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==Christianity==
==Christianity==
Celibacy is viewed differently by the Catholic Church and the various Protestant communities. It includes [[clerical celibacy]], celibacy of the [[consecrated life]], voluntary lay celibacy, and celibacy outside of marriage.
Celibacy is viewed differently by the Catholic Church and the various Protestant communities. It includes [[clerical celibacy]], celibacy of the [[consecrated life]], voluntary lay celibacy, and celibacy outside of marriage. There is general agreement that it should not be seen as purer than marriage but its equal, unlike the attitude of some [[dualist]] groups such as the [[Gnostics]] who hold the material world to be evil.


In {{bibleverse||Matthew|19}}, [[Jesus Christ]] says "11 Not all can accept [this] word, but only those to whom that is granted. 12 Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it."
In {{bibleverse||Matthew|19}}, [[Jesus Christ]] says "11 Not all can accept [this] word, but only those to whom that is granted. 12 Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it."

Revision as of 22:02, 25 June 2011

This article is about the historical and current phenomenon of voluntary celibacy. For details on the psychosocial condition of an unwilling perpetually celibate state, see involuntary celibacy.

Celibacy refers to a state of being unmarried, or a state of abstention from sexual intercourse or the abstention by vow from marriage.[1]

Etymology

The English word celibacy derives from the Latin [caelebs] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help), meaning "unmarried". This word derives from two Proto-Indo-European stems, *kaiwelo- "alone" and *lib(h)s- "living".[2]

Abstinence and celibacy

The words abstinence and celibacy are often used interchangeably, but are different. Sexual abstinence or continence refers to abstaining from sexual intercourse.[3] The term "celibacy" is used to refer to an unmarried state. According to Paul the Apostle, marriage is a social obligation that has the potential of distracting from Christ. For him, celibacy is the single life, free from such distraction, not a life of saintly denial. Sex, in turn, is not sinful but natural, and sex within marriage is both proper and necessary.[4] According to the later St. Jerome, celibacy is a moral virtue, consisting by not living in the flesh but outside the flesh, as it were (vivere in carne praeter carnem). Celibacy excludes not only libidinous acts, but also sinful thoughts or desires of the flesh.[5] The first Conciliar document on celibacy of the Western Christian Church (Canon 33 of the Spanish Council of Elvira, c. AD 305) states that the discipline of celibacy is to refrain from the use of marriage, i.e. refrain from having carnal contact with your spouse.[6]

In her book The New Celibacy, Gabrielle Brown states that "abstinence is a response on the outside to what's going on, and celibacy is a response from the inside."[7] According to this definition, celibacy (even short-term celibacy that is pursued for non-religious reasons) is much more than not having sex. It is more intentional than abstinence, and its goal is personal growth and empowerment. This perspective on celibacy is echoed by several authors including Elizabeth Abbott, Wendy Keller, and Wendy Shalit.[8]

Many evangelicals prefer the term "abstinence" to "celibacy." Assuming everyone will marry, they focus their discussion on refraining from premarital sex and focusing on the joys of a future marriage. But some evangelicals, particularly older singles, desire a positive message of celibacy that moves beyond the "wait until marriage" message of abstinence campaigns. They seek a new understanding of celibacy that is focused on God rather than a future marriage or a life-long vow to the Church.[9]

Buddhism

See also: Sexuality and Buddhism

The rule of celibacy in the Buddhist religion, whether Mahayana or Theravada, has a long history. Celibacy was advocated as an ideal rule of life for all monks and nuns by Gautama Buddha, except for Japan where it is not strictly followed due to historical political developments following the Meiji Restoration. Gautama, later known as the Buddha, is very well known for his renunciation of his wife, Princess Yasodharā, and son, Rahula. In order to pursue an ascetic life, he needed to renounce aspects of the impermanent world, including his wife and son. Later on both his wife and son joined the ascetic community and are mentioned in the Buddhist texts to have become enlightened.

