At one time or another, certain prominent religions have adopted celibacy as a requirement for their ministers. Yet, in no other religion of Christendom has celibacy become more of a hallmark than in Catholicism. Today, there is quite a controversy over Catholic celibacy. The Wilson Quarterly noted that “study after study in recent decades has concluded that mandatory celibacy, a requirement for Catholic priests since the 12th century, is at the root of the church’s problems in recruiting and retaining priests.” According to sociologist Richard A. Schoenherr, “the full weight of history and social change is turning against male celibate exclusivity in the Catholic priesthood.” What is the Bible’s view of celibacy?

“Wisdom is proved righteous by its works,” said Jesus Christ. (Matthew 11:19) The foolishness of deviating from God’s standards has been proved by its works or consequences. Author David Rice interviewed many priests around the world on the subject of compulsory celibacy. Some that he talked to said: “You stay in the priesthood, do whatever good you can, and discreetly avail yourself of the readiness of devoted, admiring women to make themselves sexually available.”

Quoting Matthew 7:20, Rice states: “‘By their fruits you shall know them,’ Jesus said.” He then comments on the tragedy that has resulted from enforced celibacy: “The fruits of compulsory celibacy are those thousands of men leading double lives, thousands of women leading destroyed lives, thousands of children spurned by their ordained fathers, to say nothing of the priestly walking wounded.”