Should Priests Get Married?

[BreadOfLife]

Why are you hung up on age?
If you happen to be one year older than me, would that make you right and me wrong?

It's because your posts are so childish and immature.
It's like trying to have an intelligent adult dialog with a child.

 

[BreadOfLife]

Lol,Let's have a dual with swords.
I'll be Errol Flynn and you can be Basil Rathbone.

I've been trying to have a duel - but you're obviously unarmed . . .

 

[GodsGrace]

I've been trying to have a duel - but you're obviously unarmed . . .

Funniest thing you've said yet!!!!!
You shoulda been a comedian.

 

[Marymog]

The CC must have based this idea on something.
What, I wonder?
Catholic priests that are married used to be Anglican, maybe. Or maybe Eastern. I'm not sure.

Mathew 9:12 was brought up by you. It does pertain to this because priests are, in effect, voluntary eunichs.

The reason I'm interested in this?
I know priests who do not consider marriage at all, and I know priests who would like to be married as they get on in years.
And I also know OF a priest that got married and had to leave the priesthood.
It just seems like too much to put a person through.

Hi,

I think I see the confusion. I mentioned Matthew 19:9-12.... not 9:12......

Your are right. I mentioned it because of the "voluntary eunuchs" thing you mentioned.

Once again....They are not being put through anything. They VOLUNTEER to be celibate. No one is forcing them. Should I feel sorry for you if you volunteer for something?


Mary

 

[Truth]

Thank you for the clarification. And how can you disagree with me? (that's a joke)

In all fairness when someone says "priest" it is common for the average person to think of Catholic...not ANY other denomination.

Secondly, add to that fact that the original post mentioned "seminaries" and "celibacy". Once again, it is common for one to think Catholic when those two words are mentioned together in a subject...not ANY other denomination.

Unless you can point me to a denomination that has priest that attend seminaries and are celibate?

Curious Mary

Rely I wasn't upset,OK, and I do Agree with your response, and I truly understand that there is Much Criticism, and such towards the Catholic Church, No I can't refer to any other Denomination that has both seminaries, and celibacy, in the same reference. So that is truly Accurate, and there should be an understanding that this type of assault, with miner children occurs in all Church's, and in just about every School, both privet and Public, and anywhere there are Wicked Minded people, who will seduce the young, and pray upon them. This is not a religious epidemic, it is a worldly Epidemic. I personally try not to point finger's, there is truly an Enemy that doe's sway people to do Horrendous stuff, and it is only going to wax worse. Thank You for Your Response! PS No I can not Disagree with You! and that is not a joke, Be Blessed!

 

[Nomad]

They VOLUNTEER to be celibate. No one is forcing them. Should I feel sorry for you if you volunteer for something?

You seem to have a very strange definition of "volunteer." Neither Jesus nor Paul required that a choice be made between one's natural urges and vocation as Rome does. The choice they actually invoked was between celibacy or no celibacy. It's a choice between being a celibate leader or a leader who is not celibate. And celibacy only applies to those who "are able to receive it" (Matt. 19:12) and those who have been given this "gift" (1 Cor. 7:7). There is absolutely no Biblical requirement for celibate leaders. And please don't tell me about the "exceptions." The exceptions do not make the general rule acceptable.

 

[BreadOfLife]

You seem to have a very strange definition of "volunteer." Neither Jesus nor Paul required that a choice be made between one's natural urges and vocation as Rome does. The choice they actually invoked was between celibacy or no celibacy. It's a choice between being a celibate leader or a leader who is not celibate. And celibacy only applies to those who "are able to receive it" (Matt. 19:12) and those who have been given this "gift" (1 Cor. 7:7). There is absolutely no Biblical requirement for celibate leaders. And please don't tell me about the "exceptions." The exceptions do not make the general rule acceptable.

NOBODY is forced into a life of celibacy. Choosing the priesthood is just that - a choice.
Not ONE single man is required to become a priest - so your entire point is moot . . .

