[Snuffington]

Pointless exercises in self denial would be pleasing to only the pettiest of gods.

Taken a poll among the gods to determine that? Or are you claiming the divine wisdom for yourself? ;-)

Seriously, self-denial has a rich history in virtually all religious traditions, from basic animism through today's major faiths. Before dismissing it as "pointless," you ought to learn what others have personally gotten from it. It's not as pointless as you seem to assume.

[gcruse]

You're right. Celibacy is not pointless. It has consequences. What would be the effect if everybody did it? Hmm. Not good. So it's good as long as not everyone does it. It's okay to eat something vile so long as you only eat a little of it? Hmm. It's just a matter of degree.