In my writings about CHRISTIANITY, part 1,2 & 3 I dealt mainly with the hierarchy of the early Christian leaders and what later on became the Roman Catholic Church. I will devote this volume to individual people involved in fanatical, religious behavior.
The Reformation by Martin Luther (1483-1546) started the breakaway of a large number of people from the Catholic Church, particularly in Germany. It is generally believed that Martin Luther broke away from the Catholic Church, because he disagreed with some (not all) of their teachings. This is probably true, however, it is a fact that Luther was appalled by the scandalous behavior of his contemporary monks, clergy and of course the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
Martin Luther did not attempt to completely break with the Catholic Church and there is a reason. He was a monk and as such could not overcome his background of deep seated training in Catholicism. To a lesser degree, he could not count on a massive backup by the elite ruling class in Europe in general and in Germany in particular. The Church had such a tight grip on the many different rulers of municipalities, small kingdoms etc. that very few of the upper class dared to disobey the Vatican. Since the number of monks, clergy and other fanatical people were incredible high toward the general population, they had a choke hold on anyone speaking out or acting contrary to their wishes. The lower educated class could not support Luther, because they were under the thumb of the local clergy. The upper class citizens, who did not keep in line with the Catholic Church, were denounced to the Vatican. This in many cases resulted in such a brain washing propaganda, mainly directed at the lower class, making it next to impossible for courageous leaders to act against the Catholic Tyrants. As soon as a brave and valiant leader wanted to stand up against the corruption of the Church, he was excommunicated by the Pope. This meant, that no one could communicate with this person, without fearing the worst. Such a person, regardless of social high standing, was immediately isolated from his or her associates , Friends etc. and of course could not count on support from the uneducated lower class. The Catholic Church, it's Popes, Bishops and right down to the lowest monks did indulge in unbelievable acts, criminal, suppression, misrepresentation, outright murder and what ever you can think of. Nothing was taboo, as long as it was in the name of Jesus and the cash register.
I got ahead of myself. One would think that those who, because of their position in the Catholic Church, would be models of virtue for their followers. Not so at all.
History tells us that Martin Luther was the driving force behind the reformation. His declaration of the 95 theses, nailed to the Door of the Schloss Kirche of Wittenberg on the river Elbe, east of Dessau, Germany, was only the outward cause of the split from the Catholic Church. Let's go to the bottom of the separation.
In reality, the Reformation was triggered by the villainous deeds of the inner members of the Catholic Church. Another disgraceful situation was the mischief of the confession. It is certainly worth while to investigate the ecclesiastical sewer which was foremost visible with the lack of restraint by the clergy. The licentious, sensual excesses by the monks, clergy and other Church officials did inflame the hatred and the common repugnance by the general public. There are many names, titles and theories which attempt to describe the act of reproduction. Whatever we want to call it, when it comes right down to it, it is the most natural thing of human behavior. Most animals and human beings do have a certain sex drive. It is a very powerful urge which few can suppress. If the sex drive of men ( in woman in much lesser quality) would not be present, we would not be here today. I remember, many years ago, a Catholic Priest told me, that sex is only for the purpose of reproduction. I was about 22 at the time and certainly had different values for sex. Of course, I can not be certain where he got his (but, his he got!)
The power above us, some call it God, has provided human kind with the urge and will to mate. To restrict or forbid the human urge of sexual gratification is abnormal and 100% against nature. The fulfillment of the sexual drive is satisfying, both to the physical and mental well being of human beings. It is therefore understandable that the willfully enforced abstinence of the Roman Catholic Popes, Cardinals, Bishops,Monks, Priests and other clergy's forced them to abuse any males and females for the own animalistic lusts.
Even in early historical recorded times, the state and/or the local communities had restrictions on some behaviors. It is no secret that people who do not have their sex drive under control are ending up in trouble with the law. The lawmakers of the earliest times recognized that "MARRIAGE" was the positive answer to sexual debauchery. The Christian Church did not misjudge the importance of matrimony, as the ceremony of the marriage union was expected to be sanctioned and controlled by the Church. It was assumed that the ceremony of marriage was a holy sacrament which added to the power of the Church. While marriage was recommended for the rest of the world, the priests, monks and other clergy's were not permitted to get married. Pope Gregor VII. (1073-85) was the instigator of the
the Pope was not concerned of the consequences of his command influence. It was the wishful thinking of unlimited control and power over the clergy and the Catholic membership. Being so pent up, the clergy's had to find ways around this obstacle. They knew, that their superiors were indulging in all kinds of outrages, so it was no wonder, that they also took what they could get - with our without consent.
It can be easily said, Sex and money was foremost on the mind of the Catholic clergy. Thousands and thousands of these monks did move from town to town, from city to city, preaching the word of "God" and at the same time were looking for their own satisfaction. Pope Clement VI. (1342-52) said of these "animals": They behave like a horde of Steers against the Cows of the population." The holy Bernhard called these monks "Foxes".
For those, who always quote Jesus, I concede that he did look upon Marriage as a normal institution. It is recorded that he, with his mother and his decibels, were present at a wedding in Kana in Galilaea. He would not have sanctioned the wedding if he would have been in disagreements. All the Apostles were of the same believes and PAULUS called the ceremony of marriage an honorable act.
Christians of the early times were in total awareness that the clergy was married. St. Peter and most of his fellow decibels were married. St. Paul demanded from his Bishops and Deacons that they should be married. It is therefore unbelievable that the Bishops (earlier on) and later the Popes had the audacity to justify the legitimacy of the celibacy by quoting the Bible. To go into detail about the very complicated and lengthy drama of getting to the point of celibacy, would be beyond the scope of this work. I will rather go back to the time of Jesus and skim through the most important developments in regard to the events that lead to celibacy.
To the time of Jesus, the faith in the old "Gods" by the population had ended long ago. Church services were empty ceremonies and in place of Religion, Philosophy was part of the discussions. As Christianity expanded, so did the philosophical discussions. Some of the old Philosophy was invited into the new Religion. If the early Christians would have stayed with the pure philosophy as " Science, General knowledge" etc., the rupture and adulation would not have lead to the lunatic times shortly to come.
Go to opening page: 2000 years of CHRISTIANTIY