- Joined
- Jun 24, 2014
- Messages
- 8,810
- Reaction score
- 3,532
- Gender
- Undisclosed
- Political Leaning
- Undisclosed
Incorrect. The vast majority of abuse cases weren't pedophilia.
My wife is Catholic.
Decades ago, before getting married, we had to attend marriage classes conducted by the local priest.
I asked him once, "what led him to become a priest?"
Me, coming from an old school southern baptist background, having read and studied the bible "cover-to-cover," (as we say down south,) I was taken back by the priests reply.
The priest, rather than responding, "I was called by the Lord to become a priest. I had no choice in the matter. You must answer when called," like some baptist preacher might say, (and the 60 plus scriptures that address the issue of being "called to preach,") the priest rsponded by saying this. (para-phrased but almost verbatum) "I became a priest because the idea of having to marry a woman scared the hell out of me. Back in my day the honorable way to avoid that was to become a priest." No mention, whatsoever, of "the call" in a biblical sense. He only became a priest in order to avoid having to marry a woman.
Okay. Read in to that as you will. It's pretty obvious to me.
Secondly, why would someone so opposed to marrying a woman, be put in a position to council, encourage, suport and advise me in regards to preparing for "being married to a woman" or anything even having to do with marriage at all?
Thirdly, I have no objections to anyone, straight or gay, following the priesthood should they be so led. But I would encourage them to actually crack open the bible and see what it says about the matter first.
The problem is not "gay priests." The problem is pedophile priests. We should not confuse the two.
Any "gay" indescretions a priest may act upon is between him, his church (job) and God. Not my circus, not my monkeys.
But, the pope is right, technically, discouraging gay men becoming priests. That is to say, he is "right" if his position is mandated by the holy writings of the church he is the figurehead for. A man in his station of life, can take no other position lest he defy the very holy writings he is suppose embody and represent. His hands are tied.
But, the bible also says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." If a gay guy becomes a priest, technically, he might be considered a "sinner" if we were to get all biblical and stuff. But, so is jay walking.
No big deal IMO.
Peace be with you all. Be yourself. I'm okay with that.