Tradition. From the earliest times, Christianity was always more ascetic than the strain of Judaism that evolved into orthodox Judaism after the Destruction of the Temple. Virginity was prized above marriage. Unlike Judaism, which stopped proselytizing by the 2nd Century, Christianity increased its numbers mainly by conversion. And until the 3rd century, Christianity were still much excited by the expected Return of the Lord. The that was relayed, many Christians turned away from ordinary pursuits and in the late 3rd Century, the monastic movement began. The idea of living the same kind of life that Our Lord did during his ministry, and which was copied by the Apostles, had always been attractive. Now it became the beau ideal of the Christian life, the way to sanctity For more than 1000 years it remained that way, until the Reformation which had a very different view, one reflecting a rejection of monasticism. The monk was no longer the ideal Christian, but rather the scholar of the Bible, and the layman. The Protestant minister is not a priest but simply a layman appointed by a congregation to perform a certain function, something like a eucharistic minister/lector/cantor/business manager in a Catholic Church.
Only comment worth it's salt on this thread, and I notice no one responds. So I will, Thanks!
Priestly celibacy, a Catholic discipline criticized by CINO's and the world. Frankly, I could care less what the millions of religions outside the Church do. I don't understand why they feel a need to stick their noses into the Catholicism's business. The Church has never been in the popularity business.