Trouble with My Faith

[St_Stephen_1]

I don’t know if I’m OK with this topic. I’ve checked the list of Banned Topics and it isn’t listed there. I can’t work out the best forum for it and putting it hear is just a random guess, I’m afraid.

The issue of my topic is the sexual abuse scandal affecting the Church. It isn’t the abuse that I want to talk about. It’s the affects it has on my faith.

I’m a cradle Catholic and so were my parents. I was baptised as an infant, made first confession when I was 7 and received first communion then. I was confirmed in my teens. I went to Catholic schools. My wife’s Catholic and we were married in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is all I know. We go to Mass on Sunday and not because the Church says we have to go but because we want to go.

The sexual abuse scandal is having a significant effect on me. It isn’t so much that priests and religious have committed these heinous acts. My biggest problem is the Church’s response, or from my perspective it’s lack of response.

I wonder how other people feel about this. How do you carry on as a Catholic when this shameful situation afflicts our Church?

 

[fbl9]

I don’t know if I’m OK with this topic. I’ve checked the list of Banned Topics and it isn’t listed there. I can’t work out the best forum for it and putting it hear is just a random guess, I’m afraid.

The issue of my topic is the sexual abuse scandal affecting the Church. It isn’t the abuse that I want to talk about. It’s the affects it has on my faith.

I’m a cradle Catholic and so were my parents. I was baptised as an infant, made first confession when I was 7 and received first communion then. I was confirmed in my teens. I went to Catholic schools. My wife’s Catholic and we were married in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is all I know. We go to Mass on Sunday and not because the Church says we have to go but because we want to go.

The sexual abuse scandal is having a significant effect on me. It isn’t so much that priests and religious have committed these heinous acts. My biggest problem is the Church’s response, or from my perspective it’s lack of response.

I wonder how other people feel about this. How do you carry on as a Catholic when this shameful situation afflicts our Church?

If the church taught that these acts were shamful i would concerned to the point of affecting my faith. That some one else sins,has no bearing on what the truth is, cause that truth does no wrong or wanders.

If keeps their sin in front of them it is hard to see the sins of others.

 

[ccmnxc]

The sexual abuse scandal is having a significant effect on me. It isn’t so much that priests and religious have committed these heinous acts. My biggest problem is the Church’s response, or from my perspective it’s lack of response.

I wonder how other people feel about this. How do you carry on as a Catholic when this shameful situation afflicts our Church?

I guess how I feel is the same way I feel about less than stellar popes of past centuries. It is tragic and embarrassing, yet doctrine doesn’t change. Also, many of the alleged scandals happened a few decades ago, when pedophilia was thought to be curable. I’m guessing some bishops hoped that these priests would be able to recover and get back to their work, especially with a priest shortage. Of course it was a miscarriage of justice, but perhaps they thought they’d add insult to injury by removing these priests from and already strained system.

 

[St_Stephen_1]

If the church taught that these acts were shamful i would concerned to the point of affecting my faith. That some one else sins,has no bearing on what the truth is, cause that truth does no wrong or wanders.

If keeps their sin in front of them it is hard to see the sins of others.

It isn’t so much that I’m shocked by priests and religious being sinners. I’m not. Your sins don’t reflect on me and mine don’t reflect on you. Our sins don’t affect the Church or the eternal truth.

What concerns me is this: the way in which the Church has responded to the sexual abuse scandal. There have been attempts to cover it up; attempts to stop those who are guilty from being appropriately punished; attempts to make victims go away and keep quiet.

Although our sins don’t bear on the Truth do you think that if either of us physically attacked a priest (not an act I’m proposing) that the Church would only deal with that by requiring us to confess it. I don’t. I think the Church would want us prosecuted and if found guilty to receive an appropriate punishment. I agree that’s what should happen to us. Sadly, this isn’t the Church’s view when the persons committing the crime are clerics or religious.:sad_yes:

 

[St_Stephen_1]

I guess how I feel is the same way I feel about less than stellar popes of past centuries. It is tragic and embarrassing, yet doctrine doesn’t change. Also, many of the alleged scandals happened a few decades ago, when pedophilia was thought to be curable. I’m guessing some bishops hoped that these priests would be able to recover and get back to their work, especially with a priest shortage. Of course it was a miscarriage of justice, but perhaps they thought they’d add insult to injury by removing these priests from and already strained system.

I think it is a little dangerous so think that this is all something in the past. I agree there’s a shortage of priest, no doubt about that. I think though quality is better than quantity. Defrocking priests is one thing but I’m firmly of the belief they should face the civil authorities too. I understand at one time paedophilia was at one time considered curable but sexual abuse of children has been seen as wrong for a very long time. The problem wasn’t solely confined to paedophilia sometimes sexual abuse was of adults.

 

[Christine85]

I guess a lot of people may feel the same too. I have had experience with this and see where you’re coming from. I guess there are some Priests who will stand up for what is right and some who will try sweep it under the carpet. I am pretty sure the Pope really wants to make sure it doesn’t happen anymore, they’re very strict now with psychologically examining seminarians. I suppose the Church doesn’t want to talk about it too much because they think that could be harmful. But I do have faith that the Pope is very much against the abuse and is trying everything he can to stop these things from happening again. All we can do is pray for the Church. I have faith in the Church regardless of what happens or what it’s members do to me.

