re: #81 Obdicut

Celibacy is an issue only in so far as, if you already know that you’re going to be hiding your sexuality, then joining an organization that encourages one to repress one’s sexuality, or channel it, or whatever, would be natural.

Hell, I can see someone who knew they were a pedophile joining the church to try to find a way to control themselves.

It is not that celibacy causes molestation, but that a life of apparent celibacy is more attractive to a couple of different sorts of molesters; those looking to hide, and those wanting help.

Actually - I’ve seen some information, some research done awhile back, that shows that many of these folks join the priesthood, not to try to control themselves, but because it ensures they will be in a position of authority over and have access to impressionable kids.

I also saw once, I no longer have it bookmarked but I did at one time- there are a couple of seminaries in this country where these sorts of folks, pedophiles, have sort of taken over! Normal folks wanting to enter the priesthood who visit these places have been appalled at what they see, and end up going somewhere else to attend seminary. Whereas - those with pedophilia tendencies to begin with visit the seminary, LIKE WHAT THE SEE, and end up in a place with similar folks that tolerate their behavior.

That is one of the things that has to be fixed (and by this time, may be on its way to being fixed).