Is the problem with Catholic priests and the molestation of boys a phenonmenon unto itself?

Question

So far, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th answer have all painted a picture of how this problem occurred. I cannot pick a single "Best Answer" because all are a part of the picture. Thank you to all.

Answer 1

No, the data isn't better in other religious groups and in quite a few it is worse. I did a statistical analysis of the clergy from the public data and found the incidence of pedophilia 1/6th that of the general public. The Church is quite good at keeping pedophiles out.

Pedophiles are attracted to any occupation that places them near children. Schools, coaches, Scout Masters, clergy and day care workers are all attractive to pedophiles. The problem in the Catholic Church was two fold.

First, until the 80's psychologists believed that pedophilia was among the most treatable of psychological illnessess. This was due to the fact that most people presenting to them for pedophilia were voluntary admissions. When people began being seen involuntarily, it turns out that it is among the least treatable illnessess. They advised bishops to send the pedophiles for counseling and the pedophiles, being expert manipulators were able to fool quite a few people

The second side of this has to do with the secretive nature of canon law. In most areas of the world, a girl who has been raped is socially destroyed and in many areas honor killings occur. To protect victims and to protect others from false accusations, such things are not made public as their are under American jurisprudence. Since abusers thrive on secrecy, they were able to manipulate the system.

Finally, some bishops were really unprepared emotionally and intellectually for the crisis. Denial is a powerful human reaction. I spent six years of my life repairing damaged corporations and studying them academically. The bishops acted no different than NASA did when it allowed the shuttles to blow up in both circumstances. The churches tend not to have professionally trained managers and as such are often ill prepared for the real problems they face. Training to be a parish pastor is really a different set of skills from managing a diocese with a million people in it.

Answer 2

No. There was an incident recently on the news about Hasisdic Jewish Rabbi's molesting boys. Let's face it; pedophiles are pedophiles and they will FIND a way to express their sexuality whether they are religious or not. What the problem is in the Catholic Church is the denial for so many years that it could happen, and the constant shuffling around of sex offenders in the church, rather than defrocking them and prosecuting them.

Answer 3

Catholics has no proof of belief. Provokism is one reason, wanting to be evil is one of them. Just to make fun is one of them, or that being a gay person is one of them. These are reasons that christ said to be careful of those guts to turn away.

Answer 4

no... those who want to do that perverted stuff will seek out jobs or voluteer places where they can have ready access to their targets... Boy Scouts have the same problem... day cares... park workers.... they are every where...