in all parts of the sanctuary and in everything relating to the service — including the forgotten rank of porter! And it's precisely in examining what are called the minor orders where his book delves into the wisdom and fittingness of the Church in providing for a hierarchy of men to accomplish the work of worship. I doubt anyone but he could reach back to a seemingly arcane, superannuated notion more confidently dispensed with than minor orders and come up with a good argument about it all being restored. Who even knows what they are? Who cares? But once you have the courage to step outside of the frankly boring equality argument, you find answers.
Although the book is focused on the all-male presence in the sanctuary, it also addresses the true role of the laity (which of course consists of men and women). Moreover, the argument is not that women are just not good enough to perform altar service. That approach (taken by some, alas) does not honor the authority it claims, which is in Christ, who expressed his kingship (that is, supreme authority) by the ultimate act of submission, death on a cross.
The Christian understanding of hierarchy could not be more clear that the last (in terms of levels of authority) shall be first and the first shall be last, that one's state of life does not guarantee personal worth, and that the more authority one has, the more he is the servant of all. Yet the reality remains that it is the male (men and boys) who are fitted to serve in this particular way. I like to say that the real question is “why can't priests be mothers” — and once it's asked, it reveals itself to get the terms of the question wrong — a category mistake, if you will. But that's our times for you.
I know many of our readers here are not Catholic, and I recommend the book to you as well, because it offers an excellent historical and theological perspective so often lacking, and I really mean perspective — a view from afar, wide enough to take in the present without editing out the past or seeing it through a lens distorted by current ideologies. Ministers of Christ expands the mind beyond what it is normally considered in this question of male and female roles.
Sophia Institute Press has offered this discount code, MinistersofChrist25, which will give 25% off their entire order, no expiration date is set. I'm giving it to you now so that your books have a chance of arriving by Epiphany!
But do leave a comment for a chance to win one of three copies of Ministers of Christ. Might I suggest that a book is a good choice for a Little Christmas gift if you are following the “Twelve Days of Christmas” way of spreading out the cheer!
bits & pieces
- I had a delightful conversation with Steve and Becky Greene of The Catholic Conversation. We went into a lot about feminism and making a home. Scroll down a bit after clicking for the available streaming services and tell me what you think!
- Words can be funny. Nonplussed is one of those words, and you may be using it wrong!
- The family is the bulwark of society. “An environment in which parents and children can truly feel at home is not built exclusively on prayer and the sacraments. The family needs culture.” Joseph Shaw on The Family in the Defense of the Faith
- I love The Craftsman Blog (see his Instagram “Shudder Sunday” series chronicling shutter crimes). I thought this post was spot on: 5 Reasons You Shouldn't Buy and Old House.
- It's a matter of prudential judgement to receive any medical treatment, and that judgement should be respected. In the current situation, one priest has been responsible for shoring up a rationalization to bar exemptions of conscience from taking a certain shot. In this article, The “Everything Was Tested on HEK” Lie, a medical doctor examines the priest's claims that every medication is tainted by aborted fetal cells, refuting them and the framework in general. It's a long article with lots of resources cited.
I would just like to add something: while it's true that the common medications the priest makes claims about are not tainted, two things should be noted.
First, there is a lot of reliance on aborted fetal cells in vaccines in general and in new products, with more coming. The response of a person of good will ought to be to oppose all such products, not to use the common ones (such as the chicken pox vaccine, for instance) to justify new ones. I can't help but note (and have written about on my other blog) that animal rights activists were successful in their pursuit. Why should anyone of good will accept our medical system's reliance on such a grave evil?
Second, many people were unaware of the use of these cells in the production of certain things like vaccines, even though a lot of us tried to get the word out and did take a stand decades ago. It's normal to trust doctors; it's normal not to have a sort of fighting stance about everything. But one thing about this time is that a lot of previously unknown factors have been revealed. There is nothing hypocritical about making a discovery about a wrong and wishing to cease participating in it! But many have been silenced by precisely this accusation — so I do really recommend reading the article for peace of mind in taking a stand now.
from the archives
liturgical living
The second day of the O Antiphons
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Denise Renner says
His books are always wonderful!
Jen says
Thank you for bringing this book to my attention. It looks to be an excellent read!
Jess says
I’d love to read it—we grapple with finding words to explain why only men in our religious leadership too. Thanks Auntie!
