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To: NYer
Why does the church not allow married men to become priest?? The biblical basis for this is as follows. Clerical Celibacy

Yes, but to be a Christian group, should not one use the entire Bible, not just a few verses here and there? Shall we not also include verses making it clear that a man who chooses to minsiter to people in the name of God, should be married?

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:1-13)

18 posted on 12/14/2004 4:18:31 AM PST by newsgatherer
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To: newsgatherer
Yes, but to be a Christian group, should not one use the entire Bible, not just a few verses here and there?

Agreed ... so why are you limiting yourself to one verse?

Paul was not the first apostle to conclude that celibacy is, in some sense, "better" than marriage. After Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19 on divorce and remarriage, the disciples exclaimed, "If such is the case between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry" (Matt 19:10). This remark prompted Jesus’ teaching on the value of celibacy "for the sake of the kingdom":

"Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom it is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of God. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it" (Matt. 19:11–12).

This sort of celibacy, "for the sake of the kingdom", is a gift, a call that is not granted to all, or even most people, but is granted to some. Other people are called to marriage.

Ultimately, the Catholic priesthood is modeled on the example set by our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus did not marry; He led a celibate life.

55 posted on 12/14/2004 6:26:47 AM PST by NYer ("Blessed be He who by His love has given life to all." - final prayer of St. Charbel)
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