BLIGATORY CELIBACY AND SEXUAL PURITY OF THE ROMAN-CATHOLIC PRIESTS IN PERCEPTIONS AND ASSESSMENTS OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

In this article, I present the ideas and opinions of the junior high school students regarding obligatory celibacy and purity (abstinence) sexual of the Roman-Catholic priests. The basis for this presentation are the results of my sociological research, which I realized in the years 2007-2008 among in Kalisz and in rural gymnasiums of this region. My research has shown 75 percent of the junior high school students reject the obligatory celibacy and sexual purity of all priests, and only 25 percent think that celibacy should be chosen voluntarily by the priests if they can live in solitude. Priests questioning celibacy should have their own wives and children, their own families. Most of the gymnasiums students questioned also the doctrine of the Roman-Catholic Church requiring all priests in parishes and convents (monastery) of celibacy and sexual purity. The Church, in the opinion of the junior high school students, should give married priests money support their families. Only every fourth respondent would like to maintain a family of married priests. Money to support the families of married priests tax paid by Catholics in parishes. The junior high school students from Kalisz more often reveal critical attitudes towards obligatory celibacy and sexual purity of the priests. The junior high school students from the rural schools have a more optimistic attitude to the priests’ celibacy. Religious faith has the strongest influence on the attitudes of the junior high school students towards celibacy and sexual purity of the priests. The respondents who are deeply religious and believers accept celibacy more often and without reservation. However, unbelievers and indifferent religious people more often question the duty of celibacy and sexual abstinence (purity) of the priests.