“Reflections on the Virtues and Dangers of Sexuality and Celibacy in the Roman Catholic Tradition,” By Michael Stoeber

This paper outlines past and current teaching on celibacy and marital sexuality within the Roman Catholic tradition, and explores the interconnections between these approaches to sexuality.  Given the view of fallen human nature, historically most Roman Catholic theologians viewed celibacy very highly and regarded sexual desire and pleasure as distorted and corrupting.  In contrast, Roman Catholic theology today tends to regard both marital sexuality and celibacy to be of positive spiritual benefit.  This paper examines both the spiritual significance and dangers of sexual activity and celibate practices in Roman Catholicism, and illustrates briefly some possible parallels and relevance for other religious traditions.