Catherine says
Most definitely a book for our times. Thank you for offering it!
Toni Graham says
Please enter me in the giveaway for the book! Thank you!
Ginny Sheller says
I would love to read this book!
Danielle Lajoie says
Thank you for all that you share with us. I would love to win the new book by Peter Kwasniewski. Thank you again and Merry Christmas!
Blayne Royse says
I am interested in this book for sure! Also, the link to the podcast you appear as a guest on appears to go to a different podcast. Not sure if that happened to anyone else. I did find it anyway though. 👍
Ann says
Would love to have this new offering from Dr. Kwasniewski on my reading stack!
Rebecca says
Words are funny things aren’t they? (Not to take a bit of fun too seriously but I think about this now and again.) Words really only mean as much as a person thinks they mean on one hand and on the other they have a fixed identity that very much matters, whether the user understands it or not. And when a word shifts in meaning are we to exept that as natural and inconsequential or a wrong that must be corrected? Are both meanings valid? If people make up words then does it really matter so long as we can understand each other? But can we understand each other if meaning can always change?
On another note, I’d love a copy of the book, it sounds right up my husband’s alley (and I’m interested too)
Ona says
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book, what a blessing!
William Jones says
How do we leave our name in the hat?
Leila says
By leaving a comment here! Which you have now done 🙂
huskyparsleycirce18737 says
Awesome! Thank you!
Barbara Juneau says
Thank you for offering this new book as a giveaway. We have several of Dr. Kwasniewski’s books, and would enjoy reading this new one.
Molly R says
Would definitely appreciate having this book!
Christina A says
Sounds like a much needed book!
Sarah Freeman says
I would really love to read this book!
Mariana M says
Would love to read dr Kawsniewski’s book.
Donna L. says
What a remarkable book! I would love to be included in this giveaway~ Thank you!
Katrina G says
Working toward order and wonder at home… have tried to keep the tagline front and center especially when feeling overwhelmed. Excited for the arrival of your books and would love to enter the giveaway as well. Thank you!
caitlinloiko says
oh shoot!! I’m kicking myself for buying a beautiful tablecloth last week without a code! On the bright side, it did arrive today 🙂 and I was able to use the TAN books code and get both Paul Thigpen books for my kids!
(Are the winners of these being posted anywhere that I’m missing?)
Leila says
I forgot to say that the winners get an email 🙂
There are so many bits of info in these posts that I find it better to keep things simple.
caitlinloiko says
gotcha! good call 🙂
Laura P says
I would lovvvvve to read this book!
littletherese says
I have had this book on my wish list ever since I first heard about it! I’ve been pondering over questions of hierarchy recently, especially as relating to the dignity of man and woman. Even if I don’t win the giveaway I certainly intend to use the discount code because 25% off is always helpful.
Logan says
You have not convinced me that I am a new-houser. I’m nonplussed you’d even try!
I’ve never actually caught on to that usage of nonplussed, but I’m sure I’ll see it everywhere now. The one I’m currently confused by is the frequent confusion I hear of weary and wary. It’s so odd because they don’t have a similar meaning at all!
Leila says
Ha! I mean that guy is an old-houser, as am I! What he leaves out is that to get a perfect new house you have to have $$$$! Most new houses are not perfect by any means, and besides, the walls are thin and you can hear everything!
I hadn’t seen that usage of nonplussed either.
Leigh Sabey says
I would love to add this book to my reading list. Thank you for highlighting it!
Natalie McDonald says
That looks like an excellent read.
Carol Kennedy says
That looks like an excellent read.
Nichole Snyder says
His books are fantastic!
Laura says
What a coincidence! My 22 yo daughter told me today that she wants to get this book because her friend wants to read it and discuss it together with her!❤
Amelia says
Oh I will just have to get my hands on this book! I’ve never gotten enough of an explanation and reflection on true sex roles like this. I mean, I’ve gotten enough to be convinced that they are true, good, and beautiful, but most commentary is too shallow or error-prone to satisfy the hunger for more.
7kidsinTX says
I’d love to read this book and have it as a resource for my children as they get older.
Thanks for all you do!
Janine says
would love to win this book!
Ashley says
I loved his last book that you recommended, so I’ll have to read this one too. Thanks for another giveaway.
