Is it Time for Catholics & the Pope to Change?

[HD MM]

Clergy sex abuse in the Catholic church has been well documented. With that said, is the Pope and the ancient Catholic rules of not allowing their priests to marry a bit dated and should it be revised?

I mean nowadays, who in their right mind would vow a life of celibacy? And the question remains, those who do, are they trying to suppress urges and attractions they are ashamed of instead of being open with themselves?

I just think that maybe if the Catholic Church allows for Priests to marry and have sex, then maybe they can get their rocks off on someone else legally, instead of molesting kids.

PS. I was raised an Irish American Catholic and am truly shamed of this stain on the church and am completely for them revising their ancient ways.

[HDRoberts]

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col%202:8&version=9;

[stevenl]

Well religion as a whole is outdated and ran its course. Its not just the catholics.. But the reason they did not want priests to marry back in the day is because the church wanted to be the sole heir to the priests fortunes they didnt want some woman taking from their pie.

[msmith198025]

The reason they take the vow of celibacy is the same now as it was in the past. Some may not agree (and some may not be able to keep that vow), but I do not think the passage of time should have any bearing on it. What makes it outdated today versus 100 years ago (for them that is)?

[Derwin0]

Personally I think Priests should be allowed to marry. I know I like having a Pastor who is married, as he better relates to the couples in the church.

But the issue of Priest Celibacy is an issue for the Roman Catholic Church and it's membership to discuss. The rest of us have no say in how they run their church.

The child sex abuse is a different topic, and unfortunately not one that all churches are immune to. I can easily cite cases of married pastors who have abused children.
The major problem the Roman Catholic church had/has, is with the coverup. And in my opinion, those responsible for that have yet to be punished.

[Bob Haller]

Well religion as a whole is outdated and ran its course. Its not just the catholics.. But the reason they did not want priests to marry back in the day is because the church wanted to be the sole heir to the priests fortunes they didnt want some woman taking from their pie.

Thats EXACTLY the situation, probbly mixed with no wife and kids to complain when the priest gets moved.

Jesus had helpers with wives.

sudies indicate 1/3 of all priests are gay..............

At some point there will be too few priests and nuns, and the church will collapse from within.

they tolerated the pedophile priests to keep the numbers up.......

[HD MM]

The reason they take the vow of celibacy is the same now as it was in the past. Some may not agree (and some may not be able to keep that vow), but I do not think the passage of time should have any bearing on it. What makes it outdated today versus 100 years ago (for them that is)?

Good point and good questions.

The number of priests in the Catholic Church has declined significantly since the 1960's. Yet the population keeps increasing. By allowing marriage, maybe this would open the door to many more younger and worthy priests?

[Derwin0]

I just think that maybe if the Catholic Church allows for Priests to marry and have sex, then maybe they can get their rocks off on someone else legally, instead of molesting kids.
On this point, I would disagree. As perverts will still try to get in, as they do now.
But allowing married clergy does broaden the pool of talent. Many Catholics who would be excellent Priests, don't pursue it because they have (or want) a wife. Thus the "standard" has to be lower in order to fill the pulpits.

[Derwin0]

The number of priests in the Catholic Church has declined significantly since the 1960's. Yet the population keeps increasing. By allowing marriage, maybe this would open the door to many more younger and worthy priests?
I was posting when you posted this, but it pretty much sums up what I said.

But again, the issue is within the Roman Catholic church to make.
As a Southern Baptist, I have no dog in the hunt, so to say. I know I would get defensive if an "outsider" were to make demands we do things differently.

[HD MM]

I was posting when you posted this, but it pretty much sums up what I said.

But again, the issue is within the Roman Catholic church to make.
As a Southern Baptist, I have no dog in the hunt, so to say. I know I would get defensive if an "outsider" were to make demands we do things differently.

Agreed. I no longer attend Catholic Masses, but feel I can speak about it since I used to and have a long line of Catholics in my familia.

[Derwin0]

Agreed. I no longer attend Catholic Masses, but feel I can speak about it since I used to and have a long line of Catholics in my familia.And I'm not saying you don't.

I am speaking of myself, and some of the more vocal people here that arn't Catholic and speak out against the church's rules.

[HD MM]

And I'm not saying you don't.

I am speaking of myself, and some of the more vocal people here that arn't Catholic and speak out against the church's rules.

I know. No worries. I was just justifying my stance I guess. :)

[stevenl]

Its their decesion to make. But this is a webforum derwino where we are suppose to give our opinions..

[cybok0]

Maybe the pope should get a new hat, that might make things better.:free-happy-smileys-

I really didn't care about the priest being single when I was Catholic, I was just hoping like hell Sunday school(Which was held on Saturday morning:confused:). and church would end fast. I hated it all.