The family is not a *master* That quote is in regards to money, not family. Again, plenty of protestant ministers have very successful ministries while married. That argument about being better able to serve God may be a rationalization, but it doesn’t hold water.
OTOH, there is no wife alongside him to take care of his needs, so it is up to him to do all the things that a wife could and would help out with, helping around the house, cooking meals, doing laundry, providing a sounding board and emotional support.
Clearly the no wife thing isn’t working out so well these days judging by the lack of numbers of men interested in joining the priesthood.
I have a job which demands my absolute attention when I am working. I have a family. Conflict for my attention is inevitable. When I am trying to take care of both, neither gets done to my standards.
Anyone who does not think a family is a master, either never had a three year old, or does not understand that even a king is slave to his kingdom.
It is that responsibility which dictates the behaviour of the individual.
Without the conflict of familial needs, the priest is free to assist whomever, whenever.
OTOH, there is no wife alongside him to take care of his needs, so it is up to him to do all the things that a wife could and would help out with, helping around the house, cooking meals, doing laundry, providing a sounding board and emotional support.
When there is only one, there is not that much laundry, not that much to cook, etc. If you live humbly, you don't need much help.
Clearly the no wife thing isn’t working out so well these days judging by the lack of numbers of men interested in joining the priesthood.
As opposed to what? Granted, the priesthood may not be as lucrative as some ministries, but better to store up treasures in heaven. Not everyone would agree with that, and I think that has an effect.
Frankly, there are fewer men interested in marriage, too, and half of those end up divorced.
When marriage and the traditional family are under attack by the same people who attack the priesthood, it amazes me that there are those who adopt some of the attacker's arguments against one but rail against the attackers on the other.
I do not see those attacks as separate entities, but part of a concerted effort to tear down the moral fabric of our society. How long would it be before we would be reading of scandals involving infidelity, divorce, etc. in the priesthood if marriage was permitted? Those who abstain never have one too many, by definition.
What those who are not called to the priesthood can see as a source of strength and assistance only provides a weaker front in the world of spiritual warfare.
Of course, the incessant attacks on the Church, especially the priesthood, in the MSM would disincline most anyone toward the vocation which the MSM is trying to paint as pedophillic. The attacks have been going on for years, but lately have reached a fever pitch.
Why? because the Church will still not yield to what the secular humanists think it should be/do/embrace, namely abortion, homosexuality in the ordained ministry (still a sin, and NOT ok), and homosexual 'marriage'. When the rules are set by God, no secular entity can claim priority, nor can the 'if it feels good do it' crowd change the rules to suit their whim.
Overall, church attendance has been in decline whether it be Catholic or Protestant, and the broad media based secular attacks on Christianity (direct and indirect) have doubtless been a contributor to that.