Very Confused About Priest Celibacy Requirement

[LiberalPrincess]

Humans are sexual beings, hard wired. Its a “gift from God”, we are told and to be utilized in marriage. Fine. So how can priests and nuns reject a gift from God? To me, the Celibacy rule seems so unfair, contrary to human nature, and dare I say unjust?

I am ignorant about the Church justifications of celibacy. Can someone please explain clearly the rationale for such a requirement?

Regards.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

catholic.com/magazine/articles/why-a-celibate-priesthood
“Why a Celibate Priesthood?”

catholic.com/tracts/celibacy-and-the-priesthood
“Celibacy and the Priesthood”

 

[malphono]

This thread doesn’t seem to have a place in the “vocations” sub-forum.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

This thread doesn’t seem to have a place in the “vocations” sub-forum.

Sorry. didn’t know where to ask my question. Can a moderator move this to the correct forum?

 

[Loving_disciple]

Humans are sexual beings, hard wired. Its a “gift from God”, we are told and to be utilized in marriage. Fine. So how can priests and nuns reject a gift from God? To me, the Celibacy rule seems so unfair, contrary to human nature, and dare I say unjust?

I am ignorant about the Church justifications of celibacy. Can someone please explain clearly the rationale for such a requirement?

Regards.

Priest and religious people are called aside to a leadership role. In this role one is married to the Church to say. So having a relationship with anyone else is not allowed. Also about the year 500 this was started as a tradition and a way of disciple to Christ so one would not focus more on family

 

[John_Martin]

Here are some things St. Thomas Aquinas had to say about this. But, as a note: as Catholics we are “obedient” to Church teaching, and our questions should be like “I don’t understand the reasoning of the celibacy of the Religious; would you explain it so I agree not only with my obedience, but also, if possible, agree in my understanding?” Saying something from the teachings of the Church is “unfair” is not the sign of trusting the Church: can you really be saying “I believe in the holy catholic church, but it is unfair”? Our belief in the Church is an Unqualified “I believe in the holy catholic church”

Aquinas:
Chastity takes its name from the fact that reason “chastises” concupiscence, which, like a child, needs curbing, as the Philosopher states (Ethic. iii, 12). Now the essence of human virtue consists in being something moderated by reason, as shown above (FS, Q[64], A[1]). Therefore it is evident that chastity is a virtue.

According to Jerome (Contra Jovin. i) the error of Jovinian consisted in holding virginity not to be preferable to marriage. This error is refuted above all by the example of Christ Who both chose a virgin for His mother, and remained Himself a virgin, and by the teaching of the Apostle who (1 Cor. 7) counsels virginity as the greater good. It is also refuted by reason, both because a Divine good takes precedence of a human good, and because the good of the soul is preferable to the good of the body, and again because the good of the contemplative life is better than that of the active life. Now virginity is directed to the good of the soul in respect of the contemplative life, which consists in thinking “on the things of God” [Vulg.: ‘the Lord’], whereas marriage is directed to the good of the body, namely the bodily increase of the human race, and belongs to the active life, since the man and woman who embrace the married life have to think “on the things of the world,” as the Apostle says (1 Cor. 7:34). Without doubt therefore virginity is preferable to conjugal continence.

The religious state requires the removal of whatever hinders man from devoting himself entirely to God’s service. Now the use of sexual union hinders the mind from giving itself wholly to the service of God, and this for two reasons. First, on account of its vehement delectation, which by frequent repetition increases concupiscence, as also the Philosopher observes (Ethic. iii, 12): and hence it is that the use of venery withdraws the mind from that perfect intentness on tending to God. Augustine expresses this when he says (Solil. i, 10): “I consider that nothing so casts down the manly mind from its height as the fondling of women, and those bodily contacts which belong to the married state.” Secondly, because it involves man in solicitude for the control of his wife, his children, and his temporalities which serve for their upkeep. Hence the Apostle says (1 Cor. 7:32,33): “He that is without a wife is solicitous for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please God: but he that is with a wife is solicitous for the things of the world, how he may please his wife.”
Therefore perpetual continence, as well as voluntary poverty, is requisite for religious perfection. Wherefore just as Vigilantius was condemned for equaling riches to poverty, so was Jovinian condemned for equaling marriage to virginity.

John Martin

 

[bzkoss236]

Humans are sexual beings, hard wired. Its a “gift from God”, we are told and to be utilized in marriage. Fine. So how can priests and nuns reject a gift from God? To me, the Celibacy rule seems so unfair, contrary to human nature, and dare I say unjust?

I am ignorant about the Church justifications of celibacy. Can someone please explain clearly the rationale for such a requirement?

Regards.

