Does the Bible Say Priests Can't Marry?
Question from Laura on 7/4/2008:
Does the Bible suggest or outright say that priests should not marry? Also, does it look like the Church may change her mind on this based on the lack of priests that we have today? Thanks.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 8/7/2008:
The example of Christ Himself, the model of all priests, itself sets a pattern for Christian priesthood. Furthermore, Saint Paul spoke of his own celibacy and the spiritual value it allows to be focused without distraction upon heavenly matters. Actually, even in the Old Testament the priests were required to be celibate during the period in which they served actively as priests. Now that priests serve actively their entire lives, so too, lifelong celibacy is the obvious course.
Thanks, Laura
Father Echert
Question from Laura on 7/4/2008:
Does the Bible suggest or outright say that priests should not marry? Also, does it look like the Church may change her mind on this based on the lack of priests that we have today? Thanks.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 8/7/2008:
The example of Christ Himself, the model of all priests, itself sets a pattern for Christian priesthood. Furthermore, Saint Paul spoke of his own celibacy and the spiritual value it allows to be focused without distraction upon heavenly matters. Actually, even in the Old Testament the priests were required to be celibate during the period in which they served actively as priests. Now that priests serve actively their entire lives, so too, lifelong celibacy is the obvious course.
Thanks, Laura
Father Echert
I would just like to know; how is the old testament "traditions" applicable to today's society? Because that's all the celibacy of priests really is a tradition passed down from generation to generation because that's just how it's always been done does that make it correct? Maybe I'm wrong but that's how I see it??
ReplyDelete1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
ReplyDelete1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3 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
1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
ReplyDelete1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3 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