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To: TChris

The point is that we Catholics believe that celibacy is just as noble a vocation as marriage. IWO, some are called to be celibate (and not all are priests or nuns).

Simply because some disturbed individuals, for whatever reasons (maybe using the Priesthood as an escape from their deeper issues), have violated their own celibacy doesn't mean celibacy in of itself is bad. Nor that it shouldn't be a discipline in the Church.

Many critics (wrongly) state that since it's a requirement for Priests, it's against Scripture. It's not, since being a Priest, and thus everything that goes along with it, is voluntary. Thus, to say that being a celibate Priest is immoral or somehow contrary to God's Plan for all humanity is akin to saying someone who is voluntarily celibate without being a Priest is also going against God's Plan.

Which is foolish; unless one is going to suggest a "good Christian" should NOT be celibate before marriage.


90 posted on 11/16/2006 11:07:10 AM PST by FourtySeven (47)
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To: FourtySeven
Thus, to say that being a celibate Priest is immoral or somehow contrary to God's Plan for all humanity is akin to saying someone who is voluntarily celibate without being a Priest is also going against God's Plan.

I never meant to imply that celibacy is immoral. I'm simply addressing the question raised in the article.

The point is, the doctrine of celibacy has consequences. Whether it's right or wrong inherently is beside the point, in that context. It is a factor in this problem, IMO.

93 posted on 11/16/2006 11:11:54 AM PST by TChris (We scoff at honor and are shocked to find traitors among us. - C.S. Lewis)
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To: FourtySeven
Celibacy can't be defended. Christ did not require it. It has no basis in early Christianity. Indeed for the first 1,000 years of Christianity celibacy was not a requirement to be a priest.How in the world can a celibate man give advise to a married couple. This is so ridiculous it is just frustrating to see the church so uncompromising on this issue.Is it any wonder why the churches are closing and are empty.It is ruled by celibate bureaucrats who have no life experience and are very immature men.
99 posted on 11/16/2006 11:15:55 AM PST by Courdeleon02
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