The Significance of Celibacy

March 27, 2020

Not everyone is called to celibacy, and not everyone is called to marriage, but these lifestyles don’t receive equal attention in many Christian circles. In this episode, Adam and David examine celibacy, how it’s handled in Christian culture, and why it’s an important part of the Catholic witness to the world.

Celibacy among Catholic clergy isn’t just a legalistic requirement, or a way to sidestep sexual temptation, or a convenience for those who aren’t particularly interested in marriage (in fact, David was told, “if you wouldn’t have made a good husband and father, you shouldn’t be ordained as a priest”). It’s a radical declaration that what is eternal is more precious than “the goods of this world” and a sacrifice to serve the church in lieu of a spouse. But celibacy is not as celebrated or supported as it should be, particularly within the Protestant church where marriage is idolized. “The world needs celibacy now more than ever,” especially in response to the effects of the sexual revolution.

Listen in to this conversation as Adam and David talk about the priestly life, types of celibates, and the difference between asexuality and celibacy.

 

Jump Through the Conversation

  • [0:45] The life of a Catholic priest

  • [4:08] The “radical witness” of celibacy

  • [6:14] Why celibacy is needed in the 21st century

  • [8:40] How celibates are viewed in Protestantism and Catholicism

  • [10:50] Sexual morality and same-sex attraction

  • [12:29] Lack of attention in churches towards celibates and singles

  • [14:07] Life for married priests

    • What clergy can be married

    • Reformation issues with unmarried clergy

  • [17:18] The effective witness of dissimilarities among Christians

  • [19:21] Sexuality in modern culture

    • Difference between asexual and celibate

    • Correlation between the sexual revolution and pedophilia among clergy

  • [22:45] Sexual issues in marriage and mutual witness

  • [24:54] Different types of celibates

  • [28:21] About those who are celibate/single for a time

  • [30:07] Closing thoughts

 

Links and Resources

 

A resource of the Chattanooga House of Prayer