Catholicism is bullsh!t.

I think some people are missing too many bits in the Bible about crucifying the flesh (that means "killing" the needs of the body) and dedicating themselves to God. The whole point is setting aside those bodily needs- so you don't announce that it's too hard for them- so let them screw whoever they want.

Guess there is no sweater this time Lizzie- LOL

Indeed this is true. In fact, it was first sons that were disinherited/declared illegitimate. The church did not want sons of clergy to make inheritance claims on church lands. (Initially, daughters were not a problem.) The church struggled with this for some time with various pushes for celibacy alternating with married popes and such (Leo the something or other). The First Lateran Council in 1123 was pretty emphatic in requiring celibacy.

It's puzzling for me, a non-Catholic, that marriage should be lauded as a sacrament -- not just spiffy but a *holy sacrament* -- and also forbidden to the clergy. It's also puzzling to me as a historian. The various dualist heresies of the middle ages frequently practiced a strict celibacy amongst the lay people (they were also vegitarians -- wouldn't consume the products of coition) and boy did that upset the church! Marry and eat chickens or be burned at the stake!

No there is totally a sweater: the priesthood is supposed to be celibate (killing the needs of the body) and dedicate themselves to God. So the whole no-gays thing just MAKES NO SENSE! Because, if you've left behind the normal "sexual" part of your life to pursue spirituality, then it matters not what orientation you once had. There will be no screwing of any kind. And I don't think that that's any harder for one orientation over another!

:evil: -- needs his sweater?

Oops, just re-read: is it the announce part that is the difficulty?

naw LB- I think we're good LOL

Twice in one day- watch it, might make a habit of understanding each other-

:snap: :snap: :snap:

Man, do I love knowing a historian. Fascinating read. Thanks.

I do teach a class called "So, you want to be a heretic?" Yup, I'm a nutter.

Celibacy? no Altar boys? and NOW... NO GAYS??....

OH THE HUMANITY!!!!

Actually being raised Catholic, and being an Altar boy who never had any problems, I considered myself good friends with the Priests I knew.

Looking back 2 of them were total QUEENS! at 10 you dont see these things, i thought they were very nice guys. I will always be amazed at peoples OBSESSIONS with who is attracted to and sleeps with who. (Between consenting ADULTS of course)

I know back in the 80's and early 90's many priests died of "Cancer" This of course was played down by the church . Now we know this "Cancer" was AIDS.

I think if the Catholic Church were to kick out Gays, they would lose at least Half of thier priests.

I don't see what effect banning gay priests is going to have on their pedophilia problems? Do they think they're the same thing?