Why must Catholic priests be celibate?

Question

Are catholics trying to be smarter than God?

The bible says in '1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,'

Clearly then, God allows the priests/leaders to be married, BUT why is the clergy prohibiting marriage for the priests? Isn't that like trying to starve you and then putting you in a restaurant?

Is Catholicism trying to bring shame to God or trying to test people at the expense of the glory of God or are they trying their luck?

Answer 1

In the days of Old, Land was passed from father to son. So One of the Kings of England to keep the Popes from becoming more powerful then them decreed that they could no longer marry.

Answer 2

because theyre stupid.

s*x is natural and they think its a sin or something.

Answer 3

If you read back in history,priests were allow to marry at one time .Some where a long the line the church decided when priest were married and died ,they would have problems with the wife and property.So the church (Pope)  deemed that  priest would be celibate.That solved the church property problem.The church has molded religion to their liking from day one.

Answer 4

hello there,

first off, Catholics are not trying to outsmart God, nor are they trying to bring shame to Him or test Him. that goes against all they believe in. practicing Catholics live and strive to be holy, give glory to God and praise Him for his love and mercy. as for the passage, it can be interpreted differently by all readers. i understand why you might think it is unfair or does not makes sense. it refers to those called to married life, and how they should behave. priests are, i guess you could say, 'married to the church'. (much like Christ). they are called to love and serve the Lord fully and just like all who are single, are called to live a chaste and celibate life. i hope this helps you to understand. if you have any questions/concerns, you might want to look up your question in the Catechism. it's a great source.  

Answer 5

The Catholic Church doesn't prohibit anyone from getting married because they do not force anyone to enter the priesthood. Those who do, choose it and the discipline of celibacy.

The priesthood is a vocation, just as marriage is a vocation. Those who choose to marry must abide by the discipline of monogamy. A person who chooses the priesthood must abide by the discipline of celibacy. Different vocations, different disciplines. But no one is forced to enter either.

But there is another verse in the Bible you may not be familiar with. In Matthew 19:12 Jesus says: "Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it."

Jesus tells us here, that it is okay to renounce marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. This is what those who choose the religious life do.

Answer 6

Seems to me that you're having a category issue with these questions.

Answer 7

"To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is well for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion" (1 Cor 7:8-9).

"Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom it is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of God. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it" (Matt. 19:11–12).

A Priest gives up a wife and kids so they can devote themselves fully to God. Being single means they don;t have to worry about saving for their kids college, about having to move so often, uprooting the family...etc. It is a vow people take willingly and with full knowledge of what it means. It is all done so one can better serve God.

Answer 8

I think it's because a lot of priests are g*y.

By making marriage not an option they are better able to hide this fact.

Also having a nagging wife would cut into their altar boy time.

Add: I don't think badly of God, just religion.

If you think my g*y statement is just a joke you're wrong.

There is a shortage of catholic priests because it is more accepted to be g*y and out.

In the "old days" it was the best way to hide it.

g**s had 2 options. Get married and secretly crave the c**k or become a priest and make your family proud and secretly crave the c**k.

It is religion that drove people to hide their sexuality.

Answer 9

From what I understand, Catholicism holds valid both the teachings of the Bible along with the teachings of tradition of the Catholic Church. A celibate priesthood is probably of the teachings of the traditional part in my view.

Answer 10

celibate means no s*x so a priest I guess could be married and celibate

Answer 11

The 12 great men that followed Jesus gave up everything.  Some were married, some weren't.  They left their homes, children, jobs,etc.  This became their new job, following Jesus and spreading the word.  It was their choice.  From thence on all who follow, still do the same.  

Answer 12

So they can eventually rob the cradle like in the movie Thorn Birds with Rachel Ward?  Dang she's hot!

Hey man!  Why the thumbs down? How many times have you heard about a Roman Catholic priest playing doctor with one of the kitties?