Celibacy In Catholianity Essay

Change. A word that frightens our culture. People are afraid of change because they are comfortable with tradition. Most people have been taught that tradition is something that is not revised; moreover, people are apprehensive to change tradition. Lemony Snicket once said, “Just because something is traditional is no reason to do it, of course.” Change in one’s life can relate to anything. With culture and society constantly progressing in many directions, more and more topics are being discussed and questioned. Religion marks a significant role in constant controversy over traditional topics. Certain topics are being debated because people are beginning to think like Lemony Snicket: what is the reason behind these traditions? Celibacy is defined as the state of being unmarried and/or sexually abstinent by choice, especially for religious reasons. It is demonstrated as a vow for men becoming Catholic priests.

Throughout the years, there has been constant debate to whether priests should remain celibate or should have the option to marry during priesthood. In Catholicism, the Church holds that celibacy is a gift of the Holy Spirit for the Church; therefore, it is not something negotiable. Many devoted Catholics view the idea of ending celibacy as an absolutely ridiculous thought, but there are many devoted Catholics who have the opinion that ending celibacy in priesthood could have a positive impact in Catholicism. The questions remain: Which is the proper choice? Do Catholics have authority to change tradition? As a raised Catholic and from a personal standpoint, I believe that celibacy in priesthood is beneficial and that its tradition is quite beautiful. Not only should Catholicism continue with its tradition because it is his...

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...nother. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13: 34-35).

Celibacy is an art, something you have to continuously practice. A husband or wife does not learn how to be a good spouse on the day of his or her wedding. Likewise, a priest does not learn what it means to be a good priest on the day of his ordination. Being successful comes with growth. Each of us thrives in a hermeneutic experience; the priest can greater accomplish this through celibacy. A priest vows to chastity to give himself up to God and to make him available to love and help as many other people as possible, just as Jesus did. Jesus was only around for 33 years. Priests need to be the ones who continue his teachings and share His gift. The gift of celibacy that priests receive can truly bring them near God and further help the people of the community learn how to be closer to God.