Christianity

Celibacy is viewed differently by the Catholic Church and the various Protestant communities. It includes clerical celibacy, celibacy of the consecrated life, voluntary lay celibacy, and celibacy outside of marriage. There is general agreement that it should not be seen as purer than marriage but its equal, unlike the attitude of some dualist groups such as the Gnostics who hold the material world to be evil.

In Matthew 19, Jesus Christ says "11 Not all can accept [this] word, but only those to whom that is granted. 12 Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it."

The Apostle Paul endorsed celibate life in his letter to the Corinthian Church,

"I desire to have you to be free from cares. He who is unmarried is concerned for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife. There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world – how she may please her husband. This I say for your own profit; not that I may ensnare you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend to the Lord without distraction."[10]

Later, Paul says "Concerning the virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.” (1 Cor 7:25).

Celibacy as a vocation may be independent from religious vows (as is the case with consecrated virgins, ascetics and hermits). Traditionally though, most celibate persons have been religious and monastics (monks resp. brothers and nuns resp. sisters). In the Catholic, Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox traditions, bishops are required to be celibate. In the Eastern Christian traditions, priests and deacons are allowed to be married, yet have to remain celibate if they are unmarried at the time of ordination.

The Protestant Reformation initially rejected celibate life as a whole and even sexual continence for priests, though especially from the 19th century on, Protestant celibate communities have emerged, especially from Anglican and Lutheran backgrounds.

A few minor Christian sects even advocated celibacy as a better way of life for everyone. These groups included the Shakers, the Harmony Society and the Ephrata Cloister.

Celibacy not only for religious and monastics (brothers/monks and sisters/nuns) but also for bishops is upheld by the Catholic Church traditions.[11]

Catholic perspective

See also: Clerical celibacy (Catholic Church)

In the Catholic Church the apostles were considered the first priests and bishops in the Church. The call to be eunuchs for the sake of heaven in Matthew 19 is considered a call to be sexually continent. Some say this developed into mandatory celibacy for priests who are believed to be the successors of the apostles. This is in spite of the fact that Peter was the first apostle called by Jesus (Matthew 4) and Peter was married (Matthew 8). A footnote in the New American Bible says: “Some scholars take the [call to be eunuchs for the sake of heaven to be meant for] those who have been divorced by their spouses and who have refused to enter into another marriage” (p. 1041). The view of the Catholic Church remains that celibacy is more a reflection of life in Heaven, a source of detachment from the material world which aids in one's relationship with God. Celibacy is designed to "consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to "the affairs of the Lord, they give themselves entirely to God and to men. It is a sign of this new life to the service of which the Church's minister is consecrated; accepted with a joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God."[1]

Catholic priests are called to be espoused (married) to the Church itself, and espoused to God, without overwhelming, exclusive commitments interfering with the relationship. Celibacy was not required of popes, bishops, or priests in the early church. The early church resisted asceticism and celibacy as ideals for clergy and popes, bishops, and priests married and sired children for over a thousand years after Christ[12] Celibacy became obligatory for all priests in the west in the 12th century at the First Lateran Council (1123), Second Lateran Council (1139), and the Council of Trent (1545–64).[13]

Usually, only celibate men are ordained as priests in the Latin Rite.[14][15] Married men may become deacons, and married clergy who have converted from other denominations may become Catholic priests without becoming celibate.[16] Mandatory priestly celibacy is not a doctrine, or dogma, of the Church (examples of Catholic doctrine would be the principle of the absolute respect for life or the belief in the Assumption and Immaculate Conception or the reservation of the priesthood to men) but a church rule or discipline, like the use of the vernacular (local) language in Mass or the ancient rule of Lenten fasting and abstinence.[17] As such, it can, at least theoretically, change at any time, though it still must be obeyed by Catholics in good standing. Some rules are more susceptible to alteration or exception than others, and this rule has been affirmed for some time. The Eastern Catholic Churches ordain both celibate and married men. However, in both the East and the West, bishops are chosen from among those who are celibate.[18][19] All rites of the Catholic Church maintain the ancient tradition where marriage is not allowed after ordination.[citation needed] However many priests who resign end up marrying, and in remote areas or "missions" practising Catholic priests sometimes have de facto wives. In Ireland several priests have maintained "secret" families, the two most prominent being Bishop Eamonn Casey and Father Michael Cleary (priest).

