Originally Posted by
Baruch
Actually, the whole idea of the celibacy of the priesthood is more likely based on Paul's assertion: "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: it is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am." (1 Corinthians 7:8)
This, of course, ignores the fact that Paul also seems to regard marriage as a good thing, even though apparently to him celibacy is better.
My understanding is that the Puritan tradition arose as a reaction against what were perceived as the excesses of the established church, resulting in a plain, austere form of Christianity, rather than (primarily) because of any particular scriptural emphasis. That's not to say that they didn't justify their way of life biblically, of course, but I'm talking about primary motivation.
Indeed they would have, if they had existed. The fact that no such impression seems to have been made argues against the existence of such stories.
That's your opinion, of course, and you're entitled to it. However, let me say that I have given it a lot of thought over the years. Just because I don't post all my thought processes here for everyone to see doesn't mean they're not there. I'm just trying not to go into too much depth if I can avoid it because I have a life and only limited time at my computer!
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