Abstract
The proposed study describes the actual number of priests who have committed sexual crimes, reconsiders the Catholic Church's mandatory celibacy policy for priests, proves that clergy members who vow celibacy are no more likely than those who do not vow celibacy to commit acts of sexual deviation and evaluates if the Church's clerical celibacy requirement, causes sexual deviance. The meta-research analyzes the results of various surveys, sexual program evaluations, case studies, research papers and historical sources to present a thorough argument for and against the connection between sexual deviances and celibacy.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Findings
Goals
Specific Aims
Methodology
Research Chronology
Significance
Conclusion
Facilities Available

From the Paper
"Celibacy has been a part of the Catholic Church since the fourth century. The Church remains loyal to this policy today, holding that celibacy allows priests to be more independent and available. Celibacy is also based on the idea that priests should live out the same witness as their brothers in monastic life. However, recent scandals involving priests and sexual misconduct have put pressure on the Church to reconsider its policy of mandatory celibacy. Every time a new sexual deviance case is brought against a clergyman, the issue of celibacy rears its head. Many people believe that if priests were allowed to marry, there would be less of a problem with deviant behavior."

Tags:number, committed, crimes, catholic, deviance, analyze, survey, interviews, evaluations, case

Abstract
This research paper explores the claim that celibacy within the clergy results in sexual deviation. The paper begins with an elucidation of the problem within the Catholic Church and an explanation for the propagation of celibacy in Catholic theory. It then goes on to list the three main myths associated with celibacy; namely, that Catholic priests are more likely to become pedophiles than any other group of men, that the celibate state of the priesthood leads to pedophilia and that married clergy would make pedophilia and other forms of sexual misconduct cease to exist. The paper then proceeds to explore both sides of the argument of whether a relationship between celibacy and sexual deviance exists, and in doing so, the writer brings in the opinions of various experts. The paper continues by looking at the treatment of sexual deviance by the Catholic Church and concludes by deducing that there is no connection between celibacy and sexual deviance.

From the Paper
"In today's society, the Catholic Church is confronted with two important issues regarding sexuality. The first is the scandal of sexual abuse of children by priests, which is a highly publicized issue that it damaging the reputation of the Catholic Church in the United States. The second is the question of whether priest should take a vow of celibacy and remain unmarried."

Tags:Catholic, theory, priest, pedophile, relationship, connection, treatment, priesthood, sexuality, sexual, abuse

Abstract
Discusses celibacy as a rule, not a doctrine. Claims allowing priests to marry would result in a healthier church. Provides a history of sexual abuse by clergy.

From the Paper
"Would changing the rules in the Roman Catholic Church in regards to celibacy prevent brutal acts of child molestation?
Introduction
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, celibacy for the clergy of the Catholic Church is "the renunciation of marriage ..."

Abstract
This paper presents a positive review of an article about the most recent discoveries made at the Qumran Cemetery and the Essene community that lived there in ancient times. The paper also describes the approach that the author of the article took to shed new light on the findings at the cave and the implications these findings had for the long-held assumption that the inhabitants of the cave were members of an all-male, celibate society.

From the Paper
"Therefore, the author's approach was to try to resolve some of the outstanding issues and concerns about the actual cemetery as opposed to the related discoveries of the scrolls. The intention was to present insights into the celibacy of the Essene settlement based on assertions made from the archaeological discoveries of the Qumran Cemetery. The reason there was renewed interest in the Qumran Cemetery project which was discovered in the 1950's was that some new controversy was raised based on women and children being found buried in the cemetery that was thought to be an all male celibate society. Scholars had theorized that Qumran cemetery was a part of the Essene settlement near by and they have been credited by other historians as the keepers of the Dead Sea Scrolls which not by coincidence were found near the Essene community cemetery."

Tags:hold, land, discovered, text, caves, settlement, archeological, anthropological, grave

Abstract
This paper addresses the question of whether Catholic priests should be allowed to marry. The writer argues in light of events from the past decade, where we have heard continuing news stories of revelations by victims of priests who are not in actuality celibate in spite of their vows. The arguments discuss whether priests should choose to be celibate or not to be celibate in spite of their vows to remain so. The paper also discusses the more tragical events of priests who cannot control their urges, secretly and stealthily in the stalking of young men or women with whom they associate as a result of their positions in the church.

