What's the point of celibacy?

Question

Why do priests and other clergy members practice celibacy? I can't see anything pious about refraining from a natural act that is necessary for the existence of the human race. Is sex viewed to be sinful? I think that would be odd considering that God instilled it for the purpose of human recreation.

I mean human creation. heh ^^;

So is it ideal for a person to practice celibacy and to devote her/his life to the worship of God? I don't see the point of why a few should do this, if you get my drift. If celibacy is ideal then everyone should practice it. This is not an idea I support but is a conclusion based on the logic presented by celibacy supporters.

Answer 1

Celibacy is a state of being which may be voluntarily entered into in order to focus on God's work or it may be absolutely required during certain stages of life due to circumstance. For example, before marriage, celibacy is an absolute requirement. Or, when a spouse dies, the survivor must remain celibate until he or she remarries. However, there are special cases where a person may decide to be celibate in order to concentrate on the things of God. Christ is very clear, however, that this is not a requirement. One may serve God in any capacity while being married. One thing is certain, a sexual relationship outside marriage is strictly forbidden and such relationships will, if persisted in, keep one out of the Kingdom of God (See 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Galatians 5:19-21)

In Matthew 19:10-12 Jesus says that celibacy (i.e. remaining unmarried) is a special gift that not everyone can manage.

1 Corinthians 7:1-9, 25-40, Paul says that it's fine to be idealistically commited to not marrying in order to devote one's life wholly to the service of God but if you can't handle it, you could be setting ourself up for spiritual disaster - we have seen how some churhes have had to deal with horrendous sins of fornication, adultery, and perversion because their priests were not able to contain their sexuality. Paul's practical advice: it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

1 Timothy 4:1-3 A focus on celibacy is a sign of the false church. Jesus' teaching is very balanced and is echoed by the other New Testament writers - To remain celibate for the Gospel's sake is a good thing but it is rare. Do not let your idealism put you into a situation in which your sexuality will inevitably lead you to sin. Marriage, although it brings complications and responsibilities which may, in some measure, distract you from the Lord's work, may open other doors of service in family life and will help to control express your sexuality in an appropriate way.

Answer 2

Well in my opinion this is how it all started.

In the past homosexuality was a huge no no. The only way a homosexual could move about with out people asking why thye didnt have a wife was to join the clergy to avoid suspision.
In a nutshell the church became a boys club haven for homosexuals.

Now I knwo I will get lots of thumbs down but thats how I see it.

Answer 3

Without the distractions of the flesh it is much easier for a priest or a nun to focus on what they are being led by Christ to do. While they know that sex can be pleasurable and is key to human life they choose to abstain to show their dedication to their beliefs not everyone would be capable of doing this it takes a strong sense of self and a strong character to dedicate your life to Christ.

Answer 4

Not all people feel motivated to marry, just like not all people feel attracted to the opposite sex. Sex itself is not a sin, but it should lead to a lifelong commitment or the sustaining of a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. This commitment, naturally, leaves less room for commitment to God. Paul said, "The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord ... But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife" (1Co 7:32-33). In other words, if one remains celibate, he will have more time to worry about his commitments to and missions for God. Perhaps this does not apply as strongly to our present day context as it did to Paul's first century context, but I think it remains true that one who has to work to take care of his family will have less time with God than one who is completely single.

Answer 5

Sex is allowed by God only in the confinements of marriage , the bible makes that very clear. Clergymen who are married do not have to refrain from sex. God doesn't require that nowhere in His Word. That is a man-made rule, that someone came up with, as they misinterpreted the Word of God .

Answer 6

Revelation 14:5

5 in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Answer 7

Originally, priests were required to be celibate so that they would have no heirs to try to claim the church's property. Now, the church is just full of perverts who are unnaturally obsessed with other people's sex lives.

Answer 8

No point at ALL! Since Christ didn't command it. See, the catholics took the teachings of Paul out of context, and forgot his words "it's better to marry than to burn". You see the results, don't you. PEDOPHILE PRIESTS!

Answer 9

It's a stupid man-made rule that has caused a lot of rapes and crimes against children. People need to get married unless they have a gift of singleness. (i.e. no interest in sex). Sex in marriage is not sinful.

Answer 10

My thought is some of it pertains to discipline and controlling urges. I believe Jesus is quoted in the Bible as saying if you can not live like me than you should marry. So as a clergyman the institution decided they should be assigned the stricter role.