Both Christ and St.Paul promote celibacy in the bible, saying that those who can remain celibate should, and those who can’t should marry. Marriage and sex are a gift from God, but so is the strength to remain celibate.

 

[St_Francis]

Humans are sexual beings, hard wired. Its a “gift from God”, we are told and to be utilized in marriage. Fine. So how can priests and nuns reject a gift from God? To me, the Celibacy rule seems so unfair, contrary to human nature, and dare I say unjust?

I am ignorant about the Church justifications of celibacy. Can someone please explain clearly the rationale for such a requirement?

Regards.

How is it unjust or unfair for someone to give up a good for a better good? Religious give up family relationships to deepen their relationship with God, and they do it voluntarily. I can’t see why you would call it unfair or unjust anymore than the idea that a married person should not dally with someone else.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

Priest and religious people are called aside to a leadership role. In this role one is married to the Church to say. So having a relationship with anyone else is not allowed. Also about the year 500 this was started as a tradition and a way of disciple to Christ so one would not focus more on family

The celibacy rule might have been compelling during the medieval era, when Priests lived in monasteries to focus entirely on transcribing the Bible, lighting candles, engaging in prayer and tending the gardens from which they eat.

Today, the vast majority of priests do not live in monasteries. The Celibacy tradition seems like a relic from the antiquated past.

 

[John_Martin]

The celibacy rule might have been compelling during the medieval era, when Priests lived in monasteries to focus entirely on transcribing the Bible, lighting candles, engaging in prayer and tending the gardens from which they eat.

Today, the vast majority of priests do not live in monasteries. There is no need to withdraw from the world.

Well, I disagree, in principle because I am Catholic and believe in the Church (the it is not given to mistakes in teaching due to the Holy Spirit), and in practical thought because, as a person in the “active life” (marriage, job, family, etc.) I have very little time to devote to pursuit of the understanding of God and my neighbor in reference to God. Only minutes a day are available for contemplative study, prayer, etc.

As a new Catholic, I have found St. Thomas Aquinas, but have only been able to make it through two-thirds of his Summa over the last two years, delighting in every phrase, hungry for more, understanding more at each page, but having to set him aside for the needs of this world that require my focus the majority of the day. I don’t set him aside grudgingly, but rather with the joy that I understand and know the life I am living “actively” more than I ever dreamed understanding.

But I cannot reach the depth of knowing that a Religious can reach. The moments I might spend with a Priest or Religious can be truly productive time because of his focus. If someone spends time with me, they will get some contact with Truth; but if they spend time with a Religious, they tap into a life lived in focus on Truth, on God.

While I embrace my life, I truly am grateful that they embrace theirs and then talk with me about the God they meet in their contemplation and study.

John Martin

 

[Corki]

Humans are sexual beings, hard wired. Its a “gift from God”, we are told and to be utilized in marriage. Fine. So how can priests and nuns reject a gift from God? To me, the Celibacy rule seems so unfair, contrary to human nature, and dare I say unjust?

I am ignorant about the Church justifications of celibacy. Can someone please explain clearly the rationale for such a requirement?

Regards.

Celibacy is also a gift from God to be used in the service of the Church.

A priest (or sister) does not reject his/her sexuality; he/she has only chosen how to use it - either in service to marriage or as celibacy.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

Well, I disagree, in principle because I am Catholic and believe in the Church (the it is not given to mistakes in teaching due to the Holy Spirit), and in practical thought because, as a person in the “active life” (marriage, job, family, etc.) I have very little time to devote to pursuit of the understanding of God and my neighbor in reference to God. Only minutes a day are available for contemplative study, prayer, etc.

As a new Catholic, I have found St. Thomas Aquinas, but have only been able to make it through two-thirds of his Summa over the last two years, delighting in every phrase, hungry for more, understanding more at each page, but having to set him aside for the needs of this world that require my focus the majority of the day. I don’t set him aside grudgingly, but rather with the joy that I understand and know the life I am living “actively” more than I ever dreamed understanding.

But I cannot reach the depth of knowing that a Religious can reach. The moments I might spend with a Priest or Religious can be truly productive time because of his focus. If someone spends time with me, they will get some contact with Truth; but if they spend time with a Religious, they tap into a life lived in focus on Truth, on God.

While I embrace my life, I truly am grateful that they embrace theirs and then talk with me about the God they meet in their contemplation and study.

John Martin

But as I understand it, celibacy is more of a tradition rather than relating to Church dogma or doctrine. The Pope is allowed to change this tradition anytime he wishes.

 

[justice99]

Your post suggests you already have an answer to your questions (unfair, unjust).
Why can’t people just leave the priesthood ALONE?
Where did you learn that humans are sexual beings?
Why would someone be rejecting a particular gift by accepting another.(God doesn’t give everybody same gifts)?

