Roman Catholics, how DO YOU EXPLAIN THIS :(?

Question

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_sex_abuse_cases

"During the second half of the 20th century accusations of the sexual abuse of children by figures in the Roman Catholic church started to be reported, mostly in America and Ireland. The John Jay Report[1] into claims of abuse found accusations against 4,392 priests in the USA only."


Over 4000 corrupted priests ?!??!?!?!?! In the USA alone???!? And Americans say this is the best country in the world!??!


P.S. This information is cited on the website, so the data is indeed valid.

Steve: ah but you see, it's not like there are 300 million priests. You're including all of the people that aren't priests, including you I presume.

Answer 1

You forgot to add this bit

Some media sources have noted that when placed in perspective, the documented cases in the Catholic Church are much lower than incidents of child sexual abuse in the public school system. For the latter, the problem is over three times higher (up to 5% of American teachers, versus estimates of 0.2%[7] and 1.5% of Catholic priests), and only an estimated 1% of sexually abusive teachers have faced the loss of their license since most are merely moved to other districts. The police are rarely notified.[8]

And they were only accustations not charges

God Bless You

Answer 2

The Catholic Church has NEVER claimed it's members, whether they be clergy or lay Catholics, are incapable of errors in judgment.

It would be well for you to acknowledge the fact that the behavior of clergymen involved in the sex abuse is in a violation of Church Doctrine.

The Church's Doctrine is perfect, not the people who make up the Church.

When it comes to papal infallibility, the only time the pope himself is infallible is when he teaches "ex cathedra" or from the chair. Actually, it would be more accurate to say his teachings "ex cathedra" are infallible.

Only 6% of clergymen are known to have molested children. While that is still 6% too many, it is foolish to think the entire Catholic Church, all of it's clergy, and even it's lay members are bad.

Only a fool judges by the group. People, each of them unique, MUST be taken one at a time.

This information is cited on a website as well, actually many web sites. So I guess this information must be true as well, right?

Seems to me the fact something is posted on a website does not necessarily guarantee credibility.

You, for some reason, seem to love the fact the Catholic clergy has become corrupted. You relish the opportunity to blast the Catholic Church, not so much because you feel sorry for the victims, but because you love to hate.

With that in mind, how are you any better than a pedophile priest? You see, we all have some moral weaknesses. That is why it is morally improper to kick other people when they are down.

The time will come when you are down - and few will want to lend you compassion. When you want to know why you are being treated "unfairly", remember what you've posted here today - and what I have said in return.

Answer 3

Aside from what the media portray, there is more sexual abuse by Protestant pastors than by Catholic priest, and I suspect, more by politicians than by both groups of clerics. The media seem to have a problem with the Catholic Church.

That is not to minimize the criminal behavior of the group of priests. There is a book called GOODBYE GOOD MEN by Michael S. Rose. The book talks about rampant homosexuality at some of the seminaries. This is a result of liberals and modernists in the Church. They have infiltrated the Church, and have attempted to impose their liberal views on homosexuality, abortion, and other abominations.

What I find unfair about this is the idea that parishioners are held financially accountable for the actions of a renegade priest. Why should parishioners be responsible for the criminal behavior of a priest? Obviously, because that's where the money is.

I think that the parishioners of an affected parish need to go on a fact finding investigation of the seminary the priest attended. If necessary, they can call in the bishop, and the police, and shut it down.

Answer 4

What percentage is 4000 of 300 Million? Seems to be a small decimal to me. I am not a priest, I have a wife and children. I would wonder how many were molested by neighbours, siblings, relatives, aquaintances, TEACHERS and registered sex offenders. If you actually did some research into the subject, you would find that this is a human problem, you cannot single out the Catholic Church for abuse allegations any more than you could any other denomination, or any of the groups that I mentioned. America is a big place, and with the church paying, how are we to know how many of these claims were real and how many were made to get a payout. While some are undoubtably true, I suspect that the numbers are inflated, and there is no reliable way to verify the numbers. BTW wikipedia is not a reliable source. I could edit any information I wanted to show anything.
hmm 4000/50 years=80/year thats not exactly a huge number, if you factor in the fact of payouts/scammers.

Answer 5

1) The data is not necessarily valid. The data has not been corroborated.
2) Accusations against over 4,000 priests...and how many turned out to be actual abuse, vice false claims?
3) Less than 2% of all priests have committed any crimes against children. I am not supporting those who have committed crimes, but the national...and worldwide...statistics find that 2.5 % of most populations are pedophiles. Thus, these priests are below the average!

Besides all that....and don't get me wrong, anyone who abuses a child should be disemboweled with a dull spoon...this is still the greatest country in the world. In many other countries, the fact that you questioned your country's greatness is a crime punishable by death. Which would you rather?

Answer 6

Yeah there are some amazing things wrong with this country, we are by far the most dysfunctional of the major civilized democracies and numerous studies have shown that religion is directly correlated if not a direct cause.

However, I wouldn't always cite wikipedia as a valid source... it can be edited/changed by any member of the mindless masses, even those who seek to spread misinformation...

Answer 7

Catholic priests are not what makes the country great, and you do not give numbers for other countries. Also, other countries in general get fewer sexual abuse COMPLAINTS, because there is more of a stigma to having complaints towards the church...

Answer 8

Yeah, now, why don't you go try to dig up accurate numbers on how many Baptist ministers were accused of the same.

You'll find the number is far higher, presuming you can dig through the cover-ups and get at accurate numbers.

Answer 9

So, for the sake of argument, lets say what you cite is true. So what? There are perverse people in all walks of life. Because clergy claim to represent God doesn't mean they actually do. Priests are human men, need I say more?

Answer 10

Where in catholic scripture does it say- 'Priests go out out and molest children'. It dosnt. Attack the sick perverted priests themselves- they are inexcusable. But dont use thier actions to attack all of the other millions of good, decent catholics in the world. It is the same as calling all Muslims evil suicide bombers just because a few are. The view you are taking is a simple and insecure one.