should priests be allowed to marry? so as to prevent child molestation?

Answer 1

Priests, religious brothers and religious sisters (nuns) as part of their vocation choose not to marry following:
+ The practice recommended in the Bible
+ The example of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Paul.

+++ Scripture +++

+ In Matthew 19:12, Jesus says, "Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it."

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.

+ In Matthew 19:29, Jesus says, "And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."

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.

+ Matthew 22:30 - Jesus explains, "At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven."

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.

+ In 1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul writes, "It is a good thing for a man not to touch a woman."

This is the choice that the Catholic priests of the Roman rite freely make.

+ Then in 1 Corinthians 7:7, Paul says, "Indeed, I wish everyone to be as I am."

Paul acknowledges that celibacy is a gift from God and wishes that all were celibate like he is.

+ In 1 Corinthians 7:27, Paul writes, "Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife."

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.

+ In 1 Corinthians 7:32-33, Paul teaches, "I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife." And in verse 38, "So then, the one who marries his virgin does well; the one who does not marry her will do better."

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.”

See also
1 Timothy 5:9-12
2 Timothy 2:3-4
Revevation 14:4
Isaiah 56:3-7
Jeremiah 16:1-4

+++ Scriptural Examples +++

Biblical role models of a celibate clergy came from John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul.

John the Baptist and Jesus are both believed to have been celibate for their entire lives. Some scholars believe that the example of the Essenes influenced either or both Jesus and John the Baptist in their celibacy.

WWJD? What would Jesus do? Jesus did not marry.

The Apostle Paul is explicit about his celibacy (see 1 Cor. 7). There is also evidence in the gospel of Matthew for the practice of celibacy among at least some early Christians, in the famous passage about becoming “eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:12).

The concept took many twists and turns over the years and will probably take a few more before Christ returns in glory.

A priest is "married" to the Church. Some people think that a priest who takes his duties seriously cannot take proper care of a wife and family. "A man cannot serve two masters."

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

I have to agree that being a pedophile has nothing to do with whether you are married or not. There are many married child molesters who molest their own children as well as others.

However, I do think that by allowing preists to marry will possibly weaned out pedophiles and homosexual priests. It will not eliminate all, but it appears that there is a strong link between umarried men, homosexuality, and pedophilia. Most pedophiles have been victims of sexual abuse as a child from homosexual men.

Yes, preists should be allow to marry because we are all sexual beings. Unfortunately children become victims to preists who can not release their sexual tension in normal ways.

Basically, the Catholic Church and the laws in our country should just castrate priests who abuse children and put them away for life. That will fix the problem.! I gurantee you that if most priests will suffer some consequences for their devious acts, then they will think twice before they hurt a child.

Why not have the congregation or parish stone them to death? One less pedophile in the world makes it a safer place for children.

Answer 3

In the Orthodox Church, there are married priests. They have to make that choice (to be married or celibate) before becoming a priest.

Being married won't prevent someone from molesting children, however.

Answer 4

Allowing Priests to marry will not stop child molestation. There still be sick individuals in the Priesthood.

Answer 5

Not only for that reason but to do exactly what God planned for them. All men are suppose to be able to get married and have children in the name of God. Humans are sexual creatures and that is okay, as long as you are married and do not abuse your sexuality. I have always had a problem with men and women taking a vow of celbacy; I know that for the most part it is because the person thinks that it will make them closer to God when in fact it takes them away from a lot of work they could be doing because they are stressed out.

Answer 6

I really don't believe that pedophilia is related to marital status. You imply that if the priests had regular sexual outlets, they might not be inclined to molest young boys. That hasn't been proven by the percentage of pedophiles in the general population, many of whom are married.

Answer 7

Why are we seeing this question again. It was posted like three or days ago. Anyway many married men molest too. Why pick on priests. A few do it and it's damned all priests. Get over your self.

Answer 8

And what makes you think marriage would prevent child molestation? That is completely sick. To think if a person is not married they will commit child molestation. You should think before asking such a question.

Answer 9

You know -being celibate has nothing to do with child abuse. Period.

There are plenty of people out there that abuse children that are married, or have an active sex life.

The only reason why celibacy is an issue is because in our society it's foriegn to NOT mate with anything that moves.

Answer 10

There are plenty of married people who cheat on their wives and molest children, even their own children, so what makes you think getting married will prevent it?