No Apologies #106: Doesn't Celibacy Bring Immorality?

I could see someone making that argument…but I really don’t think it would do any good. There are many more supportive passages in the Bible about a male only priesthood, such as in Corinthians, examples of ministry in the Old Testament, male-only Apostles, and of course the tradition of the Church is clear. No one who approaches the issue with the mind of the Church would consider changing the matter of a sacrament. Proponents of women priests (priestess?) typically fail into two groups. The one group (typically the “armchair theologian) thinks that Jesus was just “fitting in” with the times by not having women priests. This argument fails as it suggests Jesus HAD to conform…didn’t Jesus choose when to come into the world? Couldn’t God have sent a prophet to make women priests in the line of Aaron or women Rabbis centuries before the coming of Christ? This group, however, is typically more receptive of logic, you can point out things like this and maybe bring them around. The other more sophisticated (as in sophists), and more diabolical, group take issue with the authority of the Church in general, arguing that these things are changeable. If they reject the authority of Sacred Tradition, be sure they reject Sacred Scripture’s authority as well. This group thinks what is True is changeable…and God is changeable. Women priests WERE wrong…but now it’s okay, we’re evolving! Progress! Of course, this either assumes that there is no destination to our progress…like a ship with no captain and no navigator, sailing in circles; or that Jesus Christ is not the center of History, that His Revelation is imperfect. This group I have no idea how to talk to, they deny the law of non-contradiction, Logic is useless against them, for even if you prove your point you’re still wrong…because there is no truth, their minds are so closed they refuse to hear any real argument. Paraphrasing Aristotle, you might as well talk to a head of lettuce. The best way to engage this group is prayer. Love them, pray for them, and hope grace can soften their hearts and open their minds.

4 COMMENTS

glenn lego October 9, 2011 at 5:36 pm

The verses quoted would rather condemn women in the priesthood since a woman can’t be “the husband of but one wife.” Also look at all the recent examples of Protestant ministers who were married but still engaged in immorality. Examples, Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, etc

- tech_pilgrim July 28, 2012 at 10:46 am
  
  I could see someone making that argument…but I really don’t think it would do any good. There are many more supportive passages in the Bible about a male only priesthood, such as in Corinthians, examples of ministry in the Old Testament, male-only Apostles, and of course the tradition of the Church is clear. No one who approaches the issue with the mind of the Church would consider changing the matter of a sacrament. Proponents of women priests (priestess?) typically fail into two groups. The one group (typically the “armchair theologian) thinks that Jesus was just “fitting in” with the times by not having women priests. This argument fails as it suggests Jesus HAD to conform…didn’t Jesus choose when to come into the world? Couldn’t God have sent a prophet to make women priests in the line of Aaron or women Rabbis centuries before the coming of Christ? This group, however, is typically more receptive of logic, you can point out things like this and maybe bring them around. The other more sophisticated (as in sophists), and more diabolical, group take issue with the authority of the Church in general, arguing that these things are changeable. If they reject the authority of Sacred Tradition, be sure they reject Sacred Scripture’s authority as well. This group thinks what is True is changeable…and God is changeable. Women priests WERE wrong…but now it’s okay, we’re evolving! Progress! Of course, this either assumes that there is no destination to our progress…like a ship with no captain and no navigator, sailing in circles; or that Jesus Christ is not the center of History, that His Revelation is imperfect. This group I have no idea how to talk to, they deny the law of non-contradiction, Logic is useless against them, for even if you prove your point you’re still wrong…because there is no truth, their minds are so closed they refuse to hear any real argument. Paraphrasing Aristotle, you might as well talk to a head of lettuce. The best way to engage this group is prayer. Love them, pray for them, and hope grace can soften their hearts and open their minds.
  
Chidozie felix junior June 21, 2013 at 2:20 pm

With people like you i hop one day to be able to strenghten my faith an those around me especially in Nigeria. God bless you

Pat June 22, 2013 at 4:17 pm

Father Joseph Mary,
Peace and love!
I love your preachings, but I want to request to you to please speak a little bit slower and pronounce the words better so you could be understood perfectly.
Thank you and God bless you!