There are many religions that practice or require celibacy of their religious leaders and clergy, why?
Answers (6)
RELIGIONS around the world—such as the Roman Catholic Church, the various Orthodox churches, Buddhism, and others—require celibacy of their religious leaders and clergy. Clerical celibacy was enforced during the Lateran Councils of 1123 and 1139, which were held in Rome, and it has remained the official position of the Roman Catholic Church to the present day. With this measure, the church prevented the loss of power and income that resulted when priests who were married willed church property to their children. Valerio Albisetti, one of the best-known Italian Catholic psychologists. that “it is very harmful for the mental health and psychological equilibrium of the future priest” to live his adolescence “within structures characterized by female absence.” Besides problems relating to sexuality, Albisetti comments that “often churchmen suffer from depression, obsessive-maniacal disturbances and bulimia.”
God’s view of celibacy is clearly expressed in his Word, the Bible. In it we read Jesus’ words about those who remained single, as he did, “on account of the Kingdom of the heavens.” (Matthew 19:12) Christians who chose to follow his example of singleness “for the sake of the good news” (full time ministers without distraction of marriage)—1 Corinthians 7:37, 38; 9:23.
The Bible shows that many Christian ministers in the first century, including the apostle Peter, were married men. (Matthew 8:14; Mark 1:29-31; 1 Timothy 3:2, 4.
These were not celibate marriages, (1 Corinthians 7:3-5) Clearly, celibacy is not required.
For more information on this subject and others, please go to jw.org "Online Library." Also for free downloads, publications on read online.
1 Timothy 4:1 - 4
"However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron. They forbid marriage and command people to abstain from foods that God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth. For every creation of God is fine, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is sanctified through God’s word and prayer over it."
Celibacy definition is abstaining from marriage and sexual relations. No where in the bible says that a minister cannot marry, but the bible did tell us a couple things :
1) Acts 15:20 tells us we should, 'abstain from sexual immorality.' In other words sexual relations should only take place with two people who are married to each other.
2) 1Corinrhians 6:9,10 says, 'Do not be mislead those who are sexually immoral will not inherit God's Kingdom.' The bible stand on sexual relations outside of the marriage bed is something disgusting in God's eyes.
Please know any one who practices sexual immorality whether they are ministers or not does not have God's favor. It will be worst to not marry and have sexual relations. We definitely don't want to say we are ministers and not marrying but we are involved in many types of sexual misconduct. This is why God says at 1 Corinthians 7:9, 'If they do not have self control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to be inflamed with passion.' Our dear God does not wish for none of us to live in sin by conducting ourselves in any sort of immoral way, but he do make a way out for us to satisfy our sexual desire with our marriage mate and no other.
Hope this information help clear up some misunderstanding about Celibacy. If you need more information on this topic or any other topic, please visit JW.org