A life commitment is a definitive direction that gives purpose and structure to the rest of our lives. Throughout Christian history, at least three great lifestyles have been recognized as life commitments: marriage, religious life, and priesthood. This book explores what characterizes each of the life commitments as a Christian lifestyle. The book considers how a fourth lifestyle, single life, can be understood as a vocation or life commitment.

The significant history of Christian thought about each lifestyle, from biblical witness to the present time, is traced. Key Catholic teachings about each, such as why marriage and priesthood are sacraments of the Church, are reviewed. The vibrancy of each lifestyle, resulting from a response to divine grace, is examined. Core reflection questions provide a forum to examine this challenging subject. Examples are as follows: What is the relationship between freedom and commitments? Why would a man today decide to become a priest? What are the characteristics or qualities that make a marriage lasting? What do you think the future holds for religious life?