Celibacy versus marriage

[pjohns]

I have never quite understood the view that celibacy is morally preferable to marriage. (Paul appears to take that attitude in the early part of I Corinthians 7--although later verses seem to indicate that it was rooted in his view of the impending calamity.)

More precisely: I simply cannot wrap my head around the view that sex relations--even within the context of a happy, married state--represents a state that is morally inferior to celibacy.

True, there are many ways to express love: with flowers, with candy, with other gifts--even with a sincere "I love you." And all of these are to be appreciated.

But sexual intimacy, I believe, is the ultimate expression of love.

For teenagers and twentysomethings, perhaps it is grounded in burning desire. But for most others--and especially for those of middle age or above--it is much more altruistic in nature.

To withhold this from another strikes me as being unnecessarily selfish.

What do others think?

[Captdon]

It isn't.

[jet57]

I have never quite understood the view that celibacy is morally preferable to marriage. (Paul appears to take that attitude in the early part of I Corinthians 7--although later verses seem to indicate that it was rooted in his view of the impending calamity.)

More precisely: I simply cannot wrap my head around the view that sex relations--even within the context of a happy, married state--represents a state that is morally inferior to celibacy.

True, there are many ways to express love: with flowers, with candy, with other gifts--even with a sincere "I love you." And all of these are to be appreciated.

But sexual intimacy, I believe, is the ultimate expression of love.

For teenagers and twentysomethings, perhaps it is grounded in burning desire. But for most others--and especially for those of middle age or above--it is much more altruistic in nature.

To withhold this from another strikes me as being unnecessarily selfish.

What do others think?

Some people just can't get laid.

[countryboy]

Some people just can't get laid.

Sounds like the voice of experience.

[pjohns]

I may have been unnecessarily vague.

By "sexual intimacy," I was referring to physical closeness in a very broad sense. This would include cuddling, snuggling, and touching of any sort.

I frequently like to touch my wife--on the arm, on the knee, or anywhere else--as that causes a feeling of intimacy (even though it has nothing to do with a burning desire).

[Captdon]

I may have been unnecessarily vague.

By "sexual intimacy," I was referring to physical closeness in a very broad sense. This would include cuddling, snuggling, and touching of any sort.

I frequently like to touch my wife--on the arm, on the knee, or anywhere else--as that causes a feeling of intimacy (even though it has nothing to do with a burning desire).

That's different. Intimacy is a necessity in a relationship.

[Great_American]

I have never quite understood the view that celibacy is morally preferable to marriage. (Paul appears to take that attitude in the early part of I Corinthians 7--although later verses seem to indicate that it was rooted in his view of the impending calamity.). . . .

I have never heard anyone say that. Since God commanded man to be fruitful, its seems that Marriage is preferred.

BUT: Perhaps for clergy celibacy is preferable. Jesus, Paul, the Blessed Virgin . . . three great examples.

Spiritually, a parish priest is a "father" to his congregation. Being born again in baptism is something he assists in. In the flesh we have mothers and father, but in the spirit Christians are all brothers and sisters, and even though God is Father, the priest is a father figure to for the local parish.

By not being married he can concentrate on that fatherly role.

[Cthulhu]

I may have been unnecessarily vague.
By "sexual intimacy," I was referring to physical closeness in a very broad sense. This would include cuddling, snuggling, and touching of any sort.
I frequently like to touch my wife--on the arm, on the knee, or anywhere else--as that causes a feeling of intimacy (even though it has nothing to do with a burning desire).

That's different. Intimacy is a necessity in a relationship.

Intimacy is required for a functional relationship where romance is at play.

That being said. Intercourse, the sticky communion of two nether regions - is required if a marriage is to function long term. Outliers exist (mostly BS) but the general rule is if you're married, sexual intercourse is a basic expectation of the union.

Men don't get married to cuddle, provide resources, handle emotional baggage, and good conversation.

Men do get married to have sex and create families.

Women on the other hand...yikes. I understand why tons of men are walking away from relationships with women now days. Sex is fairly easily achievable now days. But the risks of having a child with a woman in the western world is so high men are simple avoiding it at all costs it seems.

And in a society where men are preferring to be single? It will not last. Population implosion is already occurring world wide.

[Great_American]

. . . . Intercourse, the sticky communion of two nether regions - is required if a marriage is to function long term. . . .

is required ? Says who?

[The Baron]

is required ? Says who?

The Bible.