In Matt: 19:11-12, Jesus teaches on celibacy. What are your views about what He said?

Question

See also 1 Cor 7:2, 7, 9, 17

Answer 1

Jesus said some people are born without the ability to reproduce, some were made eunuchs (castrated) and some choose not to marry. Anyone else (previous verses) should marry and stay faithful to their marriage.

In the days of Christ, marriage was not about a big wedding, it was a bond formed before God when a man and woman chose to "be together." Once you picked a partner, you were married, and that was it. There was a little more to it, there was planning and family approval and such, but once the deed was done, you were married. So celibacy basically meant don't choose lightly cause it's a lifetime commitment. The same *should* still hold true today.

Answer 2

I read the scriptures, but why do you think he teaches celibacy? What about all of the other scriptures that he teaches sound counsel on how to have a happy marriage?
If he taught celibacy, then why teach having a happy marriage?

Here are some scriptures where Jesus gave that counsel: Matthew 19:1-6, 1 Timothy 3:2. Also, the apostle Peter was married and Jesus never repremanded him for that, did he? Sure, he encouraged singleness if that was the best course for that particular person, but he never forbade marriage.

Answer 3

I had a question about clerical sex abuse and that lawyers weren't suing public school because in many states they are not allowed to as they are funded by the taxpayers and if they are allowed there is a cap on the award. I mentioned that less than 1% of the priest have been accused. which I agree is too many.

However, it was funny. One lady proceeded to give me a lesson on the male reproductive system and how a male had to release semen every 4 days or so and they are around altar boys.

At Sunday Masses, the altar boys usually come to Church with their parents or a parent and leave with them. They don't hang around much after Mass as Sunday is a busy day for priest.

At Daily Mass, I never see an altar boy unless it is at a school Mass. The boy comes over from the school about the same time as all the children come over for Mass and then he has to finish up and get back to class.

Answer 4

Jesus is not referring to sex or celibacy. It's worse than that! It's intimacy or attachment to any creature. Regaining the Kingdom is a solitary interior journey. It is impossible to reach that state while in a dependent relationship. If you marry it has to be a joining of minds and purpose or it will still interfere with your return to authentic being.

Answer 5

Celibacy works for some aesthetics, but it is obviously not a good plan for a whole population.

The Catholic enforcement of priests not marrying was a political move to keep money and land inside the church and out of the hands of priest's children.

Answer 6

I made a private vow to live a life of celibacy for the Kingdom some years ago.

It has been very satisfying. Very fulfilling. I am available to help so many people.

Answer 7

You misread Matt 19:11-12. read the verse before it. He is saying that Moses had to give them divorce because they were wicked and could not master marriage. He was saying if you cannot handle the law of chastity and not mess around with other people than your spouse, it is better not to even get married (so you won't commit adultery). The gospel of Jesus Christ condones marriage. This is why Adam was given Eve. We are to reproduce, but within the bonds of Holy Marriage. We are not to use our powers of procreation for fornication or other abominations.

Answer 8

Both Jesus & Paul underscored a point, that being celebate and serving the Lord is a good thing.

However, in order to be a Pastor Paul twice speaks of Bishops/Pastors being married men with children. Deacons too.

There have been many documented incidences of missionaries who remained celebate for life (some until their martyrdom in dangerous places) in order to serve Jesus Christ. Praise God for those who are able.

Yet, there is no condemnation for those who are not able.

Answer 9

Celibacy in order to better serve GOD is a gift given to some, but not all. It is certainly not a command given to all clergy since Peter and other apostles were married. Paul was celibate, but said he had the right to take a wife if he wanted like other apostles had.

Answer 10

I think Matthews 19: 9-12 is a fuller verse.

Paraphrased by me;

If you can't be faithful, then "don't get married!"

So don't loose heaven over marriage especially if you fail to follow (Sacrament of marriage) my command to love and be faithful.

Commit to your promise to be faithful for the sake of the Kingdom. If you can't commit then, don't marry. If you are a eunuch or born emasculated, stay single. I still love you.