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To: GonzoII

It is obvious from the New Testament and the history of the early church that presbyters and overseers were married (to a wife, not the Church). Institutionalized celibacy is not found in the Old or New Testaments. Yes, there are people in the Bible who did not get married, but there is no order or caste or group of people who are, by virtue of their position and duty, to remain celibate.

Now, there are practical advantages for priests to be single. They are more mobile and cost effective. If a church wishes to not have married men as priests for practical reasons, then so be it. Don’t try to dogmatize it.


13 posted on 11/11/2009 5:14:17 AM PST by bobjam
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To: bobjam
"Don’t try to dogmatize it."

Who is doing that?

14 posted on 11/11/2009 7:36:46 AM PST by GonzoII ("That they may be one...Father")
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To: bobjam

Celebacy is a valuble discipline, as you note. Not a dogma.

Freegards


18 posted on 11/11/2009 8:37:54 AM PST by Ransomed (Son of Ransomed Says Keep the Faith!)
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To: bobjam
Institutionalized celibacy is not found in the Old or New Testaments.

A conclusion reached by a poor student of Scripture.

22 posted on 11/11/2009 11:14:19 AM PST by A.A. Cunningham (Barry Soetoro is a Kenyan communist)
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