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To: Dagnabitt; Salvation; NYer

Okay, here’s your argument.

“Celibacy excludes normal men”

Ergo, “celibacy” implies “not normal.”

“Requiring celibacy” implies “a greater number of deviants,” in your eyes.

In the eyes of the world, celibacy is abnormal, true. To the world, it doesn’t make sense for men to sacrifice the act of sexual congress for the sake of a consecrated life. But why is that a bad thing? Was Paul an abnormal deviant for advocating (and living) the consecrated life? Was he wrong to say that if one could handle it, one should aspire to it (that “if” is very important; celibacy is not for everyone)?

Christ Himself was celibate, fully human despite his equally Divine nature, tempted in all the ways that humans can be, and yet He emerged sinless; are those who aspire faithfully to the priesthood not called to emulate Christ in all things? Is the celibate life inherently unnatural if Christ lived it?

Secondly, you implicitly assume that “Married clergy” implies “less deviants”. The data for Catholicism - given its centralized, global nature - makes it an easier target whenever a priest falls prey to temptation, but you cannot then make the assumption that other denominations have fewer problems amongst their own clergy. Consider that the position of clergy, regardless of denomination, places one in a position of authority with ready access to vulnerable people. Married or not married, that access is a constant, and will attract predators regardless of denomination or their marital status.

The crimes of those who have donned the priestly vestments must indeed be condemned and rectified, absolutely. But to make the argument that the requirement for celibacy actively invites abnormal deviants - indeed, that to aspire for consecrated celibacy implies that you are “not normal” - is not only ludicrous, but illogical as well.


33 posted on 02/11/2016 7:32:16 PM PST by Ultra Sonic 007 (Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst.)
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To: Ultra Sonic 007

**“Celibacy excludes normal men”**

This is not true. There are priests who go hunting, fishing, enjoy science detail, etc.

Where are you getting this strange idea?


34 posted on 02/11/2016 9:25:15 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Ultra Sonic 007

**In the eyes of the world,**

The devil owns the world.

Priests are focused on leading their congregations to Christ and eternal life.


35 posted on 02/11/2016 9:26:40 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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