The Catholic view on celibacy is based on the Christ's example, on his teaching as given in Matthew 19:11–12 and on the writings of Paul, who wrote of the advantages celibacy allowed a man in serving the Lord,[20] Celibacy was "held in high esteem" from the Church's beginnings. It is considered a kind of spiritual marriage with Christ, a concept further popularized by the early Christian theologian Origen. Clerical celibacy began to be demanded in the 4th century, including papal decretals beginning with Pope Siricius.[21] Mandatory celibacy was typically expected of priests in the 11th century, as part of efforts to reform the medieval church, and became universal in the 12th.[22]

Another possible explanation for the origins of obligatory celibacy revolves around more practical reason, "the need to avoid claims on church property by priests' offspring".[23] It remains a matter of Canon Law (and oftentimes a criterion for certain religious orders, especially Franciscans) that priests do not own land and therefore cannot pass it on to legitimate or illegitimate children. The land belongs to the Church through the local diocese as administered by the Local Ordinary, or Bishop.

Universal celibacy

Jesus' characterization (in Matthew 22:30) of the future status of all persons in heaven is officially designated "universal celibacy"[17] by the Catholic Church: "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven."

Hinduism

In Hinduism, celibacy is usually associated with the sadhus ("holy men"), ascetics who withdraw from worldly ties.

Celibacy, termed brahmacharya in Vedic scripture, is the fourth of the yamas and the word literally translated means "dedicated to the Divinity of Life". The word is often used in yogic practice to refer to celibacy or denying pleasure, but this is only a small part of what brahmacharya represents.[1] The purpose of practicing brahmacharya is to keep you focused on your purpose in life, the things that instill a feeling of peace and contentment.

Brahma Kumaris

In the religious movement of Brahma Kumaris, celibacy is also promoted for peace and to defeat power of lust and to prepare for life in forthcoming Heaven on earth for 2,500 years when children will be created by the power of the mind even for householders to like like holy brother and sister.[24][25]

In the Brahma Kumaris belief system, celibacy is given the utmost importance. It is said that, as per the direction of the Supreme God those lead a pure and celibate life will be successfully able to conquer the surging vices. The power of celibacy creates an unseen environment of divinity bringing peace, power, purity, prosperity and fortune. Those with the power of celibacy are eligible to claim a bright future of Golden Age of heaven / Paradise. Brahma Kumaris concept of identifying the self as a soul, different from physical body, is deeply linked to the philosophy of celibacy. It is said that the craving for sex and impure thoughts are the reason for the whole trouble in the universe today.

Islamic perspective

See also: Nikah

Islam does not promote celibacy; rather it condemns premarital sex. In fact, according to Islam, marriage enables one to attain the highest form of righteousness within this sacred spiritual bond. It disagrees with the concept that marriage acts as a form of distraction in attaining nearness to God. The Qur'an (57:27) states, "But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them but only to please Allah therewith, but that they did not observe it with the right observance."

The following sayings about the Prophet also address celibacy:

"There have been people who have come to the prophet and explained how they love to be engaged in prayer and fasting for the sake of God. The Prophet Mohammed told them that, despite this being good, it is also a blessing to raise a family, to remain moderate and not to concentrate too much on one aspect as not only can this be unhealthy for an individual as well as upon society, it may also take one away from God."

"The Prophet Muhammad said that he who does not do nikah (marry) is not from me (does not follow my example)."

Secular

The radical feminist group Cell 16 were strongly championing celibacy as a challenge to male dominance, following in a tradition of celibacy dating back to the early feminists. They advocated women separate from "men who are not consciously working for female liberation", but advised periods of celibacy. There have been activists who have been celibate to devote energy to their cause.

