why does the Pope forbid the clergy from marriage?

Question

1 timothy chapter 3 states that a "bishop........should be the hisband of one wife" It is obvious that the apostle Paul condoned marriage for the clergy. The apostle Paul vs The Pope who would you believe.

Answer 1

http://www.whateverycatholicshouldknow.com

Answer 2

The celibate clergy did not come into full bloom until about 1000 C.E. There were many married priests, bishops, and popes before this time.

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."

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."

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

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

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

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

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, and 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 3

Paul's teaching about a bishop being "the husband of one wife" was not a requirement to marry. It was a statement against polygamy. Paul also plainly stated that it is better for fulltime ministers of the Church to remain unmarried, as he himself did, because a married man is divided between the responsibilities of his family and the responsibilities of his ministry.

Nevertheless, in the Eastern Rite of the Catholic Church, which is also under the Pope's authority, married men are allowed to become priests.

Answer 4

I believe one of the biggest reasons, is the Catholic church is one of the richest institutions in the world, if priests have wives and children they can lay claim to inherit. The other reasons are they want their priests lives devoted to God and the church alone. I think priests should marry. How do they counsel families when they have never been in the position.PS: Child molestation is done by pedophiles, having a wife or sex with a woman doesn't help them, and by the way it happens in all religions, boy scouts, gym teachers, school teachers , and just about every where.

Answer 5

A scholar at church explained to to me this way. When the Church came to be, clergy did marry. However over time the powers that be decided it would be a good idea to position the church to be heir to the possessions and finances of priests after they died. What used to be left to the widows and children of these clergy could instead be diverted to the church's coffers. I am Catholic, but feel that it is crazy to expect people to remain celibate and single in order to serve God. I know many men at church who were at seminary but dropped out because they wanted to marry and have families. They would have been EXCELLENT priests. Also I believe there are women who would be outstanding in this capacity...

Answer 6

In Timothy that "wife" is the Church, not a real live woman. That's why. It's just tradition. It's been like that for almost 2000 years. It's not like Pope Benedict XVI just invented the rule. :p Good question though.

Answer 7

Since when do traditions of men and the word of god agree? Just the same as when jesus was here. [Matt 5:16; Mark 7:13; etc]

Answer 8

How can the pope allow the clergy to have fun while he's suffering ??????

Answer 9

I think priests should be allowed to marry. It might keep them away from the kiddies.

Answer 10

but the clergy had vows that they should be fully devoted to god and his works.

Answer 11

because instead of devoting their life to a man or woman (husband or wife), they are devoting their life to Jesus, God, and the Catholic church!