Is it a matter of celibacy only or does it have anything to do with financial matters, i mean, it's easier to support a single priest instead of the whole family as well?
2006-07-25 09:22:00 · 8 answers · asked by Marcelo A 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Financial support of a priest's family is not the reason why Catholic priests cannot marry.
The real answer is the vow of celibacy that Catholic priests take. For the first 1054 years, there was one Christian faith. In 1054, the faith split into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic denominations.
Eastern Orthodox priests are allowed to marry as long as they have not been ordained as a deacon. If a single man is ordained in the Orthodox faith, he is not allowed to marry. This tradition extends back to Apostolic times. If a married Orthodox priest became a widow, he is not allowed to remarry but could still become a bishop under favorable circumstances.
Roman Catholic priests were also allowed to marry, but things changed in the 9th Century when vows of purity and chastity were taken. A celibate man therefore made a good priest in the eyes of Catholicism.
The Vatican has considered dropping the celibacy requirement, but not in anyone's lifetime.
If a Catholic priest were received by an Orthodox church (e.g. Greek, Russian, et al.), he could marry with the blessing and approval of his supervising Bishop. That's just one possibility. :)
I hope this answers your question.
-Ted
2006-07-25 09:43:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋
According to official doctrine, it's because Jesus was not married, so those that continue his work today should not be married either. They can devote their lives better to doing the work of God without distraction.
I also believe that there is a financial reason. The Church, in order to gain land and wealth, wouldn't allow priests to marry, and therefore have no legitimate heirs. Once the priests died, their land and property could go to the Church, instead of to the priest's family.
2006-07-25 16:30:03 · answer #2 · answered by PoliPino 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the New Testament Jesus told his apostles to leave their families and jobs and sell their belongings and follow Him. The Catholic Church interprets that to mean they should have no intimate relationships outside of the one they have with God. It has nothing to do with money. There are men in the Church who are deacons....they do some of the things Priests do however these men do get married and have families if they choose. This stuff can get complicated but it's interesting.
2006-07-25 16:34:49 · answer #3 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The roman catholic priest are supposed to be married only to church doctrine.
2006-07-25 16:31:48 · answer #4 · answered by Teacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they have given there lives souly over to the Lord only, they are fully committed to him, Mind, Body, and Spirit forever!
2006-07-25 16:26:24 · answer #5 · answered by Prayerwarrior 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BECAUSE THEY LIVE IN THE IMAGE OF JESUS WHICH IS SOMETHING I DISAGREE WITH IN THE BIBLE IT SAYS MAN FOR A WOMAN AND TO HAVE FAMILY IT DOSE NOT SAY ANYWHERE IN THE BIBLE TO BE A LEADER OF A CHURCH YOU CAN NOT MARRY BECAUSE NO ONE CAN PRETEND TO BE JESUS OR GOD
2006-07-25 16:43:47 · answer #6 · answered by PAULINA S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably because they're too busy with little boys...lol. Sorry I had to go there.
2006-07-25 16:36:49 · answer #7 · answered by SweetPea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because same sex marriage is not legal?????....just kidding!
According to them, the reason to celebate is give their service 100% to God.
2006-07-25 16:30:40 · answer #8 · answered by alandicho 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