Deacons and sex: a biblical scholar weighs in

This, from John W. Martens, in AMERICA:

The overarching question for me, especially in light of the actual practice of the Church with respect to permanent deacons and the biblical teaching of Paul, is what is at stake in this argument for Ed Peters? What’s the point? What is so troubling about married permanent deacons having sexual relations with their wives? What Ed Peters argues conjures up the ghosts, past, present and future, of a Church that has trouble with sex, even in its properly ordered place. Something a little bit off with sex, isn’t there? If only God could have done a better job with that. Not, “no sex, please, we’re British,” but, “no sex, please, they’re deacons.” Except it is not the Church that has a problem with married permanent deacons having sex with their wives, it is Ed Peters. How that is Peters has figured this all out, but the Church has not, going its merry way, oblivious to its own teaching, save for the Knight on the white charger coming to save it from itself. I will admit my own problems, as a New Testament scholar, with canon law, but those who hearken to it must also understand the biblical teaching, in this case that of Paul and Jesus, remains relevant to the practice of the Church. Jesus and Paul suggested that not all could forego sexual relations, but only those who were called to such a life. Paul wished all could be like him, but not everyone shared in his gift. To those who were married, therefore, which included deacons, elders and bishops in his own day and beyond, Paul suggests that a period away from sex for a married couple be temporary not permanent. The Church has returned to a married permanent diaconate and it has chosen the wise, inspired counsel and practice of the Apostle Paul instead of that of Ed Peters. If permanent deacons are to be perfectly continent, they ought not be married, but married permanent deacons ought to have sex with their wives. It’s the Christian thing to do and according to the law and practice of the Church.

Check out more.  It’s a long post, with lots to absorb.