Vatican event on priesthood to explore topic of celibacy

Crux ^ | April 13, 2021 | Elise Ann Allen

[circlecity]

While I certainly accept Eusebius as a generally reliable historian, I would subject his theology or theological tradition to scripture. I don’t consider him inspired or a prophet. I believe the early Church Fathers can be helpful in interpreting scripture and gaining an insight into how they early church applied scripture. I believe the same with regard to the Didache or The Shepherd of Hermas. They are helpful but not inerrant. Sometimes the early church fathers went off the rails such as with Origen.

Given Paul’s clear teaching on the requirements for elders, overseers and deacons I cannot accept that celibacy is scriptural. Further I do not hold that any church tradition or proclamation is inspired or carries the authority of scripture. Only the teachings of the Apostles are inerrant, whether relayed first or second hand. (With regard to the new covenant). They were New Testament prophets.

[MurphsLaw]

So you dont think Paul views his celibacy as a gift when he says...

5 Defraud not one another, except, perhaps, by consent, for a time, that you may give yourselves to prayer; and return together again, lest Satan tempt you for your incontinency.

6 But I speak this by indulgence, not by commandment.

7 For I would that all men were even as myself: but every one hath his proper gift from God; one after this manner, and another after that.

8 But I say to the unmarried, and to the widows: It is good for them if they so continue, even as I.

And you dont feel this a Continuation of the Christian ideal proclaimed in Matthew 19

10 His disciples say unto him: If the case of a man with his wife be so, it is not expedient to marry.

11 Who said to them: All men take not this word, but they to whom it is given.

12 For there are eunuchs, who were born so from their mother's womb: and there are eunuchs, who were made so by men: and there are eunuchs, who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. He that can take, let him take it.

Can you honestly say you don't see the theme of "holiness" connected here? Obviously we all get that holiness is about being a moral person obeying God's will....BUT we also read in the Bible that to be holy is, more importantly, to be set apart from what is common or even commonly human. Holiness is being unique, set apart from this fallen world...in it, Yet not of it...

while priestly celibacy is not dogmatic or even doctrine..for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven...it has its purpose according to Jesus.

[circlecity]

Oh, I understand what Paul is saying and don’t disagree with your post. My only point was that celibacy is clearly not commanded. I like your characterization of it as a gift. I think that perfectly describes Paul’s position - it is one of the spiritual gifts God gives to some to be used to benefit of the church body.

[MurphsLaw]

Yes- Nobody can argue it’s a command. Mind you though - both Christ and St. Paul say "this" IS NOT for everyone (thankfully)- so that seems to have some guideline attached to it. But not a command, no. – Yet not everything need be a command- where there is acceptance.

We also have to understand the synthesis of the Word beyond, say, Leviticus into the NT- as Christ has fulfilled. Whether we choose to disregard the Divorce discourse in Matthew- or decide we are in fact worshipping a Triune God – these responses to Scripture develop out of our understanding and application of Scripture. It’s not about diminishing ancient scripture- but to understand it over applied time.

Too often we look at the Scriptures as a puzzle to find that missing piece or clue…. or to break a sacred code… when all along, all we are supposed to do is approach Scripture as if we are putting on a coat to wear for a new life - in the way St. Paul says…. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

And…No, no… To be clear, this celibacy issue is NOT MY characterization of a “Gift” at all. I’m only sharing what I have learned. That was solely Christ’s and St. Paul’s view point- which I have come to fully understand through others- like Aquinas, C.S. Lewis and Scott Hahn of recent. Accepting the Gift, the Sacrifice- this is the basis of the Faith- The Gift of everlasting Life-and so made achievable through the many gifts The Spirit continues to offers us. (Ironically timed for todays Mass reading from John - also assures us that these given gifts are limitless- inexhaustible. Beyond our human structure.)

But I do get rankled when I hear this celibacy issue discussed- and this is why. The truth get so muddled and lost through debate and mis-direction. “Priest sexual scandals would disappear if Priest’s could have sex.” “ Homosexuality and Pedophilia are a result of abstinence” No, no… These are abominations – criminal deeds- that injure people yes- whereby they are an affront to the gift God is giving to those, abusing his divine Trust. It discounts where Christ says – The ones that CAN accept this, should accept it - to free ourselves from the flesh.” And if they can’t accept it Fine- get the heck out of there- but don’t think God will not see your deeds in the dark. And what does modern culture say…no, no… This celibacy thing- which supports abstinence as well- is” wrong and "un-natural"..…” Well, yes – it is- and THAT’s the whole point!!!
In any event, we've had a good discussion.