Celibacy

Asceticism is very important dimension of the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist religions. Asceticism indicates a religious life; usually conducted in a community under a common rule and characterized by celibacy and poverty and obedience. Asceticism is the practice of self-denial in an attempt to draw closer to God. It may include such controls as fasting, wearing simple or uncomfortable clothing, sleep deprivation, and in extreme forms, and self-mutilation. The act of denying yourself and controlling…

We are all like clay pots composed of clay (the infinite) declares a Sruti text defining the overall principle of understanding atman or self (Rambachan 101). “In the image of God He created him; male and female, He created them” Genesis [1:27] . Whether in Hinduism or Christianity, these scriptures clearly imply that males and females are created identically and therefore are equals. Furthermore, Hindus believe in the spiritual equality of males and females on an existential level as a…

the wealthiest pagans in Carthage. He worked with Roman officials frequently and was respected for his skills in rhetoric and as a great communicator. When Cyprian converted to Christianity he donated most of his money to the poor and took a vow of celibacy. Cyprian was one of the most important theological Leaders in Carthage and was called the “Pope” of Carthage by some. Cyprian’s biggest influence in the church was pushing for unity. He believed that a unified Christian church was key to…

What are we searching for in life? Even as broad as the question is, many people have attempted to answer it. The book, Confessions by Saint Augustine is an autobiography that discusses the trials and tribulations of Saint Augustine in his pursuit of the answer to the initial question. Augustine achieves his personal answer to the question through the reflection of his worldly desires, his education and the physical world. Even as educated and sanctified as he was, Augustine delivers his answer…

contemporary intellectual discourse. His use of the word sōphrosunē in Hippolytus is a good example’, which occurs eighteen times in the play. It also highlights a social concern with the issue of sexuality and virtue in particular the issue of male celibacy. In Greek society, male virginity was seen as a state of incompleteness. Hippolytus, in stating that he is most sophron and in choosing a celibate life, which was not required by the cult of Artemis, and rejecting wedlock (Euripides,…

He uses Kinsey’s 1940s survey to state the percentage of Americans that experienced this erotic adventure. Based on this survey, Dekkers’ states the possibility of farm boys engaging in sexual activities with animals due to girl’s strong belief in celibacy. Farm boys might also practice sexual activities like blowjobs with calves and penetration with cows, goats, mares or even foals. On the other hand, women in the survey stated that they only had sexual contact with dogs, and that actual sexual…

Among the most memorable tales from Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, two of them are also the most religious in their structure. Both the Prioress and her traveling companion and secretary, the Second Nun, are women of faith, so it is only fair and true that both of their stories revolve around the subject of religion. The Prioress who begins with a prayer of praise to the Virgin Mary tells the tale of a young Christian boy who proudly sings Alma Redemptoris Mater. The Second Nun, who…

One of the most important events of the early church is the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine. While many still debate his conversion or the sincerity of his faith, what cannot be argued, is the impact this had on the church. The emergence of the Constantinian era in both world and church history is still evident today. The recent visit of Pope Francis to the United States demonstrates the still present impact. In summary, the conversion of Constantine and the subsequent policies…

It would be nearly impossible to find several different people who completely agree with each other simply because they are talking about the same topic. Even the apostles, who traveled and learned from Jesus together, might have different thoughts on the same subject. The most obvious example would be on whether to turn in Jesus for money, Judas makes a different decision from others (Mark 14:10-11). It is then very plausible that Paul, who joined the movement after Jesus’ death and thus likely…

Huldrych (also Ulrich) Zwingli is arguably the least known of the three major reformers: Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin. However, according to some, it is Zwingli who is perhaps the true father of Reformed Protestant theology. Zwingli was responsible for the initiation of the Reformation in Switzerland and continued to remain one of the Reformation’s greatest leaders even after his death. Responsible for a vast amount of writings, Zwingli continues to influence theology to this day. While this…