Although greeted with a wave of protest, suggestions by Vatican spokesman Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls of a link between homosexuality and sexual abuse by priests cannot be lightly dismissed, and in fact, demand further exploration.
Part of the sensitivity in this discussion is the fear that such comments imply a connection between homosexuality and pedophilia. But in the overwhelming number of cases made public so far, the victims have been teenage boys (not girls), meaning that this does not fit the clinical definition of pedophilia, which is the obsessive sexual attraction to prepubescent children.
In order to truly get at the root of the problem, the imperative question is why has the homosexuality of priests resulted in the molestation of adolescent boys?
According to most estimates, 25-50% of priests are homosexuals, compared to the 3-5% of men in the general public who are gay. Not only does the priesthood have a disproportionately strong appeal to homosexuals, but most of the priests involved in the scandals came of age during the sexual revolution of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Adding further fuel to the fire is the immaturity of many of these priests, who often joined the seminaries fresh out of grade school, denying them the normal social experiences of adolescence. The combination of homosexuality, lax sexual attitudes, and immaturity has proven a recipe for disaster.
2006-06-24 10:15:37 · 6 answers · asked by thom_j32 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am not a catholic but I still hate hearing about this stuff. It puts a black cloud over religon in general.
2006-06-24 10:20:32 · answer #1 · answered by star29 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't mean to sound insensitive but...
You seem to have a major problem or issue about priests in general and the Catholic Church in particular. Can I venture to say that you are 'coming out' and ready to publicly confess? Or do you want some sort of retribution for the injustice you have been served by the Church? Or you are adamantly angered and riled that you have been LIED TO and feel CHEATED for some portion of your life by certain people that you used to look up to? Or what?? WHAT IS IT REALLY that's bothering you??
Your recent queries are quite telling, you know...
Peace be with you!
2006-06-24 10:29:21 · answer #2 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The scandals about the Catholic church have been given far more publicity than they deserve. Why don't you try writing a letter to the editor of your newspaper or publishing a book rather than abusing Yahoo?
2006-06-24 10:21:58 · answer #3 · answered by Left the building 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people do use Christianity as a cover for their perversions.
I'm sorry this happened to you. I still really hope that you will seek counseling. It could do you a world of good and you deserve to be able to put this to rest.
If you let it steal your life from you, you let them win.
Please get help.
2006-06-25 15:44:20 · answer #4 · answered by Contemplative Chanteuse IDK TIRH 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting analogy.
2006-06-24 10:21:13 · answer #5 · answered by zaki1968 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No surprise to me,They do say Mary is the mother of God don't they?Which is not true.
2006-06-24 10:39:57 · answer #6 · answered by jackiedj8952 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