 

[Nomad]

NOBODY is forced into a life of celibacy. Choosing the priesthood is just that - a choice.
Not ONE single man is required to become a priest - so your entire point is moot . . .

If they want to become a priest they are required to be celibate. Again, Jesus and Paul did not require such a choice. Herein Rome is in error and so are you. There are none so blind as those who refuse to see what’s plain to see. Then again, Scripture isn’t Rome’s strong suit.

 

[epostle1]

If they want to become a priest they are required to be celibate. Again, Jesus and Paul did not require such a choice. Herein Rome is in error and so are you. There are none so blind as those who refuse to see what’s plain to see. Then again, Scripture isn’t Rome’s strong suit.

If Jesus and Paul did not require such a choice, tell me the names of Jesus and Paul's wives.
Here is a clue: Jesus and Paul did not have a wife, it is by their example where celibacy has it's source. There are none so blind as those who refuse to see what’s plain to see. Then again, Scripture isn’t the anti-Catholics’s strong suit.

There is absolutely no Biblical requirement for celibate leaders. And please don't tell me about the "exceptions." The exceptions do not make the general rule acceptable.

There have always been celibates, but didn't become mandatory until the 11th century, and only in the Latin rite.

Matt. 19:11-12 – Jesus says celibacy is a gift from God and whoever can bear it should bear it. Jesus praises and recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church. Because celibacy is a gift from God, those who criticize the Church’s practice of celibacy are criticizing God and this wonderful gift He bestows on His chosen ones.

Matt. 19:29 – Jesus says that whoever gives up children for the sake of His name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. Jesus praises celibacy when it is done for the sake of His kingdom.

There are none so blind as those who refuse to see what’s plain to see. Then again, Scripture isn’t the anti-Catholics’s strong suit.

Matt. 22:30 – Jesus explains that in heaven there are no marriages. To bring about Jesus’ kingdom on earth, priests live the heavenly consecration to God by not taking a wife in marriage. This way, priests are able to focus exclusively on the spiritual family, and not have any additional pressures of the biological family (which is for the vocation of marriage). This also makes it easier for priests to be transferred to different parishes where they are most needed without having to worry about the impact of their transfer on wife and children.

1 Cor 7:1 – Paul teaches that it is well for a man not to touch a woman. This is the choice that the Catholic priests of the Roman rite freely make.

1 Cor. 7:7 – Paul also acknowledges that celibacy is a gift from God and wishes that all were celibate like he is.

1 Cor. 7:27 – Paul teaches men that they should not seek marriage. In Paul’s opinion, marriage introduces worldly temptations that can interfere with one’s relationship with God, specifically regarding those who will become full-time ministers in the Church.

There are none so blind as those who refuse to see what’s plain to see. Then again, Scripture isn’t the anti-Catholics’s strong suit.

1 Cor. 7:32-33, 38 – Paul recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church so that they are able to focus entirely upon God and building up His kingdom. He “who refrains from marriage will do better.”

There are none so blind as those who refuse to see what’s plain to see. Then again, Scripture isn’t the anti-Catholics’s strong suit.

1 Tim. 3:2 – Paul instructs that bishops must be married only once. Many Protestants use this verse to prove that the Church’s celibacy law is in error. But they are mistaken because this verse refers to bishops that were widowers. Paul is instructing that these widowers could not remarry. The verse also refers to those bishops who were currently married. They also could not remarry (in the Catholic Church’s Eastern rite, priests are allowed to marry; celibacy is only a disciplinary rule for the clergy of the Roman rite). Therefore, this text has nothing to do with imposing a marriage requirement on becoming a bishop.

1 Tim. 4:3 – in this verse, Paul refers to deceitful doctrines that forbid marriage. Many non-Catholics also use this verse to impugn the Church’s practice of celibacy. This is entirely misguided because the Catholic Church (unlike many Protestant churches) exalts marriage to a sacrament. In fact, marriage is elevated to a sacrament, but consecrated virginity is not. The Church declares marriage sacred, covenantal and lifegiving. Paul is referring to doctrines that forbid marriage and other goods when done outside the teaching of Christ and for a lessor good. Celibacy is an act of giving up one good (marriage and children) for a greater good (complete spiritual union with God).

