text: Sure, denigrate people because the facts make you uncomfortable or challenge what you think you know.
  Marty, I say this without meaning to make it sound like a put-down, or that I think I know everything. I don't. But I have studied a lot of history including Church history. From what you have said on several Church related topics (Paul's writings, history of celibacy) you have some misinformation or lack of study on the subjects. Now you can respond with a put-down of me or of scholars if you like,  that's your choice, but if you care about all this (and since you are here discussing it, I assume you do) you should seek out some books on the subjects and read up. Find out the FACTS. The history of celibacy for instance involves facts which are easily checked. Celibacy was not the norm. It was an idea which gradually spread (and was gradually adopted as the rule) but did not become universal in the church until about a thousand years ago.  You can look it up!