tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55727507006016944.post2345477948893910143..comments2023-11-02T04:25:49.697-07:00Comments on Northwoods Seelsorger: Celibacy and the Roman Catholic ChurchDonald V. Engebretsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048205066519140869noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55727507006016944.post-11102423805076596332007-01-29T06:33:00.000-08:002007-01-29T06:33:00.000-08:00I agree that it should never be mandatory. In the ...I agree that it should never be mandatory. In the ancient Church, many of the Bishops were celibate. Not because they had to be, but by choice. Actually, I think at either Nicea of the second ecumenical council forced celibacy for the clergy was proposed, but shot down. However, at Nicea you really see high standards for the clergy and that to be totally focused on your calling without distractions was very important. Further, a single pastor did not have the temptations for money as would be a married pastor looking at his calling as a "job" to support his family, and not a calling of being a servant like Christ on behalf of the people. So marriage was not forbidden for marriage, but the pastorate was never looked upon as a career or job. <br /><br />Dave318@Niceahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01868995577231032951noreply@blogger.com