the roots of the Vatican Gay Scandal.

Comments: 11

Larry M. Feb 23, 2013, 10:12am UTC

The purpose in the chastity rule is to prevent the Catholic hierarchy from becoming a family matter. You have seen how stupid or crazy or irresponsible people can inherit a crown. The Catholic Church having a celibate clergy cannot have the Pope's son inherit the top post in the Church. The Cardinals can select someone who is able and sane to head the Church.

But as you point out it does have its down side.

Chris Wiegard Feb 23, 2013, 10:16am UTC

Inheritance is an interesting issue. had not considered that. perhaps they could write a rule barring sons and daughters of bishops from holding high church office.
but it's all a academic. Catholic hierarchy will cling to the celibacy rule with cold dead fingers.

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Ed B. Feb 23, 2013, 10:28am UTC

They deny the power of sex on their lives, and obsess over everybody else's sexuality, when they should be preaching for peace, stewardship, and good works. If they cannot relate to committed relashionships containing sex, they will find themselves perpetually out of balance. And sexual tension with delusions of holiness leads to abuses of power, and overshadows all the good works of the humble christian.

Char H. Feb 23, 2013, 10:38am UTC

This is one of the reasons I am not a Catholic. Even Catholicism teaches that sex within marriage is acceptable to God. It is necessary for procreation anyway. As for why they want celibacy, I hadn't really thought about heridity, but I guess that is a way of making sure all property stays with the church, and lands, etc aren't sold for a dollar to family.

Chris Wiegard Feb 23, 2013, 10:50am UTC

I think there has to be some way to address the nepotism issue while permitting marriage.
clearly. Jesus of Nazareth never said that his followers should not marry. in Catholicism, there is a strain of thinking that prizes suffering, that is opposed to pleasure and happiness. this is the mode of thought that proposes that a celibate person is better equipped to care for people. really? I think in some cases a celibate person is more likely to be predatory.

Ed B. Feb 23, 2013, 10:53am UTC

The heredity argument is one I hadn't thought about, and the one they will not bring up. They instead point to tradition and church laws, because the roots of the policy are fundamentally cynical, power-hungry and un-christian. God does not need your money. Jesus eschewed power, and advocated humility. These concepts do not fit well with the Papacy.

norman chambers Feb 23, 2013, 2:48pm UTC

I believe the issue of celibacy originated with St. Augustine. He urged celibacy within the church,perhaps out of guilt over his own hedonistic past.

Chris Wiegard Feb 23, 2013, 8:51pm UTC

Yes, believable. Augustine was an interesting guy, but he had a problem with sexuality. original sin and such.

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Ed B. Feb 23, 2013, 10:02pm UTC

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/02/22/british-cardinal-next-pope-should-review-marriage-ban-since-jesus-didnt-say-that/
This guy has some of it right, but he is also known for "staunch opposition to gay marriage and gay adoption"- but of course Jusus didn't say that either. It may take another century for them to get it together...

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the roots of the Vatican Gay Scandal.

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