Do you think they should let Priests marry?

This debate was quite the 'hot topic' at the beginning of the foundation of modern Christianity. Blame the Nicene Council for the Catholic law of priests not being allowed to marry. It all comes from the Paulist tradition of believing women are less than men. It was felt that single men would be able to focus on the needs of the people more, that they wouldn't be tied down by marriage. It isn't so much the marriage issue that is the problem as the celibacy issue. Of course, sexual intercourse without marriage is a sin according to the Church, so I guess you need one to go with the other.

I think priests should marry. It was and is the tradition in the Jewish religion. In fact, Rabbis Must be married, as I recall. If priests were allowed to marry I think a lot of the problem with recruiting new, stable priests would be solved. I also think women should be ordained, but that is a whole different subject.

I grew up Catholic and was told that the church did not want priests to marry because they would not be able to devote full time to the church. And being a priest, minister or rabbi is much more than a service on their Sabbath, Priests, visit hospitals, many teach, serve as chaplains in hospitals or other places, maybe a prison; counsel people who are going to get married and who have problems.

But when I was about 9 I had a friend who was the daughter of a Lutheran Minister. He was not only a Minister but a military chaplain (Dad was in the service). He did everything he had to do as a military chaplain and still had a very nice family, I sort of thought Priests could do it all and have a family.

Of course celibacy is more than just not having a wife or family. It is a total committment to a life dedicated to God. Any priest who is straight, gay or pedophile must still maintain his vows. There is no excuse for any breaking of the vows, and being a pedophile is also a crime as well as a sin.

I think the church might let up on it, there are already Episcopalian and other ministers who changed churches and were married converted and they are allowed to be Priests. Maybe it will change, maybe not. I would not be opposed.

But there is the other problem. To live together or have premarital sex is a sin in the eyes of the church and God. If a man is allowed to marry, he might want to live with his future wife first, or things like that. That could not be allowed by the church, but if they allow marriage, that could open the door. And if a Priest is Gay, there is no way the Catholic Church would change it's stand on homosexuality, let alone Gay Marriage.

Why would there be less scandals? Do you think that refraining from sex (which all unmarried persons are required to do, not just priests) turns someone into a homosexual? You do realize that those few priests who molested adolescent boys were homosexuals, right? Not "pedophiles" as the liberal secular press likes to call it. You do realize that the largest group of child molestors are married men, right? You do realize that 99% of unmarried priests have no such problems, right? Just like 99% of the adult male population at large.

If there has to be priests than yes, they should marry. Then you would get normal men in the clergy rather than pedophiles. I honestly think the priesthood attracts pedophiles. I worked in justice in a sex offender unit for a few years and we had some priests.... and they were pedophiles before they even became priests.. they became priests because they knew they wouldnt have to get married (pedophiles will not have sex with adult women or adult men only children, they are different than sex-offenders) and they would have access to alter boys. They knew this ahead of time... they were educated... soft spoken but very dangerous to children, boy children especially. Not to say all priests are pedophiles but the job attracts this sort in groves and the last 20 years of sexual misconduct revelations in the catholic church totally supports this.

You have this right!! Even Peter was married. Yep, the Bible says a full-time worker for the Lord would have less to worry about if they were single- and that is so true, isn't it... but it never ever says they must not marry.

There is even a verse about it.

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;

1Ti 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.

No, the wisdom of the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, decided that it would be best for Priests not to marry. That way, they can turn their lives completely over to God.

The Priests in the Old Testamant are not like those today. There are just as many scandals in Protestant Pastors as there are with priests.

1st Letter from Peter suggested to avoid carnal desires - but did not prohibit them. Of course, among couples, not in disorder.

Priests shall be allowed to get married, as Pastors are allowed in the Chistian society.

I definitely think that priests should be able to marry. The need for having a lifelong companion--and even the need for sex--shouldn't be denied to anyone. By forbidding priests to marry, the Catholic church has set itself up for its current problem with scandals with priests.

Yes I do. Especially because you're supposed to be able to go to your clergy for help with your personal issues. And if your issues are marriage or relationship problems, how is an unmarried priest going to be able to give good advice?

Plus less altar boy sex. :)

EDIT: Wow Jessica H, that's a scary thought.

The apostle Peter was married and so were others of the apostles.

God ordained marriage and "it's better to marry than to burn with lust" 1 Cor.7:9