Originally Quoted by RobNY:
This is more of a cultural problem then a problem with the celibate priesthood, specific to our modern culture especially. In the past the problem of having a large amount of homosexuals in the priesthood simply didn’t exist, so it can’t be a problem with the celibate priesthood in particular.
I am not sure if we can ascertain one way or another how many homosexuals existed in the priesthood in the past. If human beings were the same in nature as they are now, then I imagine that there were some problems, even if it were not explicitly because of the mandatory celibate priesthood.
When you say “culture” I presume that you mean “secular culture.” There is also “Catholic culture,” which has its own traditions and often interacts with “secular culture.”
I also think your logic is invalid on these grounds: the Orthodox take all of their bishops from the celibate. If this problem with homosexuals is indicitive of the celibate clergy, then how come the Orthodox bishops don’t have the problem as well? Note, I realize the priesthood in general isn’t, but you would expect the bishops which have this rule enforced to mirror that of the Catholic priesthood which has the rule enforced.
You argue well, and I appreciate your proposition. I am sure that the Orthodox have some incidents of homosexual priests. Please don’t think that I’m trying to limit this problem simply with a mandatory celibate priesthood. To be honest, I probably over-stated this as a “problem,” since it can be found in the mandatory monastic celibacy, too. But here’s what I was thinking, and perhaps you can give me feedback.
Until recently, Christian culture looked shamefully upon individuals with homosexual tendencies. I would imagine that, given a certain time and historical context, if someone were of this class of individuals, he would be ashamed of himself and might even blame himself for his “disorder.” How might such an individual, especially one who is a devout Christian, cope with the expected sense of religious guilt as well as the fear of being known for one’s genuine feelings? One might think of becoming a Catholic priest, or even a Catholic monk. One would not have to do what is societally expected (marry), and since one could not engage in relations with members of the same sex, one could therefore use the priesthood as a pious vocational alternative to sinful living. Since both priesthood and monastic life mandate celibacy, the orientation of its members is moot to the outside world (it is believed by most on the outside that celibates contain many of a heterosexual orientation as well as homosexual). Whatever the orientation, the religious image dominates and pales those things considered disordered. Now, a traditional monastic lifestyle often requires many sacrafices: rules of silence, long hours of prayers, fasting, etc. While these are ideals for all Christians, not all Christians can perform these monastic duties to the maximum. While the priesthood still demands much in terms of parish and spiritual duties, more Christians can do these. So, if we assume that the majority of homosexuals are like many human beings who are incapable of a more complete sacrafice, then we can safely assume that more of them would be attracted to the priesthood than strictly monastic life. Whatever the individual enters, he feels vindicated to a degree and, rather than receive ignominy from a Christian culture which holds homosexuality as base, is held in high esteem for his vocation to God.
Now, you are correct in alluding to the cultural problem. Today, I see numerous conflicts, between “secular culture” and “Catholic/Christian culture,” which greatly varies in qualities.
So, perhaps the (relatively minor) problem I was speaking about, does not have as much force today because of “secular culture.” Then again, what if what was “Catholic/Christian culture” is strongly affected by “secular culture” to a degree that the latter’s spirituality and traditions are significantly compromised? Would such a hybrid culture say that homosexuality is ok and therefore would everyday Catholics as well as bishops thus lower the pressure against it, thereby allowing a greater number of individuals with homosexual tendencies to visibly enter Church ministry?
