Celibacy and Marriage in Early Christianity

This chapter explores the historical and theological foundations of celibacy as a virtue within Christianity, particularly among the clergy of the Western Catholic Church. The discussion includes scriptural interpretations on marriage and celibacy, the influence of other cultures, and the complexities surrounding divorce in early Christian teachings. Scholars engage with the nuances of biblical language and the challenges of translation, revealing the multifaceted nature of early Christian perspectives on these themes.