Why I am no longer attending the Anglican Church
- Thread starter Walter
- Start date
OK, maybe a stupid question (I'm obviously no religious scholar)... but, if that's what God intended for us all, then how come priests have to stay unmarried? Doesn't that imply that it isn't what he intended for us all?
It isn't speaking in the literal, physical sense. Rather, it suggests an emotional bond. In other words, a man is devoted to his parents until such a time as he takes him a wife. At that point his attention shifts from parents to spouse. Not to suggest also that a man must disregard his parents. Instead, in joining with a woman, he becomes his own household, as it were.
Not a stupid question at all. We are talking two different states of being, one secular and one religious. Through examples from St.Paul and Jesus Himself, the Church discerns that it is best if a priest abstains from marriage so as to devote himself more fully to his vocation. St. Paul actually speaks to this. However, St. Paul also indicated that if a man was unable to contain his lust, it would be best if he was married.
In fact, both sorts of men serve the Church, married and unmarried, as priests. The norm is celibacy, but not by any means the only way to serve as priest.
hey!
don't spring my traps like that next time. I put up with two pages of predictable crap and you go and screw it up for me. :lol:
(Smiling large) My friend, you'll have to do better than that to trap ME on the Scriptures...hah hah hah
OK, I'll play....
Matt. 19:11-12 - Jesus says celibacy is a gift from God and whoever can bear it should bear it. Jesus praises and recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church. Because celibacy is a gift from God, those who criticize the Church's practice of celibacy are criticizing God and this wonderful gift He bestows on His chosen ones.
Matt. 19:29 - Jesus says that whoever gives up children for the sake of His name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. Jesus praises celibacy when it is done for the sake of His kingdom.
Matt. 22:30 - Jesus explains that in heaven there are no marriages. To bring about Jesus' kingdom on earth, priests live the heavenly consecration to God by not taking a wife in marriage. This way, priests are able to focus exclusively on the spiritual family, and not have any additional pressures of the biological family (which is for the vocation of marriage). This also makes it easier for priests to be transferred to different parishes where they are most needed without having to worry about the impact of their transfer on wife and children.
1 Cor 7:1 – Paul teaches that it is well for a man not to touch a woman. This is the choice that the Catholic priests of the Roman rite freely make.
1 Cor. 7:7 - Paul also acknowledges that celibacy is a gift from God and wishes that all were celibate like he is.
1 Cor. 7:27 – Paul teaches men that they should not seek marriage. In Paul’s opinion, marriage introduces worldly temptations that can interfere with one’s relationship with God, specifically regarding those who will become full-time ministers in the Church.
1 Cor. 7:32-33, 38 - Paul recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church so that they are able to focus entirely upon God and building up His kingdom. He “who refrains from marriage will do better.”
1 Tim. 3:2 - Paul instructs that bishops must be married only once. Many Protestants use this verse to prove that the Church's celibacy law is in error. But they are mistaken because this verse refers to bishops that were widowers. Paul is instructing that these widowers could not remarry. The verse also refers to those bishops who were currently married. They also could not remarry (in the Catholic Church's Eastern rite, priests are allowed to marry; celibacy is only a disciplinary rule for the clergy of the Roman rite). Therefore, this text has nothing to do with imposing a marriage requirement on becoming a bishop.
1 Tim. 4:3 - in this verse, Paul refers to deceitful doctrines that forbid marriage. Many non-Catholics also use this verse to impugn the Church's practice of celibacy. This is entirely misguided because the Catholic Church (unlike many Protestant churches) exalts marriage to a sacrament. In fact, marriage is elevated to a sacrament, but consecrated virginity is not. The Church declares marriage sacred, covenantal and lifegiving. Paul is referring to doctrines that forbid marriage and other goods when done outside the teaching of Christ and for a lessor good. Celibacy is an act of giving up one good (marriage and children) for a greater good (complete spiritual union with God).
1 Tim. 5:9-12 - Paul recommends that older widows take a pledge of celibacy. This was the beginning of women religious orders.
2 Tim. 2:3-4 - Paul instructs his bishop Timothy that no soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim his to satisfy the One who enlisted him. Paul is using an analogy to describe the role of the celibate priesthood in the Church.
Rev. 14:4 - unlike our sinful world of the flesh, in heaven, those consecrated to virginity are honored.
Isaiah 56:3-7 - the eunuchs who keep God's covenant will have a special place in the kingdom of heaven.
Jer. 16:1-4 - Jeremiah is told by God not to take a wife or have children.
Because you don't wish to see the obvious. There is already a married priesthood. You asked about references to celibacy.
mmm
no
you were talking about "priest abstains from marriage". you're forgetting about countenance.
Thanks
So the short answer is that we don't have to be married and we aren't dissapointing God by remaining unmarried... unless we want sex, then it has to be in marriage. OK...
really?
with the bishop's permission to consecrate and absolve?
I missed that. got a link handy?
(Smiling large) My friend, you'll have to do better than that to trap ME on the Scriptures...hah hah hah
its not like I can force you to actually answer the question. watching the dodge is satisfaction enough.
Married men can become priests in the byzantine rite.
http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/19991002byzantine4.asp
You're right, they can't be married if they were ordained single, to my understanding ... he was married, then ordained.
United Church of Canada = worst church ever.
more like Liberal Church of Canada slowly putting you into secularism.
more like Liberal Church of Canada slowly putting you into secularism.
10,000 unmarried priests will not stop billions from propagating.
But millions of un marrieds will definitely put a dent in the population.
My thoughts.
Peace>>>AJ:love9:
But millions of un marrieds will definitely put a dent in the population.
My thoughts.
Peace>>>AJ:love9:
worse than the muslems?
what are your reasons for coming out and just insulting a religion?