I have heard the challenge to celibacy that it is not natural. This is, of course, quite absurd. Like marriage, it is perfectly within the range of properly oriented human conduct; although, it represents (in perpetuity) a road less traveled. What is sometimes at force in such charges is not any appreciation for natural law, because these same accusers might lobby on behalf of homosexuality, but rather a form of atheism. We all know that even self-acclaimed believers sometimes live as if there is no God. While they might temporarily support the “new celibacy” that abstains from sex and relationships for the sake of upward mobility and a business career; they resoundingly object to “Christian celibacy” that sets aside earthly pleasure and companionship for spiritual treasure and intimacy with God. We hear this mentality in slogans like, “Go for the gusto!” and “You only live once, so make the most of it!” Especially when a priest fails to keep up with his prayer life, he becomes subject to this attack. “Where is God? Does it matter that I have given up the chance to have a wife and children? Have I wasted my life?”
When I first started my seminary studies, it was with the Franciscan TORs. We lived at the seminary and commuted down the hill to their adjacent college, now Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA. The young brothers had an interesting sense of humor and a few sang a made-up song on the bus one day that both shocked and amused me. We were all philosophy students and I guess the upper classmen were studying atheism. I still remember the refrain of their ditty, “Sorry, there is no God, you left your girlfriend for nothing.” If non-believers were right, the song brought home the absurdity of what we were about…forsaking a wife and family, all so that we might spread the cult of an imaginary deity. Of course, I am personally convinced that the atheists are in the wrong and for this there will be eternal consequences.
Filed under: Anti-Catholicism, Apologetics, Catholic, Celibacy, Discipleship, Marriage, Priests, Religion, Sexuality |
Blogger Priest 
Father Joe
When are you going to write an apologetics book on Catholicism?
Father Joe – thanks for the adjustment.
Maisie – you are bullying Father Joe out of the great wealth of your own lack of faith, spiritual sickness, resulting lack of charity, and true ignorance of the topic about which you write. You really need God in your life to heal you – He is present, but certainly not in you; if you find the strength to be humble and docile toward God and His servants, then He will begin to heal you. But He is not going to help you if you are beating His servants as you do in your words.. Deep down, you are hurting, too. Open the Bible and read and learn about what Jesus Christ (True God and True Man) taught, what He expects of you, what you have not done or do not do in disobedience to God and the Natural Law (that Law which is written in our hearts, but which we sometimes ignore to our own detriment) and then open your heart to God for healing. If your soul is damaged, then your whole body and whole life will be damaged. See? God can and will heal your soul if you allow it.
I actually enjoyed your original post. Not everyone is critical all of the time. 🙂
Father Joe – I meant [the word “doctor”] in a charitable and respectful way – that you are indeed a “doctor” of souls in the work that you do. As such, having “treated” many people with spiritual ills, and being an expert at that, you could be called “doctor” in a metaphorical way because you, indeed, are like a doctor.
When I write something to you, please try to see me as a person with charitable intent toward you – as I am. Thank you, and thank you for your answer.
Priest, you are full of [expletive deleted]. You geeks are just afraid of sex. Grow up and find yourself a woman or man, depending on which way you go. Take care of people and be nice. Stop judging others. You have no right. I am bi- and live with my husband and wife. We are happy but you probably think we are going to hell. There may be a god or goddess, but I cannot believe in yours. Guess what? You have wasted your life, and all for a lie! At least the married priests have something to show for there lives. You have nothing. Nobody cares, get it? You could be [expletive deleted] on the side and no one would care. Just play some good music, tell a joke or nice story on the weekends, and help people. That is enough! You are pathetic. And now you go on and on trying to rationalize what cannot be defended. You are a woman-hater and afraid. You have nothing. You are nothing. You are just a fat old man who found out too late that he ruined his life. Stop trying to ruin the lives of others. They can still be happy and satisfied. Blessed be!
Well, but what sort of wounds might make an atheist into an atheist dear doctor?