Articles Quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“How deep a wound to morals and social purity has that accursed article of the celibacy of the clergy been! Even the best and most enlightened men in Romanist countries attach a notion of impurity to the marriage of a clergyman. And can such a feeling be without its effect on the estimation of the wedded life in general? Impossible! and the morals of both sexes in Spain, Italy, France, and. prove it abundantly.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Letters on the Church and Clergy, 1798
The quote criticizes clerical celibacy, arguing it corrupts moral standards and harms societal views on marriage across Catholic nations.
In simple terms: Clerical celibacy is seen as morally damaging.
Question the impact of forced celibacy on society.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- church policy debates
- marriage counseling
- ethical education
- public health campaigns
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does celibacy affect personal morality?
- What alternatives could preserve both religious tradition and social health?
May overlook personal religious convictions and the benefits of celibacy for some individuals.