Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: John R. (Bob) Locke
Where in the Bible can I find the prohibition on priests being married?

You can't find it. The Apostle Paul said it was better not to get married if God grants them the gift of celebacy. Using scriptural ratios of which apostles were unmarried for the gospel's sake, this gift is very, very rare. Paul is the only one I can name who was unmarried. Even Peter was married. Also, all the priests of the Levite tribe were married with childred. This is how the priesthood continued - if no Levites had children - the priesthood would have ended in 1 generation.

44 posted on 01/28/2002 3:11:58 AM PST by uncommonsense
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies ]


To: uncommonsense
Using scriptural ratios of which apostles were unmarried for the gospel's sake, this gift is very, very rare.

Or as the rather large amount of Catholic priests, brothers, nuns, and consecrated persons who live out this calling in a loving manner show in a very clear form- it is not so incredibly rare or impossible.

Also, all the priests of the Levite tribe were married with childred. This is how the priesthood continued - if no Levites had children - the priesthood would have ended in 1 generation.

However, there was a change of priesthood with a change of covenants. Christ is the new model for the priesthood- and Christ did not marry. He furthermore encouraged 'eunuchs for the kingdom.'

Married persons can already serve as a deacon or in a lay capacity. If necessary they can become priests- however I would argue that:

1)A predominantly celibate clergy is vital to the life of the Church. A people who cannot produce men and women willing to give everything to Christ- are evidencing a lack of faith. God does not stop calling- it is we who stop responding.

2)Abolishing the requirements for celibacy would not decrease sexual offenses in the clergy- it would increase them.

3)To let the media dictate Church policy- would be a fatal error. The Church needs to clean up her own act- all precautions to prevent such disgraceful events from happening should be taken. But to cater to a media who is often openly hostile to the Church would be a great error.

48 posted on 01/28/2002 4:29:49 AM PST by st.smith
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies ]

To: uncommonsense
Please,please,please point out to me all the scriptural passages that demonstrate the apostles were married, I fail to find even one that is clear. Thankyou.
68 posted on 01/28/2002 7:34:59 AM PST by saradippity
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson