Argumentative Essay On Mandatory Celibacy

The Roman Catholic Church has foolishly foisted on its presbyters and episcopates the indefensible concept of mandatory celibacy. Voluntary celibacy for the gospel's sake is an honourable and biblical concept and we respect those so committed. Mandatory celibacy is a papal concept finally established in that church by Pope Siricius believing that it would enhance dedication and devotion to God by its priests and bishops. Incidentally Pope Siricius was himself married and had children. This concept is not theological (many popes, beside Pope Siricius, and presbyters were married including Apostle Peter who some refer to as the first pope) and the Pope and the Magisterium can change it through canon law.

The Anglican Church has just as foolishly

Too often the established guidelines for the recruitment of leaders are ignored or twisted and has more to do with the social class of the person on the one hand or who knows who on the other. Choices are being made on the basis of erudition and oratory and neglectful of divine graces and spiritual commitment. Many leaders have never been converted and so have no experience of Spirit baptism. In many cases some of these leaders are self-appointed and driven by pride and naked ambition start their own assemblies or create havoc within established assemblies and so grab the

Jesus dealt with it in Matthew 18:15-17; the Apostle John dealt with it in many passages of scripture especially 2 John 1:9-11 and the Apostle James dealt with this issue in James 5:19-20. The Apostle Paul dealt with it more intensely throughout his epistles especially in Galatians 6:1-5 and 1 Corinthians 5. However the scripture most outstanding with reference to apostolic fears for the church's leadership is found in Acts.

Here is how Acts 20: 28-31 puts it. 28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with