Why can't catholic priest get married??? and where does it say that they can't??

Question

celibacy

Answer 1

The celibate clergy did not come into full bloom until about 1000 C.E. There were married and celibate 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.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

This is a doctrine taught exclusively by the Catholic Church.

The only scripture I know that is used to justify it is in I Cor. 7, where Paul says that he wishes that all men could be like him - that is unmarried and dedicated to serving God. However, if you read the whole chapter, he is not saying that ministers cannot be married, just that those who are not married can better focus on the ministry.

However, in I Tim. 3, Paul also says that a bishop is to be the husband of one wife (a prohibition against polygamy) and must have his own house and children under control. So if Paul was prohibiting ministers from being married, how can he command that bishops be the husband of one wife?

A little acknowledged fact is that there are married Catholic priests. Some are priests who converted from the Episcopal or Anglican churches, being already married. It is also not uncommon for priests in Africa to be married, in deference to the cultural standards of the region.

Answer 3

once upon a time they could (orthodox priest still can and have always been able to)

but the Church felt that priests who had families were sometimes to distracted to really devote their whole lives to Christ and the Church. so for the priests to really live their entire lives around the Church and GOD, he is to give up many earthly things, including marriage.

incidentally, a man who is already married with children (or without) can become a catholic priest under special circumstances, and still be married ( i think this is new.)

Answer 4

It is ordered by Rome(the Pope and all) I've known quite a few really nice priests in my life who said they would never get married even if they could because their wife would hate them for the numerous middlle of the night calls they have to tend to. Also, priests make such a small salary, they could never support a family.

Answer 5

The catholic church has decided that priests cannot marry because it is a conflict of sacraments. I believe it goes back to Paul's letter to the Corinthians: 6-7 where he says it's better to be celibate because then you are one with God. (But when you are married you are one with your spouse-- and one should only marry to avoid extra marital sex, which is sinful.)

Answer 6

Valerie just told you why they can not the follow the sacraments and they can not get married it is on or the other and the arch bishop and the vanican say that they can't

Answer 7

It all goes back to the 7th century where when the priest died the wife and children got the money and land so the church didn't like competition so that is where that dogma came in

Answer 8

I think its ridiculous personally. And yes, maybe they'd be less inclined to do horrible things if they were allowed to act like human beings with human emotions and human needs. It is also my opinion that they'd be far better qualified to "counsel" Catholic married couples if they were allowed to be married themselves. My Aunt is a baptist minister and she's married with three children and a degree in psychology. I'd be sooner inclined to discuss my marriage problems with someone like that.

Answer 9

First you realize that the catholic church is about male dominance and that sex other than procreational sex is a sin--its a strange religion so a priest has to give up what normal men would do-which is easy if you are a pedophile.

Answer 10

In the old testement priests weren't allowed to. It really doesn't apply now but the powers that be at the vatican decided they know best. We're learning of late that they don't.