The topic of Celibacy and those that practice it has been subject to ridicule and/or misunderstanding for quite some time. However, this is a subject that has been forced to become more relevant. Is it as a result of the advancement of technology that allows for easier access to explicit content? Or is it simply a change in times that could have potentially caused a shift in moral standards about sex? Celibacy is a free and individual choice that should not be made susceptible to mockery nor diminished in value since it does not align with society’s views of sex being a necessary action.
The above listed notions, in addition to countless others could be the “blame” for the shift in recent approaches regarding sexual behaviors and/or attitudes. …show more content…
Incredibly, it still reigns true today with a slight change of more inclusion for other motives to practice celibacy. Some other reasons that the decision is made to follow this way of life include, but are not limited to fear of contracting an STD or simply choosing to develop non-sexual …show more content…
How could it be that one cleric is permitted to marry and the other is not? Sipe argues, “Priesthood and celibacy have been so wedded…that even recent popes (John Paul II and Benedict XVI) claim that it is not within their power to abandon the requirement that clerics bind themselves with the vow of perfect and perpetual celibacy before they are ordained.” (549)
There are numerous supporters of mandatory celibacy who are concerned about priests being permitted to marry. These individuals seem to believe that the priests’ dedication and focus on worshippers needs would seriously diminish. There is no documented evidence of this concern and it is simple to oppose. There are plenty of followers around the world that thrive with a married leader at the helm with no complaints of neglect due to the marriage. Terry states, “…Many of the notions of celibacy being problematic tend to be justified in the light of relatively recent sexual abuse scandals...” (872) When such a disparaging transgression has been committed, it shakes the fundamental beliefs of Catholicism. It also leaves a veil of suspicion when those individuals are not legally punished and/or removed from the priesthood. The root cause and lack of being brought to justice should not be blamed upon celibacy but upon the church
The above listed notions, in addition to countless others could be the “blame” for the shift in recent approaches regarding sexual behaviors and/or attitudes. …show more content…
Incredibly, it still reigns true today with a slight change of more inclusion for other motives to practice celibacy. Some other reasons that the decision is made to follow this way of life include, but are not limited to fear of contracting an STD or simply choosing to develop non-sexual …show more content…
How could it be that one cleric is permitted to marry and the other is not? Sipe argues, “Priesthood and celibacy have been so wedded…that even recent popes (John Paul II and Benedict XVI) claim that it is not within their power to abandon the requirement that clerics bind themselves with the vow of perfect and perpetual celibacy before they are ordained.” (549)
There are numerous supporters of mandatory celibacy who are concerned about priests being permitted to marry. These individuals seem to believe that the priests’ dedication and focus on worshippers needs would seriously diminish. There is no documented evidence of this concern and it is simple to oppose. There are plenty of followers around the world that thrive with a married leader at the helm with no complaints of neglect due to the marriage. Terry states, “…Many of the notions of celibacy being problematic tend to be justified in the light of relatively recent sexual abuse scandals...” (872) When such a disparaging transgression has been committed, it shakes the fundamental beliefs of Catholicism. It also leaves a veil of suspicion when those individuals are not legally punished and/or removed from the priesthood. The root cause and lack of being brought to justice should not be blamed upon celibacy but upon the church