Questions regarding our faith (CC)

[Poof]

1. Is it true that once upon a time Catholic priests were allowed to get married and were not required to live a life of chastity. A friend of mine told me that the priest’s oath to celibacy was a later addition, 300 AD or so.
2. Why are a few old testament verses not followed such as the stoning of children or this other thing about long hair (I forgot). How do I respond to non-Christians regarding this issue? Is the proper response, the bible is not to be taken literally? Or am I getting it wrong?
3. Correct me if I’m wrong but as Catholics, only the first two chapters of genesis are to be taken literally.

Thanks.

 

[Church_Militant]

1. Is it true that once upon a time Catholic priests were allowed to get married and were not required to live a life of chastity. A friend of mine told me that the priest’s oath to celibacy was a later addition, 300 AD or so.

There was a time when celibacy was not the discipline that we have today, but your friend is wrong about when it was mandated. Check out my blog article called, Priestly celibacy is unBiblical. NOT!

1. Why are a few old testament verses not followed such as the stoning of children or this other thing about long hair (I forgot). How do I respond to non-Christians regarding this issue? Is the proper response, the bible is not to be taken literally? Or am I getting it wrong?

Well, do you see Jesus stoning anyone in the Gospels? Especially children?

Long hair is from the letters of St. Paul and was a discipline as shown in 1st Corinthians 11:14] Does not nature itself teach you that for a man to wear long hair is degrading to him, 15] but if a woman has long hair, it is her pride? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16] If any one is disposed to be contentious, we recognize no other practice, nor do the churches of God.

Disciplines can change.

1. Correct me if I’m wrong but as Catholics, only the first two chapters of genesis are to be taken literally.

Thanks.

Wherever did you get that notion? Are you saying that we only believe in a literal 6 day creation? If so you are both right and wrong as was discussed to death in a very recent thread here on CAF. Here’s the link…Re: Doctrine on Adam and Eve?

You’ve come to the right place to get answers to your questions. You might take a look at the Faith Tracts in the CA online Library and maybe use the QUICK SEARCH feature to locate info on anything else you need help with.

God’s peace.

 

[RebeccaJ]

1. Why are a few old testament verses not followed such as the stoning of children or this other thing about long hair (I forgot). How do I respond to non-Christians regarding this issue? Is the proper response, the bible is not to be taken literally? Or am I getting it wrong?

.

Hello Poof, in regards to the 613 mitzvot, St. Paul teaches in Galatians:

[BIBLEDRB]Galatians 2:15-16[/BIBLEDRB]

In other words, we are not Jews who are justified by the Law. As Christians, we believe Jesus fulfilled the Law. The Law having the purpose to perfect the Jews and bring them to righteousness, this purpose is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We are perfected and brought to the Father in holiness by Him, through Him and with Him.

Paul goes on to teach:

[BIBLEDRB]Galatians 5:14[/BIBLEDRB]

 

[Poof]

thanks a lot for the replies, i’ve been really busy the past couple of days but now im back and i just wanted to thank you guys for your posts.