 

[John_Martin]

But as I understand it, celibacy is more of a tradition rather than relating to Church dogma or doctrine. The Pope is allowed to change this tradition anytime he wishes.

Sorry, my break ended; back at work now and can’t talk any longer.

John Martin

 

[po18guy]

Humans are sexual beings, hard wired. Its a “gift from God”, we are told and to be utilized in marriage. Fine. So how can priests and nuns reject a gift from God? To me, the Celibacy rule seems so unfair, contrary to human nature, and dare I say unjust?

I am ignorant about the Church justifications of celibacy. Can someone please explain clearly the rationale for such a requirement?

Regards.

It is viewed by those involved as a gift, and is on the model of Saint Paul (1 Corinthians 7:7-8) and the life of Saint Mary. Please note that each and every soul that enters into such a vow or promise does so voluntarily. Our Lord said that those who follow Him must deny their very selves, and take up their crosses (Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23). Peter noted that he and the Apostles had forsaken everything to follow the Lord (Matthew 19:27, Mark 10:28). Celibacy is but one way of doing so.

Note also a very human characteristic we share which occasionally leads us to be upset over someone else’s living condition when they are fully content with their lives, and would not change a thing. It is not good t impose our desires upon others, correct? We must always remember that membership in the Church is not mandatory - rather is 100% voluntary, and so the conditions of membership - such as marital fidelity - may require us to deny ourselves inasmuch as our inclination may be toward marital infidelity. Is that also unfair or unjust?

 

[Corki]

But as I understand it, celibacy is more of a tradition rather than relating to Church dogma or doctrine. The Pope is allowed to change this tradition anytime he wishes.

Yes, he could. That’s how the Popes have granted exceptions to married men who converted from Protestant congregations and became Catholic priests.

The Popes and Bishops synods have discussed changing the discipline many times. For this age and time, it has been determined that a celibate priesthood is best for the Church. I happen to agree. But it’s discipline, not doctrine, so if you want to disagree, that’s fine too.

 

[bzkoss236]

The celibacy rule might have been compelling during the medieval era, when Priests lived in monasteries to focus entirely on transcribing the Bible, lighting candles, engaging in prayer and tending the gardens from which they eat.

Today, the vast majority of priests do not live in monasteries. The Celibacy tradition seems like a relic from the antiquated past.

It is still useful today, especially given what scripture says about it:

25 Now in regard to virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
26 So this is what I think best because of the present distress: that it is a good thing for a person to remain as he is.
27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a separation. Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife.
28 If you marry, however, you do not sin, nor does an unmarried woman sin if she marries; but such people will experience affliction in their earthly life, and I would like to spare you that.
…
32 I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord.
33 But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife,
34 and he is divided. An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy in both body and spirit. A married woman, on the other hand, is anxious about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
35 I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to impose a restraint upon you, but for the sake of propriety and adherence to the Lord without distraction.
36 If anyone thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, and if a critical moment has come and so it has to be, let him do as he wishes. He is committing no sin; let them get married.
37 The one who stands firm in his resolve, however, who is not under compulsion but has power over his own will, and has made up his mind to keep his virgin, will be doing well.
38 So then, the one who marries his virgin does well; the one who does not marry her will do better.

Or in short: One who is unmarried only has to worry how he can please the Lord, and can therefore work for the Lord in a way that a married person cannot.

 

[Randy_Carson]

Humans are sexual beings, hard wired. Its a “gift from God”, we are told and to be utilized in marriage. Fine. So how can priests and nuns reject a gift from God? To me, the Celibacy rule seems so unfair, contrary to human nature, and dare I say unjust?

I am ignorant about the Church justifications of celibacy. Can someone please explain clearly the rationale for such a requirement?

Regards.

ARTICLES ON CELIBACY

Why a Celibate Priesthood?
by Mark Shea
catholic.com/magazine/articles/why-a-celibate-priesthood

The theological basis for priestly celibacy
By Max Thurian, Theologian
vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_cclergy_doc_01011993_theol_en.html

 

[Church_Militant]

Here’s what the New Testament actually says on this topic.
Priestly celibacy is unBiblical. NOT!

 

[Ignatius]

Humans are sexual beings, hard wired. Its a “gift from God”, we are told and to be utilized in marriage. Fine. So how can priests and nuns reject a gift from God? To me, the Celibacy rule seems so unfair, contrary to human nature, and dare I say unjust?

I am ignorant about the Church justifications of celibacy. Can someone please explain clearly the rationale for such a requirement?

Regards.

It’s in the Bible.