What "callings" are best suited for the single?

[InquisitorKind]

Paul mentions in the Scriptures that there are times when being single (i.e. unmarried) allows for someone to better serve in their vocation, or "calling," if you will allow.

I was wondering, what are some of those vocations that would be better off filled with a non-married man/woman?

Thanks for your time,
~Matt

[b488]

Isnt this a portion of scripture where the RCC (roman catholic church) justifies its position that members of its clergy remain unmarried? Most other denominations seem to think this is misguided, but on the surface of it does not seem to be a bad idea (ie the idea that, let's say a pastor, is able to minister to his 'flock' full-time and not be distracted by his 'other flock' at home.) But my first vote might be being a groundbreaking missionary to, erm, unreceptive peoples? Its hard to raise a family when you are traveling all over the place in horrid conditions dodging all sorts of projectiles aimed at you. I think biographies of some famous missionaries point out the hazzards of such married arrangements quite well (Jim Elliot and J.T Studd come to mind)

ciao! :thumb:

[themuzicman]

As I observe ministers and pastors in action, I'm of the opinion that ministers should be married, but that their kids should be grown and in college before taking a full time position. Not that parenting and pastoring are incompatible, but I think it puts an unnecessary burden on the kids to be what the congregation thinks they should be. The phenomenon of the Preacher's Kids isn't universal, but it is a big problem.

Personally, I'm happy that my youngest will be around 16 when I get my masters.

[InquisitorKind]

Thanks for your thoughts, guys.

Does anyone else know of any more specific Christian occupations that are better filled by single people than married couples?

~Matt

[themuzicman]

Youth Pastor? :shrug: :poke:

[b488]

I read over 1 corinthians 7 and cant help but notice that it does not say any particular vocations, but that if unmarried man (or woman) will concern himself soley with the "Lord's work." I take this to mean not a calling, but more of "that to which we have been called" each and every one of us believer types.
Paul says it is not a command he is giving but a permission. So there seems to be a wide freedom among individual believers as to who should get married or not (he does say that those who are married should remain as they are, and yet all the more devoted to god's work)
He seems to think that marriage is a good thing for many "because their is so much immorality" while this was true for the Corinthian church at that time, our culture seems to be a good 'fit' for what paul was getting at.(in the united states seems to have become increasingly immoral) <i just read an article that says that pornography and marijuana sales alone make up for 10% of the united states economy>

So for me its not particular 'vocation' but 'situation' and conviction that should be more of a determining factor in whether to be married or not.

Ciao! :thumb:

[InquisitorKind]

Today @ 10:36 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=85162#post85162)
b488:

I read over 1 corinthians 7 and cant help but notice that it does not say any particular vocations, but that if unmarried man (or woman) will concern himself soley with the &quot;Lord's work.&quot; I take this to mean not a calling, but more of &quot;that to which we have been called&quot; each and every one of us believer types.
Paul says it is not a command he is giving but a permission. So there seems to be a wide freedom among individual believers as to who should get married or not (he does say that those who are married should remain as they are, and yet all the more devoted to god's work)
He seems to think that marriage is a good thing for many &quot;because their is so much immorality&quot; while this was true for the Corinthian church at that time, our culture seems to be a good 'fit' for what paul was getting at.(in the united states seems to have become increasingly immoral) &lt;i just read an article that says that pornography and marijuana sales alone make up for 10% of the united states economy&gt;

So for me its not particular 'vocation' but 'situation' and conviction that should be more of a determining factor in whether to be married or not.

Ciao! :thumb:

This sounds great. I will be thinking about this and keeping it in mind as I approach "real" adulthood (I'm only 19 as of now).

Thank again for all the time you put into this,
~Matt