I entirely agree that the Catholic Church should quit ordaining the sexually dysfunctional. As you note, celibacy is far more than mere abstainence, and anyone who is sexually dysfunction could find the rigors of celibacy can help to metasticize their dysfunction. Let alone the obvious issue that you don’t want scandalous, sinful priests.
But you treat celibacy as some sort of pathology in a manner wholly contradictory to Christian sexuality. Christian single people have to be abstinent, also. Christian soldiers must part from their spouses for long periods of times. And illness and injury preclude sex for many married couples. The Catholic view of sex is that it is a gift which should be selflessly given when it builds a family (yes, through sharing intimate pleasure as well as conceiving children), not a need which creates an entitlement. Everyone loves citing Paul when he says that bishops should be married only once; they forget that he also counseled that it is best to forego sexual relationships altogether:
Therefore, I say to the unmarried, it is good for them to abide as I do [chastely]. But IF THEY CANNOT CONTAIN THEMSELVES, let them marry, for it is better that they should marry than burn [in Hell]. — 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Does Paul intend that only those that cannot control their sexual desires should become bishops? Of course not! When he told Timothy to select from among those married once to become bishops, he was giving instructions to a community made entirely of converts to Christianity. In both the pagan and Jewish cultures, people would be disturbed that a community leader (i.e., a highly eligible bachelor) would remain a bachelor.
Well said!
Celibacy is a form of devotion which is not often understood in this day and age. I know several lay celibates who have a beautiful spirituality. They don’t seem to me like they’re missing out on anything.
Paul was not addressing clergy...Paul is saying it is good not to have sex but if you can't resist, quit the ministry get married...When Paul was addressing clergy, he was repeating what he was taught from Jesus Christ and the rules of engagement are that clergy will be married with children...
Every Catholic clergy in the world is in violation of the instructions from God...