Pope Benedict XVI has expressed “outrage, betrayal and shame” over the sexual abuse of children by priests in Ireland, and the Irish bishops have apologized as a group for the same. As a human being and an “observer of life” I can’t even imagine how they must feel, as a Christian and especially as a Catholic, well, I have no words for this. That’s why I call upon the apostle Paul to speak—a passage (Rom. 1:18-32) I came across just yesterday (by pure chance), and of particular relevance to the present context. I am tempted to wonder if there might be any bishop of pastor who has never heard of it at all…
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.
Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves: for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful: who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practise them.
Upsetting ...
ReplyDeleteThe bishops who knew what was going on and colluded in a conspiracy of silence to protect the reputation of the Church rather than vulnerable children had done even more harm to the reputation of the church than the pedophile priests. They have destroyed the moral authority of the church and they have left the clergy, nuns and religious orders at the mercy of everyone who wants to taunt the Church.
ReplyDeleteWalter, Martin, I'm afraid you both are right.
ReplyDeleteHere in the States the estimation of the percentage of homosexual priests runs from 40%-60%, many of them for the access to young boys. Apparently many are linked to NAMBLA (North American Man Boy Love Association). I remember reading, when massive homosexual rape and pedophilia was exposed, about a society of homosexual priests existing for the purpose of hooking up. There's an observation that many hetero priests are leaving the priesthood because the homosexual subculture is now the predominate one, and makes them too uncomfortable to stay. // As a Protestant, so not fully informed on the rules of the Church, looking in it seems sexuality of priests should be a moot point because of the vow of celibacy. Are these guys kicked out? I know some here in the States were sent from diocese to diocese to cover up. // Rob's question is a right one; I don't think the leadership or priests pay much attention to Scripture much any more. It saddens because Christianity and Judaism are the foundation of a good and just society, and this kind of behavior takes us further down the road Paul was talking about in Romans. People respond to the behavior of others, watching to see if they walk the talk. The wages of sin...
ReplyDelete