Marriage is not inferior to Celibacy

[Ahimsa]

Let’s inject some “relativism” in here. (I know “relativism” is a dirty word in these parts, but bear with me.)

Celibacy is indeed superior…for those who are called to it.

Marriage is indeed superior…for the rest of us.

Celibacy, though, has to be defined as “celibacy in thought, feeling, word, and deed”. That is the only true celibacy. Anything else is the work of a poseur.

 

[Verbum_Caro]

I think the appropriate canon from Trent actually might read:

Canon X. If any one saith, that the marriage state is to be placed above the state of virginity, or of celibacy, and that it is **not **better and more blessed to remain in virginity, or in celibacy, than to be united in matrimony; let him be anathema.

Anyone have a good hard copy to verify this?

Assuming it is correct, then the canon can be restated as “It is better and more blessed to remain in virginity, or in celibacy, than to be united in matrimony.”

VC

 

[Verbum_Caro]

Well, I think I’ve settled the matter of the accuracy of my Trent quote.

The encyclical SACRA VIRGINITAS 32. cites to Canon X of Trent, and the only way the citation makes sense is if my above quote from Trent is the correct one.

From Sacra Virginitas:

This doctrine of the excellence of virginity and of celibacy and of their superiority over the married state was, as We have already said, revealed by our Divine Redeemer and by the Apostle of the Gentiles; so too, it was solemnly defined as a dogma of divine faith by the holy council of Trent, and explained in the same way by all the holy Fathers and Doctors of the Church. Finally, We and Our Predecessors have often expounded it and earnestly advocated it whenever occasion offered. But recent attacks on this traditional doctrine of the Church, the danger they constitute, and the harm they do to the souls of the faithful lead Us, in fulfillment of the duties of Our charge, to take up the matter once again in this Encyclical Letter, and to reprove these errors which are so often propounded under a specious appearance of truth.

The whole enyclical is rather illuminating.

VC

 

[Atemi]

Well, I think I’ve settled the matter of the accuracy of my Trent quote.

The encyclical SACRA VIRGINITAS 32. cites to Canon X of Trent, and the only way the citation makes sense is if my above quote from Trent is the correct one.

From Sacra Virginitas:

The whole enyclical is rather illuminating.

VC

Wow.

Not only does Trent say that celibacy is better than marriage (for all), but the encyclical declares that this is a dogma of the Catholic Church.

That is good for at least another few threads. I never heard that was a dogma of the RCC. I will check out my sources to see if they have it down as a dogma as well.

This is very eye opening. Good job on the research.

…

 

[Johndigger]

Good job Verbum Caro, I did wonder about the first Trent quote myself but I assumed I was probably wrong.

Nice one. I guess that settles it.

JD

 

[dianeeh]

So the goal of superior theology is the willful, deliberate complete and abrupt end of the human race?

LOL! No, different people are called to different vocations. Those called to marriage have the duty to reaffirm their marriage vows through what the church delicately refers to as “the marital act” and having as many children as God will bless them with. There is no birth control. Controlling life and death is God’s job.

That said, it is considered superior to be celibate because 1) It is considered very holy to give up everything on Earth and skip right to complete and utter devotion to God on Earth (See Matthew 19:21), before you even get to Heaven. 2) Many people find it difficult and don’t want to do it. 3) In the beginning of Matthew chapter 19, Jesus gives His teaching on marriage. In verses 11 and 12, He points out that there are those “who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”

 

[HailMary]

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were all celibate, I think that speaks for itself!

 

[Mannyfit75]

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were all celibate, I think that speaks for itself!

People failed to see that, especially who wants priest to marry.

 

[LittleDeb]

LOL! No, different people are called to different vocations. Those called to marriage have the duty to reaffirm their marriage vows through what the church delicately refers to as “the marital act” and having as many children as God will bless them with. There is no birth control. Controlling life and death is God’s job.

So well put! I am on a crusade to get rid of the term, “birth control.” It is a secular term coined and made popular by Planned Parenthood! They termed it that way to include both abortion AND celibacy under their horrible umbrella term. God might only be blessing us with 2 children, but if that is HIS plan then I am all for it.

That said, it is considered superior to be celibate because 1) It is considered very holy to give up everything on Earth and skip right to complete and utter devotion to God on Earth (See Matthew 19:21), before you even get to Heaven. 2) Many people find it difficult and don’t want to do it. 3) In the beginning of Matthew chapter 19, Jesus gives His teaching on marriage. In verses 11 and 12, He points out that there are those “who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”

Again, well put. This is exactly what our late Holy Father spoke of. Celibates “skip” over earthly marriage to engage in the divine marriage of Christ and His Church instead.