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To: MurphsLaw
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.

21 posted on 04/14/2021 1:25:08 PM PDT by circlecity
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To: circlecity
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.
22 posted on 04/14/2021 9:51:28 PM PDT by MurphsLaw (“ Understanding this first, that no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation.”)
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