The earliest roots of celibacy were secular. In the 6th century BC, "Pythagoras himself established a small community that set a premium on study, vegetarianism, and sexual restraint or abstinence. Later philosophers believed that celibacy would be conducive to the detachment and equilibrium required by the philosopher's calling. Similarly, the increasing number of cults- e.g.s, Manichaeans and Gnostics-- had an inner circle requiring continence"[26]

See also

References

  1. ^ Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Celibacy. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  2. ^ Online Etymology Dictionary, Celibacy. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  3. ^ art. Abstinence and Continence, in Dictionary of Moral Theology. Compiled under the Direction of H. E. Cardinal Roberti. Ed. Mgr. Pietro Palazzini. London: Burns & Oates Publishers of th Holy See 1962;
  4. ^ Will Deming, Paul on marriage and celibacy: the hellenistic background of 1 Corinthians 7. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co 2003; 2nd edition.
  5. ^ art. Celibacy, clerical, in Dictionary of Moral Theology. Compiled under the Direction of H. E. Cardinal Roberti. Ed. Mgr. Pietro Palazzini. London: Burns & Oates Publishers of th Holy See 1962;
  6. ^ Roman Cholij Clerical Celibacy in East and West. Gracewing 1990; 2nd Rev. ed., p. 36.
  7. ^ Brown, Gabrielle. The New Celibacy: A Journey to Love, Intimacy, and Good Health in a New Age. Rev. ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1989.
  8. ^ Abbott, Elizabeth. A History of Celibacy. Cambridge, MA: DaCapo, 1999.; Keller, Wendy. The Cult of the Born-Again Virgin: How Single Women Can Reclaim Their Sexual Power. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, 1999.; Shalit, Wendy. A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue. New York: Touchstone, 2000.
  9. ^ Colon, Christine, and Bonnie Field. Singled Out: Why Celibacy Must Be Reinvented in Today's Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos, 2009.
  10. ^ 1 Corinthians 7
  11. ^ Celibacy. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2009. Archived 31 October 2009.
  12. ^ Encyclopedia of Catholicism, San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1995.
  13. ^ New Advent, "Celibacy of the Clergy" (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03481a.htm)
  14. ^ "Canon 1037". 1983 Code of Canon Law. Vatican. Retrieved 9 March 2008.
  15. ^ "Canon 1031". 1983 Code of Canon Law. Vatican. Retrieved 9 March 2008.
  16. ^ Cholij, Roman (1993). "Priestly Celibacy in Patristics and in the History of the Church". Vatican. Retrieved 6 April 2008. A priest who is married at time of ordination continues to be married, with full obligation to all expectations of the marriage, but cannot remarry and remain in the practice of the priesthood.
  17. ^ a b "Celibacy and the Priesthood".
  18. ^ Niebuhur, Gustav (16 February 1997). "Bishop's Quiet Action Allows Priest Both Flock And Family". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 April 2008.
  19. ^ "1990 Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium, Canons 285, 373, 374, 758". Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 1990. Retrieved 12 September 2008.
  20. ^ Schreck, p. 255.
  21. ^ Bokenkotter, p. 54.
  22. ^ Bokenkotter, p. 145.
  23. ^ Vitello, Paul (22 March 2009). "On Eve of Retirement, Cardinal Breathes Life Into Debate on Priestly Celibacy". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
  24. ^ Babb, Lawrence A. (1987). Redemptive Encounters: Three Modern Styles in the Hindu Tradition (Comparative Studies in Religion and Society). Oxford University Press. ISBN 0706925637. "Sexual intercourse is unnecessary for reproduction because the souls that enter the world during the first half of the Cycle are in possession of a special yogic power (yog bal) by which they conceive children"
  25. ^ Barrett, David V (2001). The New Believers. Cassell & Co. pp. 265. ISBN 0-304-35592-5.
  26. ^ "celibacy", The New Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th ed.,vol 3 Chicago, 2007.

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