[classmuse500]

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirts and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 1 Tim. 4:1-3

[DallasMike]

Thank you for that clear and succinct comment. The classic argument seems to be that the Bible doesn't forbid clergy from being celibate, thus it must be okay to require them to be celibate. However, the Bible clearly states that requiring celibacy is wrong.

[Polycarp]

Your proof text and my proof text seem to contradict each other. So which interpretation of these scriptures do we believe?? Yours, based on the doctrines and fancies of fallible men, or mine, based on the teaching of that Church to which Christ Himself granted authority "to lose and to bind," and which He promised the Holy Spirit would lead to "all truth"?

Sorry, even given the sins of some of its shepherds, I'll go with the Church with the authority of Christ over your personal interp based only on the fallible whims of men.