 

[Regina_Love]

The media attacked us with like 50 years of scandals all at once. They truely hate the Church & love to attack her for any reason. That is why they hyped it constantly keeping it alive for years…Making everyone think it was some horrible epidemic. NEVER reporting that **pedophilia is much more common among married men! Teachers are 4 times more likely to be pedophiles than Priests. ** Where is their out rage? Why are they not warning parents to protect their children from teachers?

The vast majority of pedophile cases were with teenage boys. The Churches problem is with homosexual priests! I never heard this reported even once in the media, as horrific as it is! No, because the media is too busy promoting the gay life style to report honestly about it. No, Instead they blame this behavior on the Catholic Church which has taught always that the gay life style is intrinsicly evil.

I experience great anger at anyone who would harm a child. I too am ashamed of the abuse that has happened. However, I am proud of the Churches response. She has taken this very seriously! Of course the media does not report on all the good that is happening!

The Church has recognised the need to change. The Church is cleaning house. We have reporting procedures in place, which include reporting to the police. Protecting God’s Children Programs and training for every Church volunteer. Everyone is fingerprinted, and checked out before the can work with children. No person is allowed to be alone with any child. We have set in place good policies, and an attitude of zero tolerance for any opportunity for abuse. I think it’s the safest place for a child now!

No other church has any better track record, and the general public is much worse. I would never consider leaving the Church that Jesus Christ built. This is the Church that lived, taught, and wrote the new testament. We protected the Holy letters, and compiled the Bible and gave it to the world. We have the Sacraments! Where else can you hold God in your hand, and take Him with in yourself! The Church has given us the first schools, hospitals, and the scientific method. Promoted the dignity of every life, that we are all equal in God’s eyes.

Now she is being persecuted. Would you abandon her? If you seek out the truth about the Catholic Church you will feel more proud of all that she does, instead of being overwhelmed by shame for the actions of some sinners.

 

[St_Stephen_1]

I suppose the Church doesn’t want to talk about it too much because they think that could be harmful.

Unfortunately, I think that’s back fired. The Church has faced many scandals and survived. I think many people were scandalised as much by the Church trying to hide the problem as they were by the actual problem itself.

 

[St_Stephen_1]

The media attacked us with like 50 years of scandals all at once. They truely hate the Church & love to attack her for any reason. That is why they hyped it constantly keeping it alive for years…Making everyone think it was some horrible epidemic. NEVER reporting that **pedophilia is much more common among married men! Teachers are 4 times more likely to be pedophiles than Priests. ** Where is their out rage? Why are they not warning parents to protect their children from teachers?

I regard your statements as false. They are as much hyperbole as what the press wrote. If you want your claims to be accepted then you should provide some verifiable data.

The vast majority of pedophile cases were with teenage boys. The Churches problem is with homosexual priests! I never heard this reported even once in the media, as horrific as it is! No, because the media is too busy promoting the gay life style to report honestly about it. No, Instead they blame this behavior on the Catholic Church which has taught always that the gay life style is intrinsicly evil.

We could get technical here and argue that with teenagers it isn’t paedophilia. The entire scandal wasn’t just about sexual abuse of minors. It happened to boys and girls and was carried out by priests and male and female religious. That wasn’t all. There was sexual abuse of adults too and scandals of homosexuality in some seminaries. We shouldn’t get things mixed up. Paedophilia and homosexuality are different. Homosexuality is sinful but it is at least between consenting adults and not the abuse of children both sexually and by over powering them emotionally and psychologically and abusing the trust adults have placed in them towards the proper care of minors.

I experience great anger at anyone who would harm a child. I too am ashamed of the abuse that has happened. However, I am proud of the Churches response. She has taken this very seriously!

I would be very grateful if you could, please, tell me how. That goes to the crux of my problem. Yes, many great sins were committed but my big problem is with the way the Church has handled the situation.

The Church has recognised the need to change. The Church is cleaning house.

I don’t think it has done enough and I don’t think it goes far enough. The was one member of the hierarchy who really praised and welcomed everything that was being done to deal with this very issue. In that prelate’s diocese there was about one of the worst possible responses. It is this hypocrisy that is so very scandalous and it causes great harm to the Church. The media may be lighting many fires but I’m afraid in some quarters the Church is giving them the fuel.

No other church has any better track record, and the general public is much worse. I would never consider leaving the Church that Jesus Christ built. This is the Church that lived, taught, and wrote the new testament. We protected the Holy letters, and compiled the Bible and gave it to the world. We have the Sacraments! Where else can you hold God in your hand, and take Him with in yourself! The Church has given us the first schools, hospitals, and the scientific method. Promoted the dignity of every life, that we are all equal in God’s eyes.

