General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Catholics are as much to blame for clergy abuse as you are to blame for the WARS [View all]napoleon_in_rags
(3,992 posts)At one point I saw some videos on how sexual predators operate, and yes, they will always seek out situations where their integrity is beyond question to commit their crimes. If that means exploiting the faith of a group of people, they will do whatever it takes to do that.
From a theological perspective, that means embracing the fact that there is no substitute here on earth walking around for the man upstairs. Anybody is questionable. If it means sacrificing worldly power to ensure the safety of the people in a faith group, than so be it. Anybody can screw up, anybody can sin. The sooner that fact is widely embraced, the safer a lot of people will be, and (IMHO) the more improved everybody's faith will be. Its good to remember why Saint Peter, the original founder of the church had himself crucified upside down: To send the message there are no substitutes here on earth. A belief which blocks out all the predators, who's ultimate fantasy is play the role of God to a victim.