No disrespect for or to Catholics, I just don't get it.
Ever heard of MARRIAGE?
err... Catholics until recently were criticised for having too large families and they are still criticized for being anti contraceptives...
“I don’t understand why when we were told to be fruitful and multiply the Catholic religion prohibits it.”
The Church has never prohibited it. Celibacy in service to the kingdom of God is voluntary and praised by Christ Himself.
A mechanism imposed to keep legitimate heirs to clergy from claiming church property as inheritance.
Actually at one time priests were allowed to marry and have families. BUT when they died the family inherited their wealth instead of the church. Always follow the money. ;)
Are you saying that in reference to the priests and nuns only? They take a vow to be married to God. Elsewhere in the Catholic church it is very permissible to have many children. At least, I have always understood it to be.
I’ve had 8
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I didn't either, but after years of working with people with all sorts of emotional and intellectual abilities, I decided that the monastery and the convent are wonderful things for people who cannot, for various reasons, have full marital and child connections but who would do well in a congregant setting where they can do their part toward the whole.
Marriage and family is not for everyone.