Paul's views on celibacy; and poverty

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Two questions:
  1. St. Paul seems to believe that, although marriage is sanctified, celibacy is preferable for those able. I’m having a difficult time understanding the concept that a calling to the priesthood or a monastery is only given by God to some. Intellectually, I keep arriving at the conclusion that if one simply realizes as Paul does that being unwed is better than being wed, and one feels like one can achieve this, one should do it. I have read quotes from Church fathers that seem to support this, where one Church father (I forgot who) says that those who are celibate have a treasure in gold while those who are married have a treasure in silver.
Show me where I’m wrong on this?
  1. My second question regards money and one who, for example, joins a monastery. As I understand it monks give up their possessions. Is the act of becoming a monk and taking a vow of poverty akin to declaring bankruptcy and thus relieving one of financial debts? (i.e. paying off a college loan)
 
ESimmons said:
Two questions:
  1. St. Paul seems to believe that, although marriage is sanctified, celibacy is preferable for those able. I’m having a difficult time understanding the concept that a calling to the priesthood or a monastery is only given by God to some. Intellectually, I keep arriving at the conclusion that if one simply realizes as Paul does that being unwed is better than being wed, and one feels like one can achieve this, one should do it. I have read quotes from Church fathers that seem to support this, where one Church father (I forgot who) says that those who are celibate have a treasure in gold while those who are married have a treasure in silver.
Show me where I’m wrong on this?

I am not sure I am following you. A calling to celibacy does not automatically mean you are called to be a priest. From the way my bishop tells us, there are four vocations: holy orders, marriage, religious life, and single celibate life. So, if you feel like you can handle celibacy, then by all means live the celibate life. It is a wonderful way to live.
  1. My second question regards money and one who, for example, joins a monastery. As I understand it monks give up their possessions. Is the act of becoming a monk and taking a vow of poverty akin to declaring bankruptcy and thus relieving one of financial debts? (i.e. paying off a college loan)
The IRS recognizes the vow of poverty. However, in terms of financial debt, you simply can’t push it off. Some orders will pay off certain debts, usually student loans. Other will not. I am not aware of any order that pays off all debts. If you have debts, you’ll find it easier to join an order if those debts are only student loans. If you have other debts, you’ll probably have to pay them off. I don’t know anythig about bankruptcy so I can’t really advise you on that. I hope this helps.
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ESimmons said:
Two questions:
  1. St. Paul seems to believe that, although marriage is sanctified, celibacy is preferable for those able. I’m having a difficult time understanding the concept that a calling to the priesthood or a monastery is only given by God to some. Intellectually, I keep arriving at the conclusion that if one simply realizes as Paul does that being unwed is better than being wed, and one feels like one can achieve this, one should do it. I have read quotes from Church fathers that seem to support this, where one Church father (I forgot who) says that those who are celibate have a treasure in gold while those who are married have a treasure in silver.
Show me where I’m wrong on this?
Click to expand...
Vocations come in different flavors. This may be how you hear it. There is no one right answer. Generally, one does feel that God wants one to DO this.
  1. My second question regards money and one who, for example, joins a monastery. As I understand it monks give up their possessions. Is the act of becoming a monk and taking a vow of poverty akin to declaring bankruptcy and thus relieving one of financial debts? (i.e. paying off a college loan)
Click to expand...
Not on your life. Most communities require that you be debt free. There is an organization (can’t remember who they are) who will pick up college loans for those trying a vocation, but should the candidate leave the community, he/she is responsible for paying it.
 
mercygate said:
There is an organization (can’t remember who they are) who will pick up college loans for those trying a vocation, but should the candidate leave the community, he/she is responsible for paying it.
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Anyone recall the name of this organization?
 
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