The story of the Miami priest involved in a “celibacy scandal” highlights the dangers of writing and following humanly-devised doctrines. As a priest in the Catholic Church, Father Cutié had taken a vow of celibacy – a vow written and enforced by men, not by God! However, when this priest violated the vow he made to this church-contrived ordinance, he defended his unfaithful actions by saying, “I think celibacy is good, but I also believe that it should be optional.”
We must understand that teaching and practicing man-made doctrines is a violation of the will of God. Read Matthew 15:3-9 carefully and the parallel account in Mark 7:6-13. Jesus said that following the doctrines of men leads one to “[lay] aside the commandment of God…reject the commandment of God…[make] the word of God of no effect.” Very dangerous and very foolish! In addition, in this specific regard, God predicted that some would “depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits…forbidding to marry” (1 Tim. 4:1-3). Think about Jesus’ words!
Man’s doctrines may be “optional” or revisable, but God calls them “damnable” (2 Pt. 2:1).