Now she is being persecuted. Would you abandon her? If you seek out the truth about the Catholic Church you will feel more proud of all that she does, instead of being overwhelmed by shame for the actions of some sinners.

I’m not abandoning the Church and am not going to. But, the Church is meant to be there for us as much as we are for her. Whenever I think about this issue I think to myself what would our Redeemer have to say about this issue. I honestly think He wouldn’t be pleased with the way his Church has handled the situation.

I don’t for one minute doubt that the media have inflamed this situation more than they needed to. But, when don’t they do that. I’m not saying this problem is confined to our holy mother Church. I’m not saying that the Church isn’t basically good. But, even when you put aside the hyperbole from the press our Church has not IMHO responded to this problem in a way that has brought healing and prevented further scandal. Even though this happens elsewhere we do need to put our own house in order before we can start criticising others.

 

[batman1973]

If I may, St. Stephan, prayer. Talk to God about how you feel. Pour out your petitions, and concerns. Quietly contemplate while you study Scripture, pray the rosary, or in your car, or work (Pray without ceasing) God is faithful. He will answer your prayer, and help you strengthen your faith. Also, talk to your parish priest (if you haven’t already)

 

[St_Stephen_1]

If I may, St. Stephan, prayer. Talk to God about how you feel. Pour out your petitions, and concerns. Quietly contemplate while you study Scripture, pray the rosary, or in your car, or work (Pray without ceasing) God is faithful. He will answer your prayer, and help you strengthen your faith. Also, talk to your parish priest (if you haven’t already)

Batman thanks for your contribution. I can assure you God was my first port of call with this problem.

 

[fbl9]

It isn’t so much that I’m shocked by priests and religious being sinners. I’m not. Your sins don’t reflect on me and mine don’t reflect on you. Our sins don’t affect the Church or the eternal truth.

What concerns me is this: the way in which the Church has responded to the sexual abuse scandal. There have been attempts to cover it up; attempts to stop those who are guilty from being appropriately punished; attempts to make victims go away and keep quiet.

Although our sins don’t bear on the Truth do you think that if either of us physically attacked a priest (not an act I’m proposing) that the Church would only deal with that by requiring us to confess it. I don’t. I think the Church would want us prosecuted and if found guilty to receive an appropriate punishment. I agree that’s what should happen to us. Sadly, this isn’t the Church’s view when the persons committing the crime are clerics or religious.:sad_yes:

Do you think it was wrong of those in power to try and cover it up? Yes you do, now that is their sin(covering up).You asked if it affected my faith no it does not. Why? cause i try to keep my sins in front of me,i am no better than anybody else.

i don’t know about that. i wonder if there ever was a incident in which a priest was attacked.

 

[Burdensome1]

My biggest problem is the Church’s response, or from my perspective it’s lack of response.

I have learned, through a lot of hard lessons, that running even a small organization is a terribly, terribly difficult thing to do. The business organizations I have been part of are not the Church, and are not under constant demonic attack like the Church. Running the Church, even a small part of it, is a terrible burden and challenge, and the men who do so are priests and not management consultants.

I have observed the scandal of priestly pedophilia and I have seen a variety of individual mistakes made by Bishops, and some actions that appeared misguided or even downright evil…but since it is part of our faith to know that there are sinners in the Church, this presents no crisis to my personal belief.

I feel sorry for some of the Bishops on the basis that in the 70’s they were told that modern psychology was so powerful it could alleviate the bad effects of psychosexual disorders in many people, and this caused vocations programs to admit some men who should not have been admitted. These men were ordained and some of them dishonored their vows and some became sexual predators. You can say that these Bishops should have known better than to buy into psychological propaganda, and hindsight is 20/20.

I feel bad for some of these Bishops because now they are constantly having to deal with accusations made without any proof and they have to go against their basic job in the Church of leading their priests by removing men from ministry without a trial or any evidence presented. The Bishops are forced to do this because very many people with only a cursory understanding of these events they got from the TV news demand a “tough response”. Unfortunately, a lot of good priests are apparently getting caught up in this and their reputations can never really be restored.

I know that some of the Bishops are abusers themselves. I pity them, but I hope for God’s justice to prevail in all cases.

Most of all, I realize that I am very lucky that I am not a Bishop, because on many cases, there is no right answer and no good option. The new Bishops entering their episcopal sees in this decade had nothing to do with any of these bad decisions, but they are inheriting this mess and have to act with the wisdom of Solomon, while the uneducated pagan public just assumes they’re all pedophiles themselves.

The Church is full of saints and sinners. This is what was promised by Christ. Bishops have to keep the Church functioning and this is doubly hard to do in a culture of abuse and mistrust. The pedophilia issue is still so volatile that one of the most lovable old monks in the Church got thrown under the bus by the Catholic media a few months ago for just trying to talk about it analytically. People still want blood. Catholics who know better should not be entertaining doubts about the faith because of a problem that took place in their own nation in a particular decade. The Aryan heresy was much more scandalous, but I don’t see people posting threads about how the Church’s response to Aryanism is disturbing their faith. Try to have some perspective.

 

[Christine85]

All we can do is pray