I've often wondered why Catholic priest and nuns were not allowed to marry. In my ignorance, I thought that celibacy reached back to the early days of Christianity and had some doctrinal foundation. I was wrong on both counts. They lost the right to marry in 1022 when Pope Benedict VIII banned marriages and mistresses. Later, Pope Innocent II voided all marriages and forced priests to divorce their wives. Requiring the clergy to be celibate was an economic response to the problem of children inheriting the property of the church.
When a priest takes a vow of celibacy, the vow, like many other aspects of a traditional church, has nothing to do with being a Christian and everything to do with politics. When a priest takes a vow, for that matter, when anyone takes a vow, the vow should be kept. Even if the vow is not what it seems. Keeping ones word is a vital social contract. One can always renounce a vow if the need arises.
Priests should be allowed to marry. I am not naive enough to think this will help reduce clergy sexual misconduct. I’ve seen plenty of evidence to suggest the position of pastor or priest is the most significant factor. I’m sure it has something to do with abuse of power and impulse control. Being married does not help the Baptists
On the other hand, if a priest keeps a girlfriend or is secretly married, he is a dishonest man. The only honorable things to do is leave the priesthood and continue life as a married man, or leave the girlfriend and continue life as a celibate priest. When a priest tries to make the argument that he should be able to keep his girlfriend and maintain the priesthood, he has no moral authority to make the request because his life is a lie.
Rev. Alberto Cutié is living this situation now. Pictures of him in the embrace of a woman in a magazine recently. This situation is an embarrassment to the Catholic church because his supporters are vocal and visable. Yet Cutié faces the end of his career for violating his vows.
'Father Cutié made a promise of celibacy, and all priests are expected to fulfill that promise with the help of God,'' he said. ``Father Cutié's actions cannot be condoned despite the good works he has done as a priest.''
''Scandals such as this offer an occasion for the church on all levels to examine our consciences regarding the integrity of our commitments to the Lord and to his Church,'' he added.
The Pope is unlikely to allow priest to marry. There is a third option for Cutié. One that many of his fellow priests use. Keep the relationship a secret and continue to act as a priest. This would be more in keeping with his character and is conduct expected for Catholic priests.
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Logging you in...
bigjohn756 21p · 835 weeks ago
It would especially be beneficial for altar boys if priests were allowed to marry other men.
Mojoey 107p · 835 weeks ago
SB Wright 110p · 835 weeks ago
dromedaryhump 19p · 835 weeks ago
There is a 4th option...unless i missed it in your post: Quit being a priest , have a normal and open relationship, and get a real job that actually contributes to society instead of leaching off the mental impariment of superstitious peasants.
Interestingly, and not unrelated to this subject: the Vatican's age of consent is twelve (12) years old. The youngest age of consent in all of Europe.
It's not by coincidence.
Bill · 834 weeks ago
Jonah · 834 weeks ago
On priest celibacy, I too think the practice is strange and, generally, unhealthy. Isn't sexual union and relational intimacy something that God (or Nature if you prefer) gave humanity? Nevertheless, I do see some credence in the argument that, in the idealistic sense, celibacy allows the priest / nun to be fully engaged in serving God and mankind. And while that's the argument, I don't think it rubs out in the end. We're supposed to be human after all. And sex can be a glorious part of it!
Quick question: I'm curious about your background with religion. Your passion for the subject is fascinating to me. I'm always interested in the pathos behind true, hardcore atheists and how they came to their present outlook.
Thanks,
Jonah
Mojoey 107p · 834 weeks ago
Jonah · 834 weeks ago
I think church, more often than not, fucks people up. I think that's a pretty easy call to make. But I do think that faith in God can exist completely independent of churches or organized religious groups. In fact, that may be where it thrives. If Christians could act even 10% of the time the way Jesus is said to have acted, then I think Christianity would be a much more appealing and helpful thing. Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, turn the other cheek... these are pretty cool things.
Anyway, I look forward to hearing more about your story.