[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

One could add to that that the church's teachings on sexuality face more complicated and difficult cultural and ideological circumstances in contemporary American society than perhaps they once did. Divorce, abortion, promiscuity, teen pregnancy, homosexuality, etc. have undergone transformations in the popular imagination. Things are accepted today which were more frowned upon in the past. (I know these have all existed in some form in the past, etc.). No romantic mysticism implied.

I think it is just valid to point out that about half of all marriages end in something less than bliss in today's sex-obsessed society. The idea that being able to marry ends the sexual psychodrama for most men and women (or for clergy)just doesn't square with the facts. And I think this is one proplem with the hydraulic plumbing theory approach to sex. It's not just about the release of a build up of tension (which seems to be the idea some of the critics of celibacy argue). I know of no adult male that I know socially or personally who goes looking at male teens for that.

[eastsider]

The idea that being able to marry ends the sexual psychodrama for most men and women (or for clergy)just doesn't square with the facts.

Faced with the facts of modern marriage and family life, celibacy for laity and clergy alike begins to look quite attractive! : )