[RobbyS]

Celibacy is not unbiblical, just unjewish, if by Jewish one refers to the norms that developed in the 2nd Century and following. But in the first century we have the Essenes and, of course, the Baptist--and Jesus. How common was it for a Jewish man approaching middle age not to be married? Not as uncommon as you seem to think.

[DallasMike]

Celibacy is not unbiblical, just unjewish, if by Jewish one refers to the norms that developed in the 2nd Century and following. But in the first century we have the Essenes and, of course, the Baptist--and Jesus. How common was it for a Jewish man approaching middle age not to be married? Not as uncommon as you seem to think.

Did I say that celibacy was uncommon? Last time I checked, 1 Corinthians was in the New Testament, not the old. No one is arguing against celibacy, just against requiring it of the clergy. Such a thing is a human law, not a divine law.

[Aquinasfan]

Celibacy is not unbiblical, just unjewish, if by Jewish one refers to the norms that developed in the 2nd Century and following. But in the first century we have the Essenes and, of course, the Baptist--and Jesus.

I also believe that Temple priests were required to abstain for certain periods of time, a foreshadowing of Catholic priestly celibacy.