Why do priests consider celibacy to be divine?

Question

Im a catholic and i find the ways of the catholic church-like this, so irritating! Whats the point in celibacy for priests? some are gonna molest 10yr old boys anyway? I dnt really mean that..i know some honorable good priests-but y should they stick to a useless tradition? to me it doesnt seem like a worthwhile cause-missing out on an aspect of happiness that god created for all..

Answer 1

Part of the role of priests were to serve as spiritual advisors to people. Because sexual urges/practices were a predominant theme among pagan religions, early church founders sought to distance themselves from being associated with any worldly 'sins'.

Also, as the logical extrapolation of the phrase 'pick up your cross and follow me', one can see the adding of burden to one's life as a necessity of divinely chastising/cleansing oneself for the life hereafter. For a man to choose to be celibate, therefore, can be seen as an act of sacrificing something important to God as a token of one's dedication.

However, just because something is 'traditional' doesn't make it automatically 'holy'. Jesus made numerous references in his parables to people of tradition/religious standing, and few of them were pillars of riteousness. As for the example of St. Paul, that was his particular idea, and was not meant to establish church doctrine.

Being celibate does not make one 'holy'. But neither does having sexual relationships. Divinity is defined as having favor with God. As such, one can be celibate, and have favor with God, and one can marry, and enjoy all the benefits thereof, and also have favor with God. To a rich man, much gold will be demanded, but to an arrogant man, much pride instead.

Answer 2

Well, from my previous class in college, celibacy was a topic. On one side, the basic reason of why celibacy was established is believed to have been inheritance. The early church simply got sick of having to share the inheritance of dead priests with their children and widows. Celibacy was established (although it did occur that some priests and even the pope in Rome to have secret children)

However, the religious view states that a priest must be "pure" and dedicate their life to G-d and not sex or women. They are supposed to also follow the example of the biblical celibate Jesus.
Strangely enough my rabbi is married and I feel that I can connect with his words. And there are married priests in Orthodox, Episcopalian/Anglican, married LDS bishops, pastors etc...and all seems well.
I think that a married priest can understand the issues of married people better than a grown man who is a virgin.

Finally, I feel that priestly celibacy should be optional

Answer 3

Don't feel so bad it's not celibacy, but little boys they find divine. It's just one more problem caused by religion that christians will try to deny. You would think that as a divine teacher of god you would be entitled to enjoy everything that your god has given you, to set an example for others. What kinda of god says " Ok since you are spreading my word and converting people to my faith, I am going to punish you by revoking privileges that I wouldn't even punish nonbelievers for." I mean come on people open your eyes already.

Answer 4

Because Jesus (PBUH=Peace Be Unto Him) said this in the bible, which was twisted by the hands of the jewish scribes. Jesus, according to these scribes described within the bible, actually says that the best men are those who stay away from all contact with women and castrate themselves. Do a search and you'll see it. Jesus considered women as the worst filth. In the New Romans Catholic bible, it actually says that the birth of a girl is a total loss. Not to mention the other hundreds of atrocities done against women in there.

Answer 5

The priesthood is a life of sacrifice. A man wishing to enter the priesthood must sacrifice everything in this world in order to devote himself solely to the service of God wherever and in whatever manner God may call him.

The Roman Catholic Church's practice of clerical celibacy is both theological and practical. Theologically, the Church desires to imitate the life of Jesus with regard to chastity and the sacrifice of married life for the "sake of the Kingdom" (Luke 18:28-30, Matthew 19:27-30; Mark 10:20-21), and to follow the example of Jesus Christ in being "married" to the Church, viewed by Catholicism and many Christian traditions as the "Bride of Christ". Also of import are the teachings of St. Paul that chastity is the superior state of life, and his desire expressed in I Corinthians 7:7-8, "I would that all men were even as myself [celibate] — but every one has his proper gift from God; one after this manner, and another after that. But I say to the unmarried and the widows. It is good for them if they so continue, even as I."

God Bless You

Answer 6

Celibacy as a way to sublimate ones sexual energy is a legitimate practice.

The problem with the Catholic priests is that they were never given any understanding on how to do this. They are just told "don't".

Just being told 'don't' is a recipe for sexual dysfunction.

Answer 7

Because the catholic church has added a great amount of tradition to their doctrine. That is why the protestant reformation took place a few hundred years ago. I would encourage you to trust the Bible.

Answer 8

>>Why do priests consider celibacy to be divine?<<

Because they are "eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven", just like Jesus said (Matthew 19:12).

Answer 9

It's the most powerful sacrifice a person can make. What would be more difficult that wouldn't kill you?
Now I'm not saying I agree with them, just understanding.

Answer 10

They are criticised as unnatural for being singles.
They are criticised as mundane for getting married.
They are criticised as unfaithful for changing the denominations.
They are criticised as hypocritical for wishing happiness to young couples.
They are criticised as blind when some of their colleagues commit sins...
It is really a confusing thing which cannot be altered in this world!