School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses
Date of Award
Fall 11-27-2023
Document Type
Graduate Paper
Degree Name
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
Department
School of Theology and Seminary
First Advisor
Dr. Durheim, Bemjamin
Second Advisor
Mr. Roberto Castillo, B.Ed.
Subject Categories
Religion
Abstract
Despite the inordinate number of debates on celibacy, there is still a widely-held notion that celibacy is a problem in the church which needs reform in relation to the status quo proposed by the twenty first century. This paper seeks to shed light on the topic by juxtaposing its reality with that of marriage in light of church teaching. Analyzing the works of Evert, Skudlarek, Salzmann and Kelly, this paper seeks to shine theological light on the reality of the priestly celibacy with the assertion that it is a reality not clearly outlined to the world and that this reality envelopes a way of life that stems from the Love of Christ for his bride. By contextualizing marriage in its natural form, it is the attempt of this work to bring forth the reality of many religious who devoutly enter a life of total service and surrender and whose bountiful sacrifice and brave testimony are overshadowed by the prevalence of moral evil present even in the church.
Copyright Statement
This paper may be made available for electronic access in current and future electronic storage databases at Saint John’s University Alcuin Library, Collegeville, Minnesota.
Recommended Citation
Nortilus, Saint-Gilbert, "The Relationship between Marital life and Celibacy in the Catholic Church" (2023). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 1940.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/1940
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