When Even The Atheists Are Scratching Their Heads, It Ain't Right

I think the issue of celibacy in the priesthood, while important, is irrelevant here.

Pedophiles are not created by forced celebicy. The fact of the secrecy and relative lack of punishment with which the Church has treated pedophile priests in the past is probably one of the things which has attracted these people to the priesthood.

I think the issue of celibacy in the priesthood, while important, is irrelevant here.

I can't agree. While it's true that pedophiles aren't created from celibacy, it still is a factor. For whatever reason, some men decide to use boys as sexual partners. This usually isn't an instant decision. Many turn out to be homosexuals, who because of the Church's outmoded rules, can't explore it with another adult. If they weren't forced to hide it, perhaps children wouldn't be so attractive.

I dunno, I knew (of) closeted (and some not so) gay priests when I was growing up. I don't think the church's position on homosexuality has anything to do with it. We had priests and deacons at our school who were going after the grade school girls, too - but that doesn't attract as much attention because everyone knows that Catholic girls are precocious little sluts and that it's only natural to pursue them. One priest actually ran off with an 8th grade girl (we were all jealous).

I think it's more the access to young people, plus (possibly) general sexual repression in the church making things all fucked up. Remember, if you're a priest, you're not supposed to be having sex at all - with a man or a woman.

Remember, if you're a priest, you're not supposed to be having sex at all - with a man or a woman.

Exactly the problem. Adults have sexual needs. How long can you last, without expressing it?

I grew up going to Catholic schools, but that doesn't mean I morphed into a sex maniac the second I left;>

Of course not, the perving process starts well before then.... ;)

I'm not sure I completely understand what the title of this whole thing is trying to get across. Would someone like to explain it to this head scratching atheist?

I have to write an essay for a scholarship called the Freedom from Religion organization or something like that and it's about rejecting religion. I just think it's funny.

Where did you here about that scholarship? It sounds like something I might actually be able to get some money out of.

Sorry Nicole, I can't agree with you here. Lack of adult sexual partners does not turn people to children. Period. Pedophiles are indviduals who have a compulsive need to exploit children. They usually have many successful adult relationships that are separate from their predatory life. Also their sexual orientation has nothing to do with the gender of children they molest. Remember sexual assault is not actually about sex. It's about power. I am unfortunately speaking from experience having been a victim myself and knowing the perpetraitor and the profile of his type all too well.

jeebus said that having sexual thoughts was as bad as having the sex itself (in ref adultery, but presumably the badness is as bad above and beyond): anyway, as an idea abt the morality of sexuality this is about as stupid as it gets => one corollary is having the sex itself is no worse than having the thought, might has well be hanged for a chicken as a hawk etc etc

the purity-is-better-wisdom line seems to me like saying "my opinion on this record is objective as i have never heard it (or any other records)"

Is this only emerging worldwide now?

It's been a scandal in Ireland for years. A public scandal I mean.

. Period. Pedophiles are indviduals who have a compulsive need to exploit children. They usually have many successful adult relationships that are separate from their predatory life. Also their sexual orientation has nothing to do with the gender of children they molest. Remember sexual assault is not actually about sex. It's about power.

I agree, which is why the Catholic church's new "we must stop homosexuals from entering the priesthood" line is a complete load of wrongheaded nonsense. That is not the problem -- the problem is that pedophiles seek out places where they can be trusted to be around children. Trying to screen that out is going to be more difficult to do.

why don't they ban everyone with a sexuality from being a priest?

Priests will then all be sexless and furry! Hurrah!

"Father Mittens, may I have a word?"

"-mew-"

"Oh, all right; we'll play with the yarn first, but you HAVE to listen to my sins this week, all right?"

"-purrrrrr-"

Why aren't there any religions that involve playing with kittens?

Vinnie you may join my church but you must wear something Hello Kitty or Emily to services.

I like Samantha's church.

Nichole's pneumatic model of sex criminality peturbs me. I don't buy this 'urge' defence. Rapists have used that for ever and it's no good. Just have a wank for heaven's sake. Priests probably aren't supposed to do that either, but hey, Christianity is hard.

Samantha: consider me converted!

I'm not sure I completely understand what the title of this whole thing is trying to get across. Would someone like to explain it to this head scratching atheist?

Actually, Lindsey, the title was only my cynical play on words. I was trying to ask basically "Was I only one to notice that the Catholic Church is in Trouble Here?"

Remember sexual assault is not actually about sex. It's about power. I am unfortunately speaking from experience having been a victim myself and knowing the perpetraitor and the profile of his type all too well.

Samantha, I regret what you went through, and I did not intend to come across as being flip, in any way. Certainly, the sex of the predator has nothing to do with what gender of victim they choose. Apparently, the implication came out without my realising it.

I am well aware of the "power vs. sex" dynamic of the crime.

Trying to screen that out is going to be more difficult to do.

Nicole: Exactly, and just how does the process get started, considering it is illegal to ask a person's sexual orientation when they apply for any job?

I don't buy this 'urge' defence. Rapists have used that for ever and it's no good. Just have a wank for heaven's sake. Priests probably aren't supposed to do that either, but hey, Christianity is hard.

I was about to do a rimshot, but....

N: I'm not on the rapists'(or pedophiles) side here. If you reread what I actually said in my first post, I did specify I can't understand what would make them act out in the first place. My question (in the second post) was more general. I intended for it to come across as: allow priests to marry/have significant partners, as adults DO have sexual urges, and need to express them. them do it

I can't believe that the world is not outraged by these beastly acts. It is beastly to want to have sex with children. It is beastly to rape children. These men should be locked up forever. They should live a life of rape in prison. Perhaps this will parallel the torture these children will face for the rest of their lives.