Catholic Pedophiles?

Question

Is there reason to believe that the Catholic church was some sort of organized pedophile group, such as nambla, for example? FYI: the US had the least reported clergy sex abuse cases when compared to the rest of the globe, therefore, this doesn't seems to be coincidence. Either way, I think the Catholic church is despicable and deceiving (I can say that I was raised Catholic but am now atheist).

Answer 1

In the 1930`s the catholic church set up a retreat in New Mexico, right outside Albequerque I bellieve, for priests who molest children. The church has known about the problem for close to 100 years in the states and you can see how much they have done about it. The director of the retreat, on camera, said that he thought that priest pedophiles were no more than 10% of the clergy. Interesting that the statistics he quoted about the retreat indicated that they were treating somewhere between 20-40% of the clergy and insiders say it is probably closer to 50%.

Answer 2

Only if you accept evidence selectively, and it helps if you like conspiracy theories. It also helps if you think the Catholic Church is "despicable and deceiving."

Look, the pedophilia scandal got a lot of attention in the media, as did the sex scandals of Bill Clinton and some members of Congress. Tales of sordid perversion grab attention like nothing else, and so are easily blown out of proportion. I've seen enough speeches by credible individuals interrupted by hecklers accusing the speakers of pedophilia (civil rights activist Morris Dees' 2005 speech at the U of Missouri - St. Louis was interrupted by the Aryan Brotherhood) to know that it's a charge that incites revulsion in the mind, even where there is no credibility.

That said, there was a scandal, and it was terrible, but it should not reflect upon the Church outside of those who were involved in it. Parishoners were even more outraged than the public at large, but few called the Church despicable following the incidents and coverup. Far more called for reform, for holding the abusers responsible, and instituting efforts to prevent such a thing from happening again.

But, then again, you do find the Catholic Church, and I'd assume the leadership, despicable and deceiving, so believe what you like.

Answer 3

I don't think the Catholic church is a massive pedophile conspiracy.

Most people don't get raped by priests.

Also, while nothing justifies rape, think of it this way: If you're a member of the clergy, you don't have to get married, which could be especially appealing for a Catholic gay guy, but also to some straight guys for different reasons. You're then stuck in the unnatural position of lifelong celibacy; humans are built to mate, and mate a lot. So you basically have a guy who's really, really confused about his sexuality, horny as all hell, and then has all these little boys who he can probably relate to on some freaky level. If all the factors come together -the priest's guilt and confusion about himself, the boys' availability, the priest's pent-up physical frustration- you can end up with some nasty consequences.

Before TDing, please realize that that's just my idea of a probable explanation, not justifying pedophilia. I also know that being gay and being a pedophile are completely separate. I'm just saying that if all these things come together, you can end up with this kind of abuse.

Don't judge everyone in a group by that group's worst representative. The vast majority of Christians -complete loonies excepted- think that the Crusades and the Inquisition were terrible crimes, just like any other non-psychopath does.

Most kids go to public schools, but it would be wrong to tar all kids with the Columbine brush.

Most people are kind and reasonable.

Answer 4

Some cops beat black people: it's a fact. Does it mean that all policemen should be blamed for the deeds of a few of them? You cannot accuse a whole group (religious, racial, social, professional, etc.) based on the acts of a few of them. Child rapists just chose specific occupations so that parents will entrusts them with their children. Some teachers are child rapists but not all teachers are.
Use common sense. You can criticize the Catholic Church if you disagree with their doctrines or their policies. But you can't criticize the Catholic Church because some of its members have committed atrocious acts.

Answer 5

It is probably no more common per-capita than in any other walk of life. The issue is that it is the clergy and how it was handled. If it was just some shop keeper in NYC it would not get as much press.

Answer 6

Well the actual numbers are pretty low. The big problem that I have was the way the church reacted when it did happen. The response was usually to hide it rather than call the cops.

Answer 7

Man is a sexual being. Religion can not change that fact. If you think joining a church will will negate this fact you are wrong. People will seek sex gratifiaction from the one who resist the least usually children that can be molded into believing. Children are told to believe in the church (not the same believing in God) and that is when the trouble starts.
The church is the start of most of the worlds woes, war, greed, hate, etc.

Answer 8

That is so unfair !!!! labels are evil from evil people

Catholic pedophiles?
muslims terrorist?


what is next?

If u are not happy with that religion then dont follow it...I stop being catholic a while, I became muslim but I do respect all religions...

Answer 9

my big problem is they sweep it under the rug./

how many are in Jail?

how much money for the poor has been used to pay off accusers?

Answer 10

Pedophilia is not any different regardless of ethnicity or faith. Apparently faith has no bearing whatsoever.