DAY 92
CHALLENGE
“The practice of celibacy is unbiblical. Paul describes forbidding marriage as a ‘doctrine of demons’ (1 Tim. 4:1–3).”
DEFENSE
Celibacy is grounded in Scripture, including the writings of Paul.
Celibacy is the state of being unmarried. This is not the condition most people are called to, but it is for some. In the Latin Church, most ordained ministers are celibate, as are many in Eastern Catholic Churches (CCC 1579–80).
This is a matter of discipline rather than doctrine, and it could change for sufficient reason. However, being unmarried allows clergy to fully consecrate themselves to Christ and his service. It also conforms them to the model of life adopted by Christ during his ministry and by all the saved in the next life (Matt. 22:30).
The way the discipline has been practiced has varied in different periods, but it is far from unbiblical. Although Jesus recognized marriage as a good instituted by God (Matt. 19:4–6), he was celibate (see Day 25), and he recommended celibacy to those who could accept it (Matt. 19:10–12).
Celibacy is also discussed by Paul. He indicates that he was celibate and wished everyone was, though he acknowledged it is not everyone’s calling (1 Cor. 7:7, cf. vv. 1–9). In view of the conditions of his day, he counseled the unmarried to remain as they were, noting it would spare them worldly troubles and allow them to be single-minded in their devotion to Christ. Yet he acknowledged that it was not sinful for them to marry (1 Cor. 7:25–38). He also appears to recommend celibacy to Timothy as a minister (2 Tim. 2:3–4).
With this background, we can understand what Paul means when he refers to forbidding marriage as a “doctrine of demons.” He is not condemning celibacy, which he both practiced and recommended. He is condemning the idea that nobody should marry, that marriage is somehow immoral (a view endorsed by some heretics).
In the same letter, Paul endorses vows of celibacy. When discussing an order of consecrated widows, he said, “Refuse to enroll younger widows; for when they grow wanton against Christ they desire to marry, and so they incur condemnation for having violated their first pledge” (1 Tim. 5:11–12). He therefore recommended that younger widows remarry and avoid violating the consecrated widow’s vow of celibacy (vv. 14–15).