Oaths of Celibacy

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

From page 2

Saying that Christians are called to be celibate is not condemning anyone for being married.

Christians are ultimately called to be celibate in the Resurrection. At this time, it is perfectly fine for most to get married. But marriage is not anyone's final calling as a Christian.

 

[BreadAlone]

The phrase being too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good is applicable here.

That does not apply at all. If I was suggesting living as a monk in a secluded monastery, maybe. But I'm suggesting devoting oneself to living completely for others, no strings attached, and you find that "too heavenly minded?" Again, not everyone can do it, but it's not something "for the elite." It's something everyone can strive for - married or otherwise.

God cares very much about this life.

Insomuch as it effects the next.

I believe God delights in His kids' prosperity and blesses people.

I'm sure He does. But He cares more about if you will be united to Him eternally than how many cars you had on earth.

If believing this way works for ya, great. Glad to hear it. If it doesn't and you decide you want to date or get married, then go do that instead. Whatever works best for YOU.

Again, I want to date and get married, I didn't say I was Mr. Super Saint. That doesn't mean I don't recognize the benefits that being single could have.

For me, I go by the OT and regard being in a relationship as better than being alone. My estimate is probably under... 2% of the population will practice a life of romantic solitude. Or rather, they are called to that. And I believe it is more women than men.

For me, I go by the example of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, since the OT are the Scriptures that testified about Him.

 

[MacFall]

Saying that Christians are called to be celibate is not condemning anyone for being married.

Yes it is. It suggests that those who marry are missing their calling, which is to say they are living in sin.

 

[Apollo Celestio]

I think SA is speaking in the grand scheme...

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

Yes it is. It suggests that those who marry are missing their calling, which is to say they are living in sin.

No, their calling will come after death. Marriage can be their temporary calling here. But people aren't married in Heaven. Thus, it is right to say that the ultimate or true call of Christians is celibacy, because that is how we will live in Heaven.

 

[Howard Cneal]

No, their calling will come after death. Marriage can be their temporary calling here. But people aren't married in Heaven. Thus, it is right to say that the ultimate or true call of Christians is celibacy, because that is how we will live in Heaven.

I don't think humans will necessarily be celibate in heaven. Who can say what exactly will be the nature of things in heaven... having never been there? But marriage as humans know it, will likely be a thing of the past. Its primary purpose is for bringing up kids in this world. It's the best arrangement for people to do so here, for the children. Obviously, having children will not take place in the distant future called eternity, so what need is there for such a restricting institution?

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

I don't think humans will necessarily be celibate in heaven. Who can say what exactly will be the nature of things in heaven... having never been there? But marriage as humans know it, will likely be a thing of the past. Its primary purpose is for bringing up kids in this world. It's the best arrangement for people to do so here, for the children. Obviously, having children will not take place in the distant future called eternity, so what need is there for such a restricting institution?

"[...] You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven." - Matthew 20

 

[BreadAlone]

I don't think humans will necessarily be celibate in heaven. Who can say what exactly will be the nature of things in heaven... having never been there? But marriage as humans know it, will likely be a thing of the past. Its primary purpose is for bringing up kids in this world. It's the best arrangement for people to do so here, for the children. Obviously, having children will not take place in the distant future called eternity, so what need is there for such a restricting institution?

As SA quoted for you, we have Someone who has been there, and He has told us all about it. Perhaps you should get your nose out of the Old Testament and into the New one once in a while.

 

[Brad2009]

Saying that Christians are called to be celibate is not condemning anyone for being married.

Christians are ultimately called to be celibate in the Resurrection. At this time, it is perfectly fine for most to get married. But marriage is not anyone's final calling as a Christian.

People often forget that, thank you for pointing that out. At the first resurrection, there is no longer male and female, per Jesus' answer to the Sadducee.

 

[MacFall]

No, their calling will come after death. Marriage can be their temporary calling here. But people aren't married in Heaven. Thus, it is right to say that the ultimate or true call of Christians is celibacy, because that is how we will live in Heaven.

That's not what a "calling" is. That's more like a destiny. A calling is, by definition, an earthly vocation.

We will also not require food in Heaven. Does that mean we should not eat here on earth? No, God gave us stomachs and food for a reason. He also gave us sex drives and marriage for a reason. Once again, there is nothing holier about celibacy than there is about marriage. If God has called one to either, then that way is right for him. Neither those who marry nor those who remain celibate are engaging in a "higher calling" than the other, any more than a doctor has a higher calling than a farmer, or vice versa. To say otherwise is to attempt to divide human beings into greater and lesser moral categories.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

That's not what a "calling" is. That's more like a destiny. A calling is, by definition, an earthly vocation.

You are defining what a calling is and then saying what it is by that definition.

A calling is what we are called to. God is calling us to Heaven and there, we will find a life of celibacy, as there is no marriage there.
If you believe in scripture and you believe that we are called to Heaven, then we are called to celibacy.

We will also not require food in Heaven. Does that mean we should not eat here on earth? No, God gave us stomachs and food for a reason. He also gave us sex drives and marriage for a reason. Once again, there is nothing holier about celibacy than there is about marriage. If God has called one to either, then that way is right for him. Neither those who marry nor those who remain celibate are engaging in a "higher calling" than the other, any more than a doctor has a higher calling than a farmer, or vice versa. To say otherwise is to attempt to divide human beings into greater and lesser moral categories.

Except that food is necessary for life, being married is not. The Gospel does not promote not eating food, but it does promote celibacy.

Here is what scripture (1 Corithians 7) says:
"Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman."

"But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

"But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;

but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife,"

Revelation 14:
"These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb."

Marriage is an Earthly vocation. But we are no longer mere natural humans, but share in a supernatural existence in Christ. Thus, it is appropriate for Christians to be celibate and live out their ultimate calling. That does not mean that choosing the natural and not the supernatural route is bad. But to say that something of Earth (marriage) is equal to something of Heaven (celibacy) is totally wrong.

 

[kr01]

Yes, why not? Especially when it brings a deeper intimacy to the relationship. Although it could be hard for the person if they haven't taken an oath.