Celibacy: What saith the Scripture?

ROMAN CATHOLICISM

Celibacy

What saith the Scripture?

ROMAN CATHOLICISM
TEACHES

SCRIPTURE TEACHES

"All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate 'for the sake of the kingdom of heaven' ... Celibacy is a sign of this new life to the service of which the Church's minister is consecrated; accepted with a joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God."
Catechism, pg. 395, #1579

"Marriage is honourable in all..." Hebrews 13:4

God does not require celibacy (abstinence from marriage). Asceticism (i.e., monasticism) is incapatible with Scripture. Colossians 2:18-23

A. Celibacy was not required of even the Old Testament priesthood. Leviticus 21, 22; Ezekiel 44:22

B. Zachary was a married priest. Luke 1:5, 13

C. Bishops of the early church married.1 Timothy 3:1-4 "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife..."

D. The first apostles (including Peter, the "first pope") married. "Mark 1:30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever..." See also: Matthew 8:14; Luke 4:38; 1 Corinthians 9:5 (Cephas is Peter's Aramaic name)

E. New Testament pastors (bishops) married. 1 Timothy 3:2, 4-5, 12; Titus 1:6

F. Forbidding marriage is wrong. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines o f devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."

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