Celibacy

[Myles Domini]

The text cited is context dependent. The letter to timothy is condemning heretical teaching that became prevalent in some sectors of Christianity which was dualistic and regarded matter as innately evil. Hence, sex was regarded as a grave error since it involved the propagation of matter through procreation. For more info check out [url="http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103.htm"]Against Heresies by St Irenaeus[/url].

When one reads the Pauline Corpus one must take into full account the person/s to which the letters are addressed and the context in which the words were written. This is neccessary to avoid playing one text off against another e.g. 1 Cor 7:7-8 against the text you have produced instead of producing a unified reading.

My main problem with the 'theological' issues is that one cannot simply dismiss the issue of divergence between East and West by saying the East has its own understanding. You cannot objectively assert the merits of an all celibate priesthood without positing something is wrong with the Eastern way.

On the level of theologumenon ('theological opinion') I have no problem with the view that priestly celibacy better epitomises Christ to the people. However, if you try and make a [b]real[/b] argument for this and say it should be doctrine then you encounter the problems I have listed. If you say there is true theology behind your opinion then you condemn those who disagree with you. Pope John Paul the Great seemed keenly aware of this in his 1995 letter 'Orientale Lumen' wherein he stated:

[quote]Of course, in today's outlook it appears that true union is possible only in total respect for the other's dignity without claiming that the whole array of uses and customs in the Latin Church is more complete or better suited to showing the fullness of correct doctrine--Orientale Lumen para 20[/quote]

If you are saying that objectively priestly celibacy shows forth complete doctrine then Rome has been gravely compromised by entering into communion with Eastern Churches (and indeed maintaining unbroken communion with the Maronites) who do not profess the fullness of truth. A communion is built on a unity of faith and if we are disunified in what are truly matters of doctrinal theology and not theologumenon then we have violated our own principles. That was my point.

Priestly celibacy is a matter of practice there are no theological reasons why Rome cannot alter it to suit the ancient usages. Whatever we may feel or opine about our customs there is a line between objectivity and subjectivity and theologumenon remain in the realm of the latter.

INXC
Myles

PS) [url="http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft0212/opinion/davies.html"]Celibacy in Context[/url] a good article on the Eastern view of celibacy from the First Things magazine online archives.