Celebrating the Single Life: A Spirituality for Single Persons in Today's World

(Paperback)

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CELEBRATING THE SINGLE LIFE is a book that tells how to have a seriously committed, spiritually grounded single life. For the fifty million people in the United States who live alone -- whether by choice or circumstance -- the author suggests concrete dynamic ways in which single men and women can live fully human, fully Christian lives. "The single state is the foundation of all human formation," notes Susan Muto. "We are born single (that is, unique) and we die single... God calls all to give witness temporarily or for a lifetime to the originating uniqueness that is His gift to every human being." This encouraging book goes far in dispelling often held presumptions or stereotypes concerning singles as "outsiders" in a family- or community-oriented culture. Muto demonstrates that the single life-style is not incompatible with warm, loving relationships or with a happy and rewarding life. Her book covers such topics as solitude vs. loneliness; silence, service, and caring for others; resisting the workaholic phenomenon; single parenting; singles and the Church; the essentials of single spiritual living. CELEBRATING THE SINGLE LIFE breathes fresh air on a subject of immense interest and importance in the modern age. As such, it is both challenging and insightful reading for all serious Christians no matter their chosen life.

Reviews

"In CELEBRATING THE SINGLE LIFE we have that rare find, a book that offers not only helpful guidelines for a spiritually grounded life-style, but also challenges us to see it as a 'graced opportunity' to witness by our uniqueness... When the author suggests we 'celebrate the single life' she does not promise that we will never feel loneliness, pain or frustration. What she offers are gentle proddings toward a life of intimacy with God."
-St. Anthony Messenger

"Although single persons may have some different problems, Muto's chapters on spirituality and prayer speak to every person... [This book] will enable all never-married, widowed, or divorced persons to grow as fully human, fully Christian people."
-Spiritual Book News

"[Muto's] style is very intellectual, but she is also emotional and caring... This book is for the person who is ready to consider singleness as a vocation rather than a factor of life."
-The Banner

"CELEBRATING THE SINGLE LIFE contains so much wisdom that I soon found myself reading not only for others but for myself... A single person is not someone who either was not fortunate enough to be married or who did not respond to a vocation to the religious life. Singleness is a vocation that can be chosen for itself. With real depth and exciting insights Dr. Muto examines and explores the meaning of that vocation."
-The Long Island Catholic

"Muto is eminently qualified, both professionally and personally, to author a work of this nature... Hers is a compelling view reflecting her own commitment to the single vocation and a wealth of personal spiritual development... Pastoral ministers and those involved directly in counseling young people and singles will find CELEBRATING THE SINGLE LIFE an invaluable resource in gaining and sharing with others a richer, more constructive perspective on Christian singleness today."
-Emmanuel