So if a man has pre-marital sex and then wants to become a priest, is he allowed to become one?
I don't want any "He can lie about being a virgin" responses. I mean, is he supposed to be able to.
2007-06-27 09:52:40 · 10 answers · asked by David 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, any person who has been sexually active can take a vow of celibacy. Celibacy just means not having sex NOW. It doesn't mean you never had sex.
A man who is studying to become a priest goes through a careful formation process that is more than just education, it's psychological and spiritual preparation. If he has a history of premarital sex, he would properly confess that sin and receive instruction and spiritual support in healing from those sins that will enable him to live a life of celibacy when he takes that vow.
2007-06-27 10:18:14 · answer #1 · answered by sparki777 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes he can. He would have to confess the sin, of course, of pre-marital sex, if applicable (if he's a widower or something then there's nothing to confess).
Some converts (i.e., Espicopalians) with families have become priests in the Catholic Church. I believe this is quite rare, however.
2007-06-27 12:02:07 · answer #2 · answered by Emily D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He doesn't have to be a virgin.
He has to be celibate once he takes his vows, as a priest.
Vow of Chastity. Not Vow of Virginity.
Apparently, Episcopalian priests (who may have wives and children), who later convert to Catholicism, keep their family intact, and still act as a Catholic Priest.
As for not imposing celibacy, they persons entering the priesthood or nunhood know this in advance, and accept it. Just like in other faiths that also require celebacy for their monks and nuns.
2007-06-27 09:58:57 · answer #3 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have similar questions. I've also heard that a man can become a priest even if he's married with children if he gets the "calling" to become one after his family is established. Is this true?
2007-06-27 09:56:58 · answer #4 · answered by willtradeformoney 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Celebacy is only required from the time that a man enters seminary. Anything before that (sex, marriage, kids) is fair game.
2007-06-27 09:56:40 · answer #5 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes.
all that is required is a vow of celibacy once you enter into the process of becoming a priest.
2007-06-27 09:56:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it has more to do with if you keep your vows after you make them and less about what brought you to wanting to become a priest.
(I'm guessing we are talking Catholic here)
2007-06-27 09:58:16 · answer #7 · answered by LDS~Tenshi~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think no man should be obligated to be celibate if they are able to get married and have children. PERIOD!
2007-06-27 09:56:47 · answer #8 · answered by 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, but Jesus is the only one who anoints anyone to hold this divine office..
2007-06-27 09:56:04 · answer #9 · answered by *DestinyPrince* 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know bout catholics belief. not just anyone can be a teacher of God. you have to be called. i dont think God discriminates.
2007-06-27 10:11:33 · answer #10 · answered by warrior*in*the*making 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