Alright, though I know this is going to turn into a debate over religion, could someone give me an easy answer as to why priests and/or other religious clergy (or whatnot) are required to be celibate?

that's it, simple question...

..and......go.

11/23/2005 4:09:42 PM

Because when you're clergy you effectively marry yourself to the church, and through it, to God.

Really not all that complicated.

11/23/2005 4:45:11 PM

watch out though, god isn't very good in bed

11/23/2005 4:47:09 PM

Luckily the catholic church doesn't mind if you cheat on her with little boys

11/23/2005 4:59:21 PM

according to Martin Luther's writings it's not written in scripture that priests must be celebate.

from what I understand, it's just cannon law. it's along the same line as many of our laws. they're in place simply because either the people/leaders want them there or they've always been there and nobody sees fit to change laws that have existed for so long.

11/23/2005 5:19:25 PM

^

11/27/2005 8:51:46 PM

^^99% of beliefs unique to Catholics can't be found in scripture, either.

Hence the reformation.




[Edited on November 27, 2005 at 9:39 PM. Reason : ^^]

11/27/2005 9:38:57 PM

I don't understand why they're so strict about it; the Catholic Church originally implimented celibacy so that priests wouldn't reproduce and pass on church holdings to their children. This wasn't even implimented until about one thousand years into church history, so it's not like it's a core doctrine.

11/27/2005 10:43:08 PM

i'm married to god

11/27/2005 10:47:27 PM

when did they add celibacy to the rules?

11/27/2005 10:49:11 PM

Quote :

"I don't understand why they're so strict about it; the Catholic Church originally implimented celibacy so that priests wouldn't reproduce and pass on church holdings to their children. This wasn't even implimented until about one thousand years into church history, so it's not like it's a core doctrine."

While you're right about the origins of it, the most cited theological reason for it is that Jesus was single (and by implication, celibate...take issue if you want) and they're following that in their quest. Also, if they're married, they have less time to devote to their mission.

11/27/2005 11:36:06 PM

Quote :

"the most cited theological reason for it is that Jesus was single"

wait. can I laugh now? I mean, most religious texts say NOTHING about Jesus's marital status. Having read through the NT a couple times, I can conclusively say that I have seen absolutely nothing that says, one way or the other, if Jesus was married. I know the Catholic Bible has more stuff in it, and I'll admit that I have never read any of the things in said Bible which are not in the Protestant Bible, so maybe they have a different take on it.

However, most of the speculation that I have heard on the topic suggests that Jesus likely had a family... So, while it may be a "theological argument," it holds about as much weight as the literal "theological argument" concerning creation. Namely, none.

11/28/2005 1:20:40 AM

Quote :

"99% of beliefs unique to Catholics can't be found in scripture, either. Hence the reformation"

nice oversimplification

11/28/2005 1:39:35 AM

made up rules from a made up religion based on a made up story. Don't act surprised.

11/28/2005 1:50:12 AM

[Edited on November 28, 2005 at 2:24 AM. Reason : well damn someone said it already]

11/28/2005 2:23:28 AM

^^^ It's what I do.

[Edited on November 28, 2005 at 5:35 AM. Reason : ^^^]

11/28/2005 5:35:09 AM

wasn't peter, the original Pope, married?

11/28/2005 8:12:34 AM

Quote :

"However, most of the speculation that I have heard on the topic suggests that Jesus likely had a family... So, while it may be a "theological argument," it holds about as much weight as the literal "theological argument" concerning creation. Namely, none."

Actually, no. THere is no reason to believe Jesus had a family or wife. Its plausible for him to have had one but there is nothing to suggest he did and definitely not a detail that would have been left out.

11/28/2005 1:00:27 PM

why wouldn't it have been left out? Why were all the books that we don't see now, left out?

I'm not saying he did have a wife or family or even just a little ass on the side. If Jesus did or did not want to get freaky, that's not my buisness. I'm just saying, your personal opinion that it wouldn't be left outis irrelevant.

11/28/2005 1:07:10 PM

Quote :

" but there is nothing to suggest he did "

he often traveled with a woman and child
so...

11/28/2005 1:08:19 PM

Quote :

"the Catholic Church originally implimented celibacy so that priests wouldn't reproduce and pass on church holdings to their children"

11/28/2005 1:27:44 PM

Quote :

"why wouldn't it have been left out? Why were all the books that we don't see now, left out? "

People disagree over their authenticity, assuming you mean the gnostic texts. You have gospels with fairly detailed descriptions of Christ's teachings and final days but not a single reference to family/wife.

Quote :

"he often traveled with a woman and child so..."

Numerous women traveled with and followed Jesus, not to mention the apostles. So...

Marriage is an important concept in Jewish and Christian teaching (more so than people realize) and with the detail offered into his life there most defiitely would be more said about a wife or child to the Messiah.

11/28/2005 2:02:01 PM