In Defense of Purity

by Dietrich von Hildebrand, Leo Scheffczyk (Preface), Alice von Hildebrand (Foreword)

A probing meditation on the nature, value, and beauty of purity, In Defense of Purity is not a book of sexual ethics, nor a "how-to" guide to purity--but for readers with open minds and hearts, the book promises to be transformative.

When Dietrich von Hildebrand converted to Catholicism in 1914, he was surprised to find that, despite an abundance of books on the dangers of impurity, there were practically none on the positive values of purity. "So," writes Alice von Hildebrand, widow of Dietrich, in a new foreword to the book: "this is what he set out to do in In Defense of Purity: to explore purity as a positive reality and only in light of its beauty to describe its contrary."

First published in 1927, In Defense of Purity anticipates many of the most pressing social issues of our day. Hildebrand's vision of the human person offers an antidote to a contemporary attitude that treats the body as a mere object and fails to appreciate its integral unity with the person.

In Defense of Purity has influenced thinkers like Karol Wojtyla/Pope John Paul II, whose own Love and Responsibility and Theology of the Body share and build upon many of Dietrich von Hildebrand's insights. This new edition stands to influence a new generation of readers, looking for enduring answers to the perennial questions about human life and love.

In Defense of Purity cuts through the current debates to offer a fundamental view of the very essence and meaning of purity. Hildebrand's insights on love, marriage, virginity, and sexuality offer fresh wisdom to people in any stage of life, from first dates, to religious vows, to golden anniversaries.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Religion, Christianity, Catholic, Christian, Nonfiction

174 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1927

About the author

Dietrich von Hildebrand was a German Catholic philosopher and theologian who was called (informally) by Pope Pius XII "the 20th Century Doctor of the Church."

Pope John Paul II greatly admired the work of von Hildebrand, remarking once to von Hildebrand's widow, Alice von Hildebrand, "Your husband is one of the great ethicists of the twentieth century." Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has a particular admiration and regard for Dietrich von Hildebrand, whom he already knew as a young priest in Munich. In fact, as young Fr. Ratzinger, he even served as an assistant pastor in the church of St. Georg in Munich, which von Hildebrand frequented in the 1950s and 1960s. It was also in St. Georg that Dietrich and Alice von Hildebrand were married.

The degree of Pope Benedict's esteem is expressed in one of his statements about von Hildebrand, "When the intellectual history of the Catholic Church in the twentieth century is written, the name of Dietrich von Hildebrand will be most prominent among the figures of our time." Von Hildebrand was a vocal critic of the changes in the church brought by the Second Vatican Council. He especially resented the new liturgy. Of it he said "Truly, if one of the devils in C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters had been entrusted with the ruin of the liturgy, he could not have done it better."

Von Hildebrand died in New Rochelle, New York, in 1977.

Reviews

[Lieutenant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purity has much to do with recognising the importance of the sexual act, not diminishing it or ignoring it completely, hiding away from it, which could indeed be detrimental. This is one of the hardest teachings of Christianity for the contemporary world mentality simply because it actually misunderstands it. This world sees a temptation as a fleeing from oneself and hiding, to the contrary! It is a real trial but one that must be faced for your benefit, once you are purged you should be able to channel that force into better things, all peoples of the past understood this need. But human beings today are told they need to follow their instincts, and that is obviously one of the reasons why they are so weak, and why men are no longer men.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most difficult reads I've undertaken, namely the language which is beautiful yet dense. As for the substance of the book it was wonderful. The way von Hildebrand understands purity and virginity is profound and deep. I hope to not only adapt to his thinking about these things but apply them in living a pure life wedded to Christ. 10/10

[Amanda Foto · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tenderness by no means coincides with sex, but occupies a distinct domain of its own…it is essentially a consequence and a special expression of love. It is distinguished by a freedom from constraint, a kindheartedness, a gentleness. It is a special form of love’s free out flowing which reaches the other. It is a softness of love’s melting, but serene, bright, and free as love itself”

A difficult read for one who doesn’t read much philosophy but so worth the extra time and brain power! This books digs so much deeper than a chastity talk and simply overflows with beauty and inspiration in regards to purity.

