A confuzling question.

[Tinkerbell222222]

I was talking with some people from the Reformed Church my family attends today. They mostly were interested in trying to to talk me out of converting to Catholicism, but ocassionally asked honest questions, which I answered for them. One question, though, I did not know how to respond to. They asked me why Peter was not celibate, seeing as he was the first Pope (See Matthew 8:14-17...Jesus heals Peter's Mother-in Law). I've been thinking about this, and I really have no idea how to answer it.

 

[stray bullet]

.

 

[Paul S]

Celibacy is a discipline of the Church, and is not divinely required. It wasn't required for priests until many centuries after Christ, but developed later. In the Eastern churches, married men may be ordained. There's several reasons for celibacy among priests, including a better ability to fully devote himself to the Church instead of having to split his time between Church and family. The Church could change this if she wanted, but probably won't.

 

[TexasCatholic]

As stated, celibacy for priests is a discipline established by the Church. It is not required by Christ, but a discipline that he church decided to follow, in accordance with the words of the Apostle Paul. Of course Peter wasn't celibate. He was married...

Your "Reformed" friends are grasping at straws. Stay strong God bless.

-Michael

 

[AMDG]

Another thing, we hear of a mother-in-law of Peter, but I don't recall hearing about Peter's wife (not even attending to her sick mother--something I would expect) nor about Peter actively searching for a replacement, so how do we know that Peter was not celibate at the particular time? Personal knowledge? I mean all we actually know from the Scriptures is that at one time Peter was married. And it sure sounds as if this was indeed before Peter gave his life over to serving Jesus' "sheep" ala Paul's "better unmarried to be able to devote himself to the service of God".

Wonder what they make of John's vision, Revelation 14:4? Didn't Scott Hahn mention that Revelation shows us what the heavenly worship will be like--and it actually is the Mass?

 

[Glynnw]

Stay strong on your journey into the Cathoilc Church. I just converted and I'm so happy that I did. I'm just soerry that I did not do it 30 years ago. You will get people challange you in the faith, because they do not understand.

In Christ Name, Mary, and all of the Saints, especially Saint Therese, GlynnW

 

[plainswolf]

Another thing, we hear of a mother-in-law of Peter, but I don't recall hearing about Peter's wife (not even attending to her sick mother--something I would expect) nor about Peter actively searching for a replacement, so how do we know that Peter was not celibate at the particular time? Personal knowledge? I mean all we actually know from the Scriptures is that at one time Peter was married. And it sure sounds as if this was indeed before Peter gave his life over to serving Jesus' "sheep" ala Paul's "better unmarried to be able to devote himself to the service of God".

Wonder what they make of John's vision, Revelation 14:4? Didn't Scott Hahn mention that Revelation shows us what the heavenly worship will be like--and it actually is the Mass?

Fantastic points!!

J.M.J.
Mark

 

[ps139]

Hey there,

Like some have said, priestly celibacy is a discipline - not a dogma or doctrine - and it can be changed. Eastern Catholics do not practice this discipline, and they are as Catholic as the Latin Rite (most Catholics here) are.

 

[Ave Maria]

I know others have mentioned this but I thought I'd add to this what I understand. I'm not Catholic (yet) so I may be wrong. From what I understand, celibacy is a discipline, not a doctrine. I am guessing that is what makes the difference. Here is an article from Catholic Answers that might prove helpful in answering your question further:

http://www.catholic.com/library/celibacy_and_the_priesthood.asp