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To: NYer

I guess they could all just read the Bible where it says that preachers are all married (1 Timothy 3), and the part where Paul says forbidding to marry is a doctrine of demons. Then this discussion would be over for the RCC, Maronites, etc...


9 posted on 10/07/2005 4:06:00 PM PDT by gamarob1 (.)
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To: gamarob1

Yet again, the watchword in these types of discussions is "Context." Paul was writing to the first generation (and early second generation) of the Church. All but the youngest of his hearers were born and raised as pagans. Most of them were likely *already* married when they came into the Church. The presbyterate had to be recruited from SOME group of people in Pauls' present moment, so, naturally, he is writing to Timothy about qualifications to be found in the then-existent pool of candidates. Besides, all Paul is saying here is that, if the man is married, he may not divorce and remarry. Nowhere does he say that marriage is a prerequisite for ordination. If that were so, he hmself would not be a candidate, as he was unmarried and never entered into marriage!


24 posted on 10/08/2005 7:36:30 PM PDT by magisterium
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