Posted by Harry Coin on 4/8/2008, 10:10 am, in reply to "Re: Discretion and denial ...." Also don't forget the sorry 'lipstick on a pig' aspect many had of 'putting away their wives' as what amounts to an escape from an unhappy arranged marriage. Did these attain the office of bishop by paying and maneuvering for sinacure and unmerited authority without living the life, or were in fact bishops by how they lived? Clearly the history is mixed. Also we must deal with what science has learned so far about those who seek church authority who as adults either dislike women or are not attracted to them. In what way did they 'give up' marriage? Certainly the all-unmarried episcopacy does not carry for them the sacrificial meaning it would to a married or formerly married person. While there are as yet no answers in science (while there are many 'answers' motivated by the will and political agendas): Right now science seems leaning to the idea such a condition arises from abuse while young. This, after a time exploring genetic origins. See the link provided as an example.
Link: Research paper looking at 'gay gene' theories
Message modified by user Harry Coin 4/8/2008, 11:47 am
Hi Leo
Yes indeed only people born recently, say after 1940, have this idea that monastics were never married and ordained young. The tragedy of the human condition, a tragedy that this generation has lost all memory of, was the preponderance of widowers made so due to both random spouse death and particularly complications from childbirth that could not be handled medically.
Pre 1950, there were LOTS of widowers among the clergy still in their working years, and many didn't remarry and they could become bishops.
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