[Becca Maginn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides a clear and elevated understanding of what it means to be pure, the virtue by which we are able to see God. Rather than a litany of don'ts, Hildebrand invites the reader to rethink what it means to be free, not that we may do what we please, but that we are capable of choosing the good for ourselves, but even more so, for the sake of the other. We are not bound to the past, but set free in the present. When we see God rightly, we see the other in their proper dignity, and may then act accordingly.

[Fr. Zachary Galante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem for all who seek to understand more deeply the gift of purity and the state of virginity. This book speaks deeply today to what the culture in the West especially has lost: the totality of the gift of one’s self to God and to others. Many beautiful thoughts on marriage, sex, purity, and of course, virginity.

[Thierry · Rating 5 out of 5]

All you ever need to know love

Not an easy read but the message is incredibly powerful. Marital love, virginity, chastity, purity, sex all are explored and explained systematically. The old canard that Christianity is against sex is debunked. So is also the equivalence between purity and lack of aptitude for sex.
A good read for genuine seekers of truth that will do little to convince the slave of contemporary debauched hedonistic lustful distorted conception of anthropology.

[Eliza Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful meditation of the positive virtue of purity which he defines as one who "lives in an attitude of reverence for God and His creation" which he then applies to the sphere of sexuality.

[Keslan · Rating 3 out of 5]

All those words and still no mention of the primary goals of marriage. The insensitivity to sensuality component was interesting, but I think a lot of things are made up by Von Hildebrand, with no solid basis, unfortunately. The Hildebrand Institute pushing JP2's work is concerning, from a traditionalist perspective, considering he was extremely modernist. I liked the part on consecrated virginity, as there is now a tendency for young catholics to think that "the single life" is somehow honourable or a vocation, whereas it is not. Hildebrand writes about it well, and details perfectly how it is superior to all other states in life. Overall I wouldn't say it's not worth reading, as there is nothing really too concerning or incorrect as far as I can tell, in regards to the faith - minus the lack of what was first mentioned in this review. There are also some great quotes from saints and other authors contained in footnotes.

[Katie H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t bad, but I don’t think I’d say it’s my favorite. I think my problem with personalist theology is that there’s a lot of ink spilled over making married life this intimate theological mystery, especially when the two spouses become one flesh. But where are the dishes, and the laundry, and the dropping off the car at the mechanic, and the grocery shopping with a toddler?

I don’t think it’s wrong per sé, but it does seem to romanticize it to a degree that those who study this get a bit removed from the mundane and beautiful everyday.

His section on virginity was lovely, if not long.

[Jack Geise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been in the habit of reading theologians/philosophers who lean heavy on poetics and pull from a wide variety of sources (which I love). Unlike that, Hildebrand writes with so much precision and significant momentum. There's beauty everywhere (how could there not be in this topic?) but it is certainly is a defense. Every line carries weight, so it's really like a sturdy tower built up. The latter half on consecrated virginity is really powerful and illuminating.

[Maria Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book! This is the sort of book that every human person should read. It presents sexuality in the context of its beauty as a great gift from God, one which shouldn’t be shunned just as it shouldn’t be abused and used.

[Kezscribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In In Defence of Purity, Hildebrand sets out to reflect, from a philosophical and Catholic perspective, on the meaning, the value, and the beauty of purity.

Rather than spending his efforts on fleeting political or ideological debates, Hildebrand writes about what is essential: what purity truly means. In his reflections on love, marriage, virginity, and sexuality, he offers a wisdom that remains relevant and can inspire people in different stages of life; whether at the beginning of a relationship, in a religious vocation, or in the more mature phases of marriage.

[Alexa K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Von Hildebrand's books is a gem. Certainly it is dense and difficult to understand at parts. But even the chapter, "Purity as a Positive Virtue" is worth the read. Includes sections on both purity in marriage and the perfection of love in consecrated virginity.

[Paulina Ávila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense, certainly.. But it give a lot of lights about the sexual sfera as he called it.

[David Morales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lectura compleja pero enriquecedora sobre el tema en cuestión.