Celibacy

The Catholic Thing ^ | June 22, 2014 | Kristina Johannes

[boatbums]

This bears out St. Paul’s basic concern that to be married is to be distracted from the spiritual:

Paul's words had a context and it is certain that he was NOT advising every believer to remain unmarried, else there would soon be nothing but clergy and no families to raise in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Here's what Paul was talking about:

Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs — how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife - and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world — how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. (I Cor. 7:25-35)

Christians were being persecuted and killed, Paul said that because of this, it was better for a man to remain unmarried if he was called to be a traveling missionary preaching the gospel as having a family could impact his freedom to move. It really had NOTHING to do with preventing a person from being "spiritual" or doing what God has created him to do.

Celibacy was NOT a discipline of the early church but was brought into the Roman Catholic church to protect church assets from being passed down to families. No family, nobody to inherit property. And, as you said, less cost transferring a single man than him, his wife and children. It was not, however, a discipline the early church leaders practiced.

[CynicalBear]

Paul puts it plainly enough for all to understand yet the RCC does the direct opposite. Just another clue as to the falsehood that is the RCC.

[boatbums]

That's funny, because I NEVER see you grammar or spell check the FRoman Catholics’ posts. Are you actually admitting that you intentionally nit pick and attack those with whom you doctrinally disagree and take opportunities to mock, deride and “take down a peg or two” over minor nits??? I always knew you did that, but to see you admit it is, I guess, the first step towards repentance and allowing God to mend that negative character trait. I'll pray for you.

[boatbums]

I did, the spin is all yours, baby!

[Salvation]

So great to be called a grammar Nazi, huh?

I guess it’s the teacher in us. LOL!

[Salvation]

So great to be called a grammar Nazi, huh? <sarc off

I guess it’s the teacher in us. LOL!

[Salvation]

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mt 5:3-12)

It’s OK according to Jesus.

[verga]

PLEASE tell me you know the difference between “eunuchs” and “celibates”???!!!

Eunuchs have their "accessories" physically removed generally referred to as castration. Celibates abstain from marriage and/ or sexual relations as a matter of choice.

[Elsie]

That’s CAPTAIN Obvious: at your service!

[Elsie]

And good one it was!

[Elsie]

Any man applying for the priesthood must undergo a two day psychological exam. His parents are interviewed. His priest is interviewed. Friends are interviewed. And it goes on from there.

Indeed!

Just like Peter was!

[Elsie]

Likewise...

...people who live in stone houses shouldn’t throw glass.

[verga]

I believe that you should be directing a majority of your rant at the other person you addressed.

[Salvation]

LOL!

[Elsie]

The gospels never mention her, just the Mother in law. No one can for certain one way or the other.

Too bad the other unique Catholic non-biblical doctrines are not subject to this.

[verga]

I consider the source and give it all the consideration it is due, which is darn little if any.

[Argus]

The Golden Rule.

[Elsie]

It's a two way street.

TWoway?

Perhaps; but DEFINITELY a TOLL road!

(And they ALL lead to Rome!)

[Elsie]

Don't you KNOW that the Greek word for MIL can ALSO mean EX/former mil???

Keep the faith; cousin!

[SpirituTuo]

Thanks for the Scripture, but nobody made the claim celibacy was a discipline of the early church.