Comments on: Catholics: Where in the Bible says priests should not marry?

By: Misty

Misty — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

The priests are following the example of Christ.
The priest is the sacramental presence of Christ, and therefore, are "in persona Christi," meaning in the person of Christ. Are celibate because he was.
Some people are called to the vocation of marriage and some are called to other vocations. The Bible also says that ALL people must be married and have kids.
In fact, Jesus says in Matthew 19:12 "Because some men are celibate, from birth, while others are celibate because they have made that way by others. And others are celibate because they have made themselves that way for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Someone who can accept this. " (International Standard Version). Http: / / http://www.catholic.com / library / Celibacy …

By: KAL

KAL — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

Chapter I Corinthians 7, Paul said that in his opinion it was better than a man to be alone as he did. The reason he gave was double … is easier (marriage is difficult) and allows a person to devote all his (or her) time to the Lord instead of being divided between God and family. The Church evidently decided that if a man wanted to engage the service of the Lord as a priest, it would be better if it were fully dedicated to that service, as Paul was totally dedicated to the ministry.
In other words, the Bible does not suggest that priests should not be married … simply suggests that the decision to remain single is better for a man (or woman) who wants to dedicate his life to the church.

By: J.P.

J.P. — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

The Catholic Church has had a major problem during the feudal era in Europe - the sons of the priest were trying to reclaim his father's titles and lands (which were never technically the father). This meant that children were uneducated thinking that deserves the power station and the land was not theirs to claim.
The hierarchy decided to stop the theft by the legacy of simply prohibiting marriage, nullifying heirs of a priest. This also ensures that the priests were the priests of education and dedication, not because his father was a priest before them.
Was a necessary step at the time, however, the Bible is absolutely clear that no man shall be called to be a bishop for not being married, with children, and being known as an upright family.

By: Marie Thérèse

Marie Thérèse — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

Nowhere. You know, there are twenty-something in the rites of the Catholic Church, and only the Latin (Roman) rite is celibate priests, and not always so. There is nothing wrong with the clergy to marry, but over the years, it becomes beneficial for some reasons. There are financial reasons, but in this day and age, I do not think it would be a problem. But there is also the problem of being a 24 / 7 priest always available with a starvation wage trying to support his wife and family. The family is too hard and not fair to his (hypothetical).
However, Jesus spoke of people who renounce marriage for the sake of the kingdom of God, so that there is nothing wrong with being single. (Matthew 19:12). Priestly celibacy is something I can go in any direction, to be honest. There are good and bad reasons for each position.

By: tenaciou

tenaciou — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

Not so. It is a rule made by the Catholic Church and could be changed at any time, even according to its own rules. For many years could get married priests and Orthodox Christians that still have married priests. The only biblical reason for it, is that Christ was celibate priests must be like Christ as much as possible.

By: Thucydid

Thucydid — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

The Catholic Church founded by our Lord Jesus Christ, while living on earth, compiled the Bible, and if you do not know that, then you do not know the story. The Catholic Church compiled the Bible, to decide which books were inspired and which were not, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit Himself that our Lord Jesus Christ promised St. Peter (the first Pope) and the apostles (whose successors are the bishops of today) who guides the Church was founded, until he came again in glory at the end of the world. You are acting as if the Holy Spirit is no longer present in the Church of Christ founded. A true Christian can not believe that if you do, your faith is empty. Priestly celibacy, a promise not to marry, is only one discipline of the Church. Although it has existed for thousands of years, the Pope, guided by the Holy Spirit, could decide tomorrow that is not to serve people the best way to discipline and remove the (very unlikely, of course). Disciplines can be changed, it's doctrines, the truths of faith by the revelation that never change. Indeed, St. Paul clearly is best for the true servants of God not to marry, rather than read the New Testament again!
P.S. Just to clear up another seemingly common error repeated by others here: regular priests, like those at most of the parishes of his diocese, not to take the votes of all and certainly not a vow of poverty. Only priests, sisters and brothers in religious orders take vows (poverty, chastity, obedience). Secular (diocesan) priests do two solemn promises not to marry and obey his bishop. Although their salaries and compensation is not much, are free to maintain what assets they have accumulated prior coordination and what benefits could arise from these or legacies in the future, just like you and me. Since the working hours so long and hard for the people of God, however, is unlikely to make any money out once they become priests, but it is sheer ignorance to criticize them to enjoy the comforts of healthy living to do so.

By: Born-Again Catholic

Born-Again Catholic — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

Jesus never married.
Paul never married.
Priests are not rabbis.
And the Church decided that, as a matter of discipline (not doctrine), this would be the norm for priests. However, we have married priests - clergy converts from other denominations. So it is not an absolute.

By: scott b

scott b — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

It does not say that. There is a theological question. Rather, it is for the discipline of the church. A parish priest in the RCC works 80-90 hours a week, and with that kind of schedule, you can not care for a family. (Incidentally, I am not RC). Indeed, Paul says that is better (for those not) to marry if they can celebate, but "it is better to marry than to burn". (1 Corinthians 7:9). Paul did not mince words.

By: darla

darla — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

Why do people always ask "Where in the Bible .."?
I understand they want deeds and things, but many of the traditional Catholic beliefs are. not everything is clearly stated in the Bible.

By: gismoII

gismoII — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:41 +0000

It is primarily a discipline that is designed for the priest to devote full time to his parish family without the distraction of a wife and children.