Why Celibacy is not the Culprit to Sexual Abuse

With the numerous sex scandals within the church, some are calling for the church to take a more in-depth investigation and rethink the criterion of celibacy and the priesthood.

Long before Christianity began the idea that spiritual men should remain celibate was questioned. Additional pre-Christian sects mandated that their priests and ministers live pure, meaning that they had never engaged in sex. This dates back to the Ancient Druid priesthood from the 3rd century.

The Catholic Church has examined the negatives and the positives of celibacy since the 11th century. It has been an ongoing debate.

Celibacy has relevance in the scriptures. Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul gave instructions on the subject. In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul endorses celibacy for those capable of it: “To the unmarried and the widows, I say that it is well for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion,” (7:8–9).

The Scripture enforces some men are to marry, and others are to remain single. Most men willing to lead celibate lives truly believe God has given them the discipline of remaining both celibate and unmarried.