With Regard to Priests Who Sexually Abuse Children,

[MineralMan]

I give you the words supposed to have been said by Jesus, as recorded in Luke 17:1 and 2:

1. Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
2. It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones."

[trotsky]

1. Remember that a common defense used by molesting priests is that the children weren't innocent.

Just when you think they can't get any lower.

[MineralMan]

2. If Jesus had existed, I doubt he would have accepted that excuse.

He seems pretty clear in the words recorded as what he said.

Here's my question: How difficult is it to know that adults shouldn't have sex with children? How difficult is it to not do that heinous thing? It doesn't seem at all difficult to me. I doubt it is difficult for anyone reading this post. And yet, "Men of God" in quite large numbers have done exactly that awful thing.

Then, other "Men of God" have covered up their crimes and withheld information about what had happened. For decades in many cases! Where does that come from? On what basis is that OK?

I just don't get it, you see. It's clearly something that wouldn't have been countenanced by the Jesus they claim to worship. Their scripture says so in no uncertain terms, as recorded as the words of Jesus himself. And yet, they did it all the same, multiple times, and hid their acts and the acts of others.

It's a freaking mess, is what it is. And yet, the Roman Catholic Church does not act decisively. It waffles and squirms, but does not act. And some persist to speak in defense of that organization. I don't get it at all.

[sprinkleeninow]

3. Well, I'll be. And thanks be.

Will receive their justly deserved 'rewards'.

[guillaumeb]

4. Agreed. eom

[Major Nikon]

5. "little ones" is also used as a reference to believers

So you could interpret this as a reference to children, or you could also interpret it in a number of different ways. Probably best to let the decider decide that one.

Regardless the bible has no restrictions on pedophilia. Pederasty was very common and well tolerated during the time of Jesus. I’m sure the priests who rape children found all the biblical support the needed and even if they recognized it as sinful, they could tell another church official with no fear of getting turned into the authorities thanks to the child rape apologists who justified handing child rape in house.

[Lordquinton]

6. Most things in religion have multiple meanings

That way you can never be correct. You can also never be wrong.

[Major Nikon]

7. Our resident decider disagrees

Only his interpretation is correct.

[Lordquinton]

8. Such is true, you either get what he's saying, or you can't ever comprehend

[Major Nikon]

9. If only there was a word that describes that behavior

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslighting

[Lordquinton]

10. If only there were...

Someday...