Expert: Tom Schott - 3/14/2005

Question
Hello Tom!

Is life in celibacy worth more than married life? I think according to the New Testament it is. I'm constantly pondering over this question!

thank you!


Answer
Luke,

  Well, let's see. What do we mean by "worth more"? To whom? To God? I don't think so. He doesn't love any one person more than he loves another. To the celibate person? Well, maybe, but lots of celibate people decide that life is too hard and change their minds. To the married person? Again, depends. Besides "worth more" what? Worth more merits for heaven? Worth more in the eyes of the world?
  Problem here is reading the NT too literally. Catholic Church does not approach Scripture this way. Vatican II says that Scripture imparts those truths which are "necessary for our salvation." By this scale, there's no difference at all between celibacy and marriage. Salvation can be obtained through either form of life. Hope this helps.

Deacon Tom