Jo Helgeson says
Peter is erudite and enlightened . His insight is not to be ignored . I enjoy his wisdom . I’d love to win this book . I not only plan to read it but would like it in my collection . Thank you
Katie says
Oh my husband would love this book!
I don’t think we are very much old-housers, but we just bought one last summer! It’s been extensively renovated though (was a rental at some point and was in pretty bad shape after that apparently) so hopefully that will go in our favor, and we will learn as we go.
Lisa says
I would love to win this book – it’s one of my favourite topics!
Charla says
This looks like an interesting read. I have enjoyed other books and articles he has written.
Margaret Vieira says
My husband was telling me about this book just the other day! I would love to win a copy.
Karen Reep says
I thoroughly enjoy your books any on which you collaborate! Thanks for the opportunity! God bless!
Kristen says
Thanks for the chance to win!
Jacqueline says
I’d love to read this new book of his. My husband and I both learned a lot from the last one of his you recommended. Now if only my pre-ordered Aunti Leila books would arrive…
Kate says
I hadn’t heard about this book yet, but I’m really enjoying his book on the Blessed Sacrament. I’m looking forward to this one too.
The old house article made me laugh, because we got in over our heads with a quirky old house. Sometimes it feels like we fix one thing only for something else to break, but most of the problems are from poorly done projects in the last 50 years, like things being installed backwards!
Diana says
Oh, boy! His books are so good!
Pilar says
Seems like yet another excellent read from Dr. Kwasniewski!
Monica K says
Happy Fourth Week of Advent! The book looks intriguing
George Linthicum says
Would appreciate reading your thoughts on the topic!
Fr-David Hust says
I was literally was talking about this subject with staff at my parish today. People were blown away … and in a good way. Love Dr. Kwasniewski’s books; I look forward to seeing what he has to say on the subject. I hope to get a copy in the near future and read it. Thanks for letting people know of it.
Adele says
All your book recommendations are wonderful. I will look forward to reading this new recommendation whenever I get my hands on a copy. We are definitely old house people and my wonderful handy husband fixes all the ridiculously bad fixes (broken plumbing pipes fixed with caulk, outlets installed upsidedown without grounding, a shower randomly installed in a bedroom closet, and unsealed roofing).
Andrew says
It looks like a wonderful read! I will plan on adding it to my list for the upcoming year (with luck, through the giveaway!). Thanks for the article.
Megan says
Looks like a much needed book for the current times. I’m sure my husband and I will enjoy reading it.
Heather says
I’d love a copy of this book! There’s a constant need to explain the reasons for the male priesthood, within and without the Church. Thank you for bringing it to our attention!
Aggie Omylaniuk says
This book looks very intriguing God bless on you offering it to People
Julia says
I’d love to receive this book! Dr. K’s books are excellent!
Rebekah Boyden says
I would love to read this book!
Anamaria says
Just ordered a tablecloth for my mom! I’m excited! Book looks interesting too.
Ian Gallagher says
Would love to win the free copy so I can lend it to family members that desperately need to hear the message of the book!
David says
I am excited to see people reflecting on the minor orders and forgotten major order in the Latin Church! Their abolition was an illogical move in the ‘ecumenical age!’
tapestrygardenaolcom says
The peace and joy of complimentarity! How appropriate to note that the “war between the sexes” occurs when that reality is ignored. Women who try to be She-Male and men who exult in weakness and fecklessness.
Having just attended two Rorarte Masses with over a dozen young men serving with joy and dedication, it was clear this structure inspires vocations. In contrast having attended an event connected N.O. Mass featuring two Nike shod young women with messy ponytails, it’s apparent why we have a vocations crisis. I look forward to reading this book!
MamaB says
Thanks for the giveaway—looks very interesting!
Old-houser here! We just love love LOVE our old house but yes, definitely not perfect & never will be, and does require somewhat constant attention. Worth it for us though!
Mary says
Thank you for reviewing the book.
Lisa King says
Last minute comment would love the book! God bless and Merry Christmas!
Sherri says
I am interested in this book, as I was born in the 60’s. Thanks for making me aware of it. God bless you and your family and Merry Christmas!
Rebecca Jacobson says
Sounds like a beautiful book which I shall have to add to my library. So important to start from the foundational things if we are going to really rebuild culture. Thank you!