From the Paper
"The reason for this discourse is revealing. Paul is addressing a conflict which has arisen in the church of Corinth, where the ascetics, in reaction to the flagrant sexuality present in that corrupt city, were claiming that all sex is evil and that one must abstain from all sex, even within a marriage, unless it is solely to have children, in order to be pure and enter the kingdom of heaven. Paul is gently reminding both sides (those who would marry and those who claim that sex in a marriage is evil) that one may choose to enjoy sex within the marriage union and that neither side is absolutely correct. It is within the context of this conflict that Paul makes the statement that "it is good for a man to marry." He never makes the statement that it is bad for a man to marry. He leaves the door open for those who serve in the church to marry if they desire to do so."

Tags:catholicism, christianity, marriage

From the Paper
"The purpose of this research is to examine the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. The plan of the research will be to set forth the historical, religious, and cultural background and context for the emergence of the Church's priesthood and provide a survey in general terms of the evolution of the institution from the earlier period to the present day, and then to discuss ways in which complex issue fronts facing the contemporary priesthood--notably celibacy, married priests, and women's ordination--may forecast possible lines of development.
Given the well-documented fact of the institutional religious lineage of Judaism and Christianity, one might very well think that features of the Jewish priesthood was taken up by the early Christians and adapted to the purposes of their body of priests. The biblical source for this is Jesus's empowering the ..."

From the Paper
"The Corinthians bring to a reading of 7:1-9 the entire history of the issues that Paul is answering. Thus if he appears elliptical in reference to the matters to which he is responding, this would be a problem only for those among whom the issues had not been raised. But a careful reading of Chapters 1-6 reveals that they establish the background for the argument that is developed in 7:1-9.

The background is established with repeated reference to the spiritual integrity of the cult itself. This begins in 1:10, when he beseeches the Corinthian brethren "that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you." The reasons for this request are amplified in the body of the letter, which deals with the details of how the unity of purpose will be achieved. Paul's overriding concern is the community of souls, ... "

From the Paper
"....I have found through other's mistakes, abstinence is the only form of "safe sex." Religion is one of the main reasons why adolescents choose abstinence. God created everyone as a sexual being. Through my beliefs, I have chosen not to have sex before marriage. Suddenly, virgin geek is giving way to virgin chic. The fear of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, are not the only reason for saving sex for the marriage bed. Despite the religion and social reasons to not have sex, the consequences alone are reason enough to choose abstinence. People who are sexually active say they have "safe sex," they always use protection. Choosing abstinence is the safest and most respected decision anyone can make..... "

Tags:abstinence, charity

Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that more and more the faithful are arguing in contemporary society that priests should be afforded the right to marry. The writer discusses that many are associating the failings of Catholic priests in particular in recent years with the strict doctrines of the faith that forbid marriage and promote celibacy among priests. This paper explores the origins of marriage and priesthood by specifically examining the doctrines and belief practices of the Roman Catholic faith compared with the Orthodox Christian faith. The writer concludes that lack of marriage and celibacy among priests only serves to degrade priests and results in excessive stress and loneliness among a population who has embraced their occupation as a means of giving back to their community. Further the writer maintains that to deny priests the right to marriage is to deny them their logical human nature and the gift of marriage, as it is described in the Holy Bible.

Outline:
Introduction
The Rights of Priests to Marry
Conclusions
References

From the Paper
"The issue of marriage and priesthood has been hotly debated for centuries in the Christian faith. The Roman Catholic Church is among few that support the notion that priests should remain celibate for life, a symbol of their sacrifice and ability to remain pure and spiritual representatives of God. Other faiths however including the Orthodox faith support more lenient attitudes toward marriage and priesthood, supporting marriage as a basic human right outlined by the bible, something that can be engaged in within the context of a spiritual and holy lifestyle. The Orthodox faith in particular supports the notion of equality within the faith community, suggesting that the role of priests include supporting the flock or followers but not holding priests to standards that are more or less stringent than those afforded the faithful as a whole."

Tags:celibacy, Catholic, orthodox, priesthood

Abstract
This paper examines some of the key changes that took place in the Catholic Church between 500 and 1500. This period begins when the church first emerged in its coherent, proto-modern form and ends with the Protestant Reformation a millennium later. In particular, the paper looks at the emphasis in different eras on the importance of celibacy. Other issues addressed by the paper include the concentration of temporal power in the hands of church leaders and elements of classical religions in Catholicism.

From the Paper
"The Catholic Church is so powerful and has been such an important force for so long in human society, that it is difficult sometimes for us to remember how much the church has changed during its history. But any appearance of a monolithic church..."

Tags:catholic, pope, celibacy, nicene