Why Cant Catholic Priest be Married?
By pastorkayte
@pastorkayte (2255)
United States
March 15, 2010 10:17am CST
In the bible the first priest was Aaron and his sons, he was called by God to be the first formal priest and he was also the person to teach people the law given to Moses. He was married to his wife Elisheba and his sons Nadab, Eleazar, Ithamar and Abihu were the first priests. People who become priests were to follow his example, so why is it that Catholic Priests cannot marry?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
15 Mar 10
The Celibacy in Catholic priests is a Church's ruling and not a dogma. It is not something fundamental and this rule can be changed later on, if the Pope thinks its right for the catholic church. It has come into force around 11th century. Pope Benedict XV1 recently has accepted converts from the Anglican Church to Catholicism, including Anglican clergy. These were allowed to continue with their priesthood despite being married. It does not goes against our belief. It;s a mere custom of the Catholic Church. It can be changed by the Pope.
1 person likes this
@pastorkayte (2255)
• United States
15 Mar 10
Oh I see, so this is not a rule or something scriptural it is simply one of the things that the church wants.
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
15 Mar 10
Exactly, its a church's ruling. I was thinking of going into priesthood but celibacy is not for me so I had to opt out....!
@urbandekay (18278)
•
15 Mar 10
First of all not all catholic priests are unwed, those in Lebanon are allowed to be married. It has been suggested that this rule was introduced to prevent property passing out of the Church
all the best urban
@urbandekay (18278)
•
15 Mar 10
Wikipedia is not a good source for such a writer such as Nietzsche who is often misinterpreted and misunderstood by the casual reader, something he warns against himself. Cautioning the reader to read with delicate fingers and both in front and behind the sentence.
1 Timothy 3 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; KJV
Yes, I am aware of Paul's writing on women but where exactly does it say priests are to be married?
Interestingly, mixed monasteries existed in the early Church.
all the best urban
@pastorkayte (2255)
• United States
15 Mar 10
Just a note to Jerusalem, I write for wikipedia so I think that my own works would be more true for me than those of people just like me so I just wanted to point that out and I have no use for Nietzsche either but thank you.
1 person likes this
@pastorkayte (2255)
• United States
15 Mar 10
Urban I thank you for your comments and it sounds more probable but still it would certainly be better for men and women to marry and be together than to live the lonely existence of a Priest because of something that the Church simply made up.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Mar 10
Hi pastorkayte, That's a very good question, especially since Catholics believe that Peter, a married man according to the Bible, was the first Pope. Certainly Paul was opposed to marriage for some strange reason, but Peter was the chief apostle, according to their teachings. It may have been because they were expected to travel so extensively in the early days of the church that having a wife and family was practically impossible. Blessings.
@pastorkayte (2255)
• United States
19 Mar 10
That would certainly make sence in the early days, but it is just weird today since most are in the stationery church now. There is no biblical premise for this and it does not make a lot of sense today. But you are absolutely correct in what you said I think, thank you.
@magtibaygom (4858)
• Philippines
15 Mar 10
There are some Catholic priests here in the Philippines who were married.. They were once featured in an evening TV show here.. they have wives and kids.
