In Consideration of RCC Priests Being Abstinent and Celibate

[MineralMan]

Matthew 19:10-12 New International Version (NIV)

10 The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”

11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

"Those who choose to live like eunuchs." This seldom-read part of Matthew is sort of at the heart of the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. In the early days of the church, and also in the Orthodox church, some priests actually became physical eunuchs through castration, some voluntarily and others not so much. Also, choir members, which were often close to being clergy members, were sometimes castrated prior to puberty to preserve their soprano voices. This all went on for a longer period than most people know.

Other religions have had priesthoods where the priests were physical eunuchs, as well. "Roman followers of Cybele were called Galli, who practiced ritual self-castration, known as sanguinaria.[213] Eunuch priests also figured prominently in the Atargatis cult in Syria during the first centuries CE." cf: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eunuch#Religious_castration

It's not something that is discussed a lot, but those verses from Matthew are featured in this official Vatican document, entitled: CONGREGATION FOR THE CLERGY

DIRECTORY
ON THE MINISTRY AND LIFE
OF PRIESTS

I won't excerpt it here, but you can find it at this link:

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_cclergy_doc_31011994_directory_en.html

In case you're thinking this is an ancient document, here's what it says at the end:

"His Holiness Pope John Paul II, on 31 January 1994, approved this Directory and authorised its publication."

It's hard to escape the idea that celibacy and abstinence from sex are related to that verse. In fact, it's pretty obvious that there is the symbolism of voluntary eunuch status in the priesthood.

It's not working out so well, though, as we are beginning to see, as scandals are exposed.

[Cartoonist]

1. You sure post a lot

for someone who clocked out.

[MineralMan]

2. I didn't clock out at all. I'm just being more circumspect about

what I post. I'm just exercising a little more caution as I write. I'm still here, being a thorn in the sides of some.

[Raven123]

3. No it is not working out well.

However, sexual abuse is highly prevalent throughout history within the human race. It makes me wonder if the extreme views expressed in the Gospel According to Matthew reflects that understanding and a desire to motivate us to treat each other with respect. Just my 2 cents

[marylandblue]

4. I suspect it's worse in the Catholic Church than elsewhere

Because the promise of celibacy is likely to attract homosexuals and abusers too, when homosexuality is considered as much or more of a problem than abuse. I suspect many of them went to the church to hide, or to hope celibacy will cure their sinful desires. Well of course it doesn't cure them, instead they find other men hiding from their own desires.

But now they can quietly live the lives they want. The church protects them and their secrets under a veneer if holiness. But gives safe haven for abusers too, who have their own secrets. It gives abusers power and access to children. And when everyone knows everyone else's secret, it's in all their interests to keep it quiet.

This is why, I think, the Church is ramping up attacks on homosexuals. They know they have many of them. If they make homosexuals the issue, they can ignore the abusers. Paradoxically treating consensual sex as a bigger problem than child abuse.

The Church needs to change it's whole repressive attitude towards sex. I don't know how bunch of old men with "sinful" secrets are going to do that. Probably not very well at all.

[Raven123]

5. I have had similar thoughts.

I have long been interested in how often those whose strong outward manifestation of values or beliefs include being severely judgmental toward others seem to be covering or trying to compensate for their inability to live up to their own standards. In addition to the RC church I think of Haggard, Swaggert, and the Bakers.

In another vein, I see similar behavior among Americans who believe they achieved everything in life on their own, without thinking about the benefits of this country. Our President is a pretty good example.

[MineralMan]

6. Sex is confusing for many people.

It can seem like a life without it might be easier. I think that is often a factor for those who adopt the life of a religious. However, it does not just go away. As a powerful biological imperative, it's almost impossible to ignore. That creates conflict.

Some people become incels. Others become priests and nuns. Sadly, the issue does not go away, which can lead to strange and anti-social behavior. Not for everyone, of course, but for some.