Walter Sisto, Class of 2003

Department of Religion

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Walter Sisto, Class of 2003

Walter Sisto

Thesis Title: "Perfect Continence: An Apostolic Rule."

Advisor: James T. Johnson

For the past two semesters, I have been working on my Henry Rutgers Thesis, “Perfect Continence: An Apostolic Rule.” Under the guidance of my supervisor, Professor James Johnson, I traced the origins of perfect continence or more widely known as celibacy to the Apostles themselves. Thus, severely challenging the claim that celibacy begins only as a canonical rule for the Western Church in the fourth century, a claim that is held by the broader scholarly community. My thesis was the first major research work I have ever worked on and will certainly not be the last. Although researching my topic was extremely difficult and complicated, it was by far the most rewarding experience of my academic career thus far. After completing my thesis, I now feel well equipped for my future in graduate studies.