2007-06-16 13:28:12 · 12 answers · asked by puma 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is not that marriage is undervalued or belittled. But celibacy is meant to reveal the total gift of oneself to God, the exclusive dedication to the Lord. "Some there are who have freely renounced sex for the sake of God's reign. Let him accept this teaching who can" (Mt 19: 12). "Marriage is great", said Saint Paul (Ep 5: 31-32), but he wrote also: "To those not married and to widows I have this to say: It would be well if they remain as they are, even as I do myself" (1 Co 7: 8).
Priestly celibacy clearly indicates faith in divine truths and in the world to come. It leaves the priest free to exercise his ministry without having to care for a family. His "family" extends to the limits of the earth.
2007-06-16 13:34:07 · answer #1 · answered by TigerLily 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Roman Catholic Church requires the discipline of celibacy for men wishing to become priests. Thus if you are a man wishing to become a priest, you agree that you are able to accept the discipline of celibacy. There are some married RC priests now - most of which were already Anglican or Lutheran priests prior to becoming Roman Catholic. The Orthodox Catholic Church has opted against the discipline of celibacy for their priests (but still require it for their bishops I believe).
2007-06-16 13:35:10 · answer #2 · answered by Gerry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can't get married because they are commanded not to get married. If they did, they would have families, and a need for greater finances to support a family, and the family would inherit the wealth and effects of the priest upon death. By preventing their marrying, the money (resources) of the church stay within the church.
2007-06-16 13:38:53 · answer #3 · answered by Hogie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a Priest wants to get married, he simply needs to join a different denomination ie Episcopalian, Methodist, etc. There are religious denominations that allow marriage.
2007-06-16 13:40:56 · answer #4 · answered by VA LayD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A married person can become a priest and still have sex with their wife, only heretics teach people otherwise.....
2007-06-16 13:45:25 · answer #5 · answered by Jacob Dahlen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to corrupt the priest in confession tomorrow. He looks forward to it every Sunday morning.
2007-06-16 13:37:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is mistaken dogma that has decided this rule. It has caused such churches so much trouble with adultery, fornication, and sexual abuse of children. The Bible itself warns against making such rules that are an invitation to sexual misconduct.
1 Timothy 4:1-5 Now the Spirit manifestly saith, that in the last times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error, and doctrines of devils, 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy, and having their conscience seared, 3Forbidding to marry, to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful, and by them that have known the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be rejected that is received with thanksgiving: 5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (DRC)
2007-06-16 13:58:07 · answer #7 · answered by Fuzzy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
>>Why can't the priest get married<<
For the same reason doctors can't date their patients. It is unethical and incestuous to be involved with someone under one's care.
http://fampra.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/18/5/511
2007-06-16 13:35:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catholic faith has chosen to include celibacy for their requirements for priesthood. There is nothing biblical relating to celibacy and pastoring the Church.
EDIT: there is nothing wrong with celibacy either
blessings :)
2007-06-16 13:33:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
it's both, because the denominations that believe this believe that they should be able to give their absolute attention to God.
2007-06-16 13:34:18 · answer #10 · answered by dreamer555 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