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I agree..I have read that the requirement for priests to be unmarried
was based on; as are so many religious traditions; more common and earth bound reasoning. In this case, the cost of supporting a married priest and his offspring was seen as asking too much from poor congregations. But of course, the papacy grew wealthy and eventually very powerful from holding onto tithing proceeds. It makes one wonder, since as you state, there isn't really a biblical call for this state of affairs. I think perhaps it would be good for priests to be acknowledged and accepted as human beings capable of legitimate relationships and also related to as family personages who know of what they speak - it is strange to be advised on marital issues by someone who is denied experiencing the institution themselves. All this mystique seems to accomplish is a veil of arrogance over the outrageous, horrible crimes against children that have been committed and then covered up.
Thought evoking post! 
posted by
Katray2
on April 26, 2010 at 9:41 AM
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Re:
Thanks for your comment, shobana. My reading, and the reading of pretty much every non-RC Christian, of St. Paul's recommendation of each Bishop being the husband of one wife, is precisely as stated.
Any analogy to the marriage of Christ to His Church does not apply to individuals, but is similar to the "jealous lover" YHWH and His Chosen People, Israel. Moreover, the Church is Christ's representative on earth, so the Pope cannot be "married to the Church" anymore than any one Christian can be. And if the Popes are saying that they are married to Christ, then they had best be consistent and endorse homosexuality in general or, since Paul was telling the Bishops to be the husbands, declare Christ the wife. The absurdity of the Papal position is palpable.
Further, the recommendation is about Bishops and not priests. The Pope, in claiming that it applies to priests, is asserting that there is no distinction between the two, that each priest is a bishop and therefore of equal apostolic authority with all other Bishops, and thus with the Pope.
And Paul, in discussing celibacy for Christians generally, was very practical in saying that it was better to be married than to burn with passion for one's friend. This advice applies to ALL Christians including the priests and the bishops, including the Pope.
Finally, Peter, upon whom the Popes assert their special authority, has nothing to say on the matter.
A celibacy requirement for Christian priests is therefore unscriptural and, indeed, anti-scriptural.
posted by
cpklapper
on April 21, 2010 at 4:16 AM
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Hi Carl, I think it is about time too the church restructure some of their traditions to meet with the current times. In the first instance, when taking up priestly vows, the priest has to adhere to all the rules pertaining to being a priest. If celibacy is one of them, then they should simply be able to withstand any temptation given that they know what they are getting into. It is a crying shame to see what is happening to the faith. There are beginning of changes like introducing deacons but deacons are not fully authorized to handle the obligations of a priest and that is sad. I suppose it is because he is married. It will be a long time yet for the pope to consider a married priest I think but then again even in the other denominations, being married does not stop the priest from taking advantage and having affairs. So I don't know, I think it depends on the individual and how strong their endurance level is. Thank you for the visit and comment.
posted by
shobana
on April 20, 2010 at 2:44 PM
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