1 Tim. 5:9-12 – Paul recommends that older widows take a pledge of celibacy. This was the beginning of women religious orders.

2 Tim. 2:3-4 – Paul instructs his bishop Timothy that no soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim his to satisfy the One who enlisted him. Paul is using an analogy to describe the role of the celibate priesthood in the Church.

There are none so blind as those who refuse to see what’s plain to see. Then again, Scripture isn’t the anti-Catholics’s strong suit.

Rev. 14:4 – unlike our sinful world of the flesh, in heaven, those consecrated to virginity are honored.

Isaiah 56:3-7 – the eunuchs who keep God’s covenant will have a special place in the kingdom of heaven.

Jer. 16:1-4 – Jeremiah is told by God not to take a wife or have children.

If you want to settle for married ministers, that's fine by us. You have no case against a celibate clergy.

Rome is a city in Italy, the Catholic Church is found in every country in the world. Please clean up your terminology. FYI, seminaries are governed by the local bishop, not "Rome". Furthermore, a potential priest can join a different rite where marriage is permitted. There are married priests in the Latin rite, converted ministers, because celibacy is a discipline, not a doctrine. You are no expert on Catholicism. Catholic bashing, perhaps.

THE PRIESTHOOD - FATHERS, CELIBACY & WOMEN'S ORDINATION - Scripture Catholic

 

[epostle1]

If they want to become a priest they are required to be celibate. Again, Jesus and Paul did not require such a choice. Herein Rome is in error and so are you. There are none so blind as those who refuse to see what’s plain to see. Then again, Scripture isn’t Rome’s strong suit.

Your statement is bass-ackwards and illogical. If they want to become priests, they have already made the decision for a celibate lifestyle when they enter the seminary. It's a free choice. The "requirement" is made by the seminarians, you make it sound like an imposition by a dominating dictator, which is typical fundamentalist ignorance. "Rome" is not in error, your criticism is and it's unbiblical.

If your group or community accepts married ministers, we don't care, but you have no right or biblical warrant to criticize our celibate priesthood.

 

[epostle1]

exceptions to the celibacy rule

 

[GodsGrace]

exceptions to the celibacy rule

That middle picture looks like models. Just an observation.

I do think that if celibacy was not required, we might have more men applying for the priesthood. I believe this decision holds many back. I don't know about the States, but there's a big problem here because of the extreme shortage of priests, which will only get worse.

 

[Nomad]

If Jesus and Paul did not require such a choice, tell me the names of Jesus and Paul's wives.
Here is a clue: Jesus and Paul did not have a wife, it is by their example where celibacy has it's source.

The fact that they didn't require such a choice is plain to see for all who can read. Jesus and Paul are examples of "those to whom it is given." Now pay attention here. Your very first so-called 'pope' had a wife. So did some of the other Apostles as well as other leaders.

1Co 9:5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?

Mat 8:14 And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever.

Mar 1:29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
Mar 1:30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.

Luk 4:38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf.

Those who arrogantly think they can improve God's design as revealed in Scripture dishonor God. The multitudinous reasons concocted for doing so, are no excuse. Again, herein Rome errs.

 

[GodsGrace]

The fact that they didn't require such a choice is plain to see for all who can read. Jesus and Paul are examples of "those to whom it is given." Now pay attention here. Your very first so-called 'pope' had a wife. So did some of the other Apostles as well as other leaders.

1Co 9:5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?

Mat 8:14 And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever.

Mar 1:29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
Mar 1:30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.

Luk 4:38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf.

Those who arrogantly think they can improve God's design as revealed in Scripture dishonor God. The multitudinous reasons concocted for doing so, are no excuse. Again, herein Rome errs.

