Description
Book SynopsisDietrich von Hildebrand contributed to the Catholic tradition''s increased recognition of conjugal love in marriage in the early twentieth century, and, as Kevin Schemenauer argues in Conjugal Love and Procreation, von Hildebrand''s work remains relevant to contemporary Catholic thought as well. While some argue that this German Catholic philosopher and theologian neglected the role of procreation in marriage, this book shows that von Hildebrand''s writings on reverence and superabundant finality contribute to a contemporary understanding of the significance of procreation within marriage. Schemenauer analyzes von Hildebrand''s integration of conjugal love and procreation, showing him to be an insightful and parallel voice to the that of John Paul II. His thorough exploration of von Hildebrand''s writings reveals not only how conjugal love and openness to new life are essential to marriage, but also how essential the role of procreation is to the conception of conjugal love.
Trade ReviewS. has logically and accessibly assembled the writings across the years to show how vH. has been at the forefront of some areas of Catholic Church thinking yet always within its teachings, how he has made original contributions through clear articulation of the role of conjugal love and procreation in marriage, and that vH. has been consistent in his approach, even if his focus has changed over time in the light of other developments. S. himself has also competently defended vH.'s work against the criticism of others by drawing out implicit aspects to reveal vH's intentions. This book shows that the clarity of vH.'s thinking is still very relevant today in appreciating the beauty of conjugal love, its wondrous part within God's plan of creation and the implications that flow from this. * INTAMS review: Journal for the Study of Marriage & Spirituality *
A first rate study of a neglected area in the work of one of the 20th century's most important thinkers. Schemenauer's careful analysis of von Hildebrand will be appreciated by scholars, yet his prose is lucid enough to make the work accessible for undergraduate courses on marriage and sexuality. -- John S. Grabowski, Catholic University of America
Conjugal Love and Procreation is a wonderful study of von Hildebrand's thought on conjugal love and how von Hildebrand relates it to procreation through the ideas of reverence and superabundance. This study of von Hildebrand has many strengths. Among them, Kevin Schemenauer's familiarity with primary sources and engagement with secondary material on von Hildebrand is excellent. Schemenauer's work clarifies the difference between von Hildebrand's categories of the primary meaning of marriage and the primary end of marriage, categories that most commentators find ambiguous at best. -- Jason E. King, St. Vincent College, Pennsylvania
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Part 2 I: Conjugal Love and Marriage Chapter 3 1. Conjugal Love and Marriage Chapter 4 2. The Depth of the Conjugal Act Chapter 5 3. The Primary Meaning of Marriage Part 6 II: Procreation Chapter 7 4. Reverence and Superabundance Chapter 8 5. The Rhythm Method Chapter 9 6. Artificial Birth Control Chapter 10 Conclusion 11 Bibliography
