MOJO-JOJO

From Time Magazine today, love it!

<a href="http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101020401/fallen.html" target="_blank">Father X</a>

Although it's a sad state of affairs, I enjoy watching the church be exposed for the fraud that it is.

Ranma Saotome

This doesn't say anything about the church being a fraud! If a guy working for the Salvation Army were to be a child molestor, would that prove that the Salvation Army was a fraud? I think not. I feel genuinely sorry for the guy, although his belief that he modeled himself after his mother helps aid my theory that one's sexuality is based on who one models themself after when they're growing up.

MOJO-JOJO

Uh-huh....and this priest is the ONLY one who's had this little problem??

The "church" is the christian church, of which the catholic church is part of (although I understand they believe they are IT). Furthermore, I DO believe, as most here do too, that it is a fraud which perpetuates false beliefs. This "problem" highlights only one of many problems with organized religion.

By your terse response, your geographic location (Md = a haven for Catholics), and number of posts, I would venture to guess that YOU are a practicing "Catholic"?? Do you feel safe letting your son participate regularly as an Alter Boy?

Btw, if so, there are plenty of threads here where we can more appropriately "debate" your beliefs, Ranma.

[ March 25, 2002: Message edited by: MOJO-JOJO ]</p>

Krieger

"I enjoy watching the church be exposed for the fraud that it is."

Me too! This day has been long awaited.


Ranma Saotome, I noticed that you say you are a Christian in your profile.

MOJO-JOJO

Good question, Ranma, are you a "christian", or a "catholic". This is always a fun one to throw at catholics.....denominational heritage come first.

Someguy

Catholic Clergyman X is a homosexual.

Homosexuality is a sin, so he must hold his feelings in.

He is also to be celibate.

He must not masterbate either.

So the sexual tensions build up, and become harder and harder to control.

Then he slips; Choir Boy X is molested. Surprise?

The problem is his brand of Christianity; it is unnatural and unhealty. I think it'd be best if we pulled the plug on it.

Ranma Saotome

Well, I'm definitely not Catholic! I'm just a plain old Christian. Anyway, how can you bash an entire group simply because some of its members are less than holy? Just because somebody has adopted the religion does not mean they've managed to overcome all of their problems. As the guy said, he was trying to cover up his problems, but he failed. This doesn't mean that the religion is fallible, only its member. If I had a son, I would have to have faith that he'd be safe as an Altar Boy. If we were to prevent children from going somewhere just because it may be dangerous, where would that lead us? We wouldn't let them go to school, join the Scouts, etc. etc. They'd basically be stuck in the house until they were adults.

Amos

You and who?

Amos

As I understand it alter boys are safe but not the consenting young adults who now feel overpowered and inferior. Was the age not between 13 and 18?

Sorry I see this article says 11-13.

[ March 25, 2002: Message edited by: Amos ]</p>

diana

<a href="http://www.satirewire.com/news/march02/egan.shtml" target="_blank">Police Must Notify Residents When Catholic Church Moves Into Neighborhood</a>

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