Yes, and here's my point ---
Many chose to be priests, even in the 20th century, because they could not get any other job. So when some here say that men CHOOSE to be celibate, well, that's not entirely true. Some felt constricted to choose celibacy. Imagine.... being a priest as a job. And some of the bishops knew it too.

Now, in this 21 century and in the post-modern era, this is no longer true and this requirement just makes it more difficult to decide for those who may really desire to be of service to God.

P.S. Amen to what you said which I highlighted.

 

[Helen]

Another thought...
Jesus was full of the Holy Ghost, and yet He was tempted. Temptation often comes upon a man with its strongest power when he is nearest to God.
As someone has said, "The devil aims high." He got one apostle to say he did not even know Christ!
If a man has much of the Spirit of God, he will have great conflicts with the tempter. God permits temptation because it does for us what the storms do for the great oaks.....it roots us, and also what the fire does for the paintings on the porcelain...it makes them permanent.

You never really know that you have a grip on Christ, or that He has a grip on you until it is tested!! When the devil is using all his force to attract you from God..... then we feel the pull of Christ's right hand.

It is harder fro any leadership than it is for the Mr Average Christian.

Just saying....

 

[Marymog]

You seem to have a very strange definition of "volunteer." Neither Jesus nor Paul required that a choice be made between one's natural urges and vocation as Rome does. The choice they actually invoked was between celibacy or no celibacy. It's a choice between being a celibate leader or a leader who is not celibate. And celibacy only applies to those who "are able to receive it" (Matt. 19:12) and those who have been given this "gift" (1 Cor. 7:7). There is absolutely no Biblical requirement for celibate leaders. And please don't tell me about the "exceptions." The exceptions do not make the general rule acceptable.

Hi Nomad,

Are they being forced to be celibate?

If you decide to not marry are you being forced to stay celibate?

Who said there is a biblical requirement for celibate leaders?

Curious Mary

 

[101G]

Another thought...
Jesus was full of the Holy Ghost, and yet He was tempted. Temptation often comes upon a man with its strongest power when he is nearest to God.
As someone has said, "The devil aims high." He got one apostle to say he did not even know Christ!
If a man has much of the Spirit of God, he will have great conflicts with the tempter. God permits temptation because it does for us what the storms do for the great oaks.....it roots us, and also what the fire does for the paintings on the porcelain...it makes them permanent.

You never really know that you have a grip on Christ, or that He has a grip on you until it is tested!! When the devil is using all his force to attract you from God..... then we feel the pull of Christ's right hand.

It is harder fro any leadership than it is for the Mr Average Christian.

Just saying....

Good point, not only will the temptation grow one stronger, but God gives us a way out of the temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:14 "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry".

one other point, the temptation is always coming, scripture, James 1:2 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:3 "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:4 "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.


Note: James didn't "IF" you fall into divers temptations, he said, "WHEN" you fall into divers temptations. ...... (smile).

and when you Do, go back to 1 Corinthians 10:13 & 14 above.

PCY.

 

[Helen]

Who said there is a biblical requirement for celibate leaders?

Curious Mary

Well that is easy...there is just the opposite!!!
It has already be noted here...
1 Timothy 4:3-8
3 "Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained."

 

[Helen]

Good point, not only will the temptation grow one stronger, but God gives us a way out of the temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:14 "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry".

one other point, the temptation is always coming, scripture, James 1:2 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:3 "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:4 "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.


Note: James didn't "IF" you fall into divers temptations, he said, "WHEN" you fall into divers temptations. ...... (smile).

and when you Do, go back to 1 Corinthians 10:13 & 14 above.

PCY.

Amen...I like that.
We get so quick in judging others...and forget that when we point our finger at others , three of our fingers are pointing back at ourselves!!

"There but for the grace of God........"

 

[Nomad]

Hi Nomad,

Are they being forced to be celibate

I’ve already answered this quite extensively. See my previous posts — including the one to which you just replied.