It is against the law in most (or every) state for a counselor to engage in an intimate relationship with his/her client. Why? Is it because there is an inbalance of power, and the client is dependent upon the one with more power? Which makes you wonder, is the consent 'true consent' as in an affair between 2 neighbors? Should separation of church and state apply to a counselor who is also a pastor/priest? Next time you hear about a pastor who was fired for having an "affair" with a woman congregant he vowed to God to protect, should we wonder if it was really an exploitation of her trust in his powerful position?
2007-01-29 07:26:26 · 5 answers · asked by Thinking Outside the Flocks 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It is more accurately, exploitation, and even religious abuse. The imbalance of power is the key here. Is it an affair, yes, because it is not between marriage partners. However, affair is not the best name for a relationship between someone who has power or influence over another. Even if the counselee/congregant said "yes" to the affair, it is not "true consent" because she does not realize the degree of influence the person with more power has over her. Emotional dependence, 'transference' and psychological manipulation are at play here, where they are not in a typical affair between two equal players. It is abuse, because the one with less power is always harmed more than the one with more power. The one with more power often has the 'last word,' the respect of the community, etc... which often leaves these victims powerless and voiceless. It is a violation that goes much deeper than most people would suspect. Spiritual, mental, emotional, physical. So, a pastor having an affair with his congregant, is actually a misnomer. A better word would be exploitation. Most often, pastors who prey upon vulnerable women like this are repeat offenders. www.advocateweb.org is the best resource I have seen for this offense.
2007-01-30 05:10:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't where you are relying upon for your belief's but any form of adultry, fornication outside the marriage bed is an abomination to the Lord and will held accountable to Him. The only law we should concern ourselves with is His Law, natural law. Mans law cannot make SIN ok!!! It's blasphemy and an abomination for anyone to act immorally especially a man who claims to represent to be a man of God. Pray for him and remind him of his duty to God and he must repent immediately. He has done a deplorable act, that will lead him to the burning fire. It is not acceptable under any circumstance.
2007-01-29 07:50:41 · answer #2 · answered by Michael L 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All of the above plus really criminally stupid. Thinking with crotch and not heart. Yes it's consent. BUT - the law is there to protect people who are not thinking straight in their distress.
2007-01-29 07:39:20 · answer #3 · answered by justbeingher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
answered your own question...not to mention god will probably have something to say to this "pastor" when he gets to the pearly gates....
2007-01-29 07:32:29 · answer #4 · answered by badjanssen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's wrong either way
2007-01-29 07:34:54 · answer #5 · answered by graciegirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