"I heard that a long
time ago it was decided by the Church that they couldn't afford priests to marry
and have children so that is how celibacy started. Is this true?"
Answer / Resources:
[click link(s) below, as applicable]
No, that is not true.
Jesus recommended celibacy, as did St. Paul (see Mt. 19:12, 1 Cor. 7:32-38).
The last book in Holy Scripture says only virgins can follow Christ everywhere
(see Apoc./Rev. 14:3-5). According to tradition, the apostles practiced celibacy
after being called by Jesus. The reasons for celibacy for priests (and others)
are not based merely on worldly motives such as not being able to afford
children, but rather to promote great spiritual benefits that can arise from
celibacy. For additional information regarding priestly celibacy (including
reasons for/benefits of priestly celibacy), please try
here.
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