The section I bolded actually makes quite a bit of sense. Good point.

However, I still think forcing a life of abstinence is barbaric and cruel.

Nobody is forcing these men to become priests,they know what the deal is when they become priests.

well i dont consider it barbaric or cruel in any way as you yourself make the choice to become a preist in the first place. You know what you're getting into. I mean its like coming out as a lesbian in a society that still doesn't accept it. You gotta deal with it till times improve.

I think it plays a role, but only to a certain extent. There are married men that keep on having sex with boys. A few years ago we went on a tour of downtown Toronto, and our guide told us that the primary costumers for teenage male prostitutes are middle-aged men with kids and a wife living in suburbs. She said that she has quite often seen those men pick up boys with their own children in the back of the car.

Allowing priests to marry will only be of help to those who rape those boys (and girls) because they can't have sex any other way. For those who lust after boys, marriage won't do anything, at all.


And again, there are priests who really do abstain. Sometimes I think people underestimate the power that religion has. For genuine believers, it is above all and everything else. The fact that this really is possible goes to show that in cases of pedophilia, it's a problem beyond abistenence.

Those guys could have sex ten times a day with women and they still be lusting after boys. It's a real disease that they have and which makes them a threat whether abistenence is insisted upon or not.

Be that as it may, it shouldn't be part of the "deal". It's completely ridiculous.

yes but ... its pretty much like saying theres no need providing a good home for someone cause bad people turn out from good homes too. I mean ... yes.. theres no denying normal people who do not need to abstain from such activities carry these things out too, i do believe it plays a significant part in the actions taken by priests.

but why should you be allow to judge what should be part of the deal or not? while i agree its something that will improve the situation and i see nothing wrong with it, not being of the faith and hence, not being part of its practices at all puts me atleast in a situation where i dont wish to call these actions ridiculus.

I'm not asking to be allowed to judge or have any kind of say in it. I just think it's an insane practice that can't be healthy in anyway. I don't expect for the Pope or whomever makes these kind of decisions to "hear me out".

To a non devout catholic it would sound ridiculous but thats the way things are for them.
You know those tribes in africa that has people put plates in their mouth to stretch their lips incredibly long,and when they stretch their ears also?I find it completely ridiculous but i understand its not my culture and to them its very important and i respect that.

It's not really barbaric or cruel because it is not forced. They have a choice, and when they choose to join the priesthood, they know what it is they have signed up for.


If one does not agree with the policy of the Catholic Church, but still wishes to be an active part of the Church, there are plenty of ways to do so.

If one wishes to be Christian but disagrees with the doctrines of the Catholic Church, one can join the Anglican Church or some other institution that allows marriages.


Btw, for those who wonder as to why the Catholic Church is having this sever problem and not some other churches: it has 1B followers worldwide, not only the biggest Christian church, but bigger than all the others combined. In fact, it is bigger than Islam or any other religion. Anything involving the Catholic Church is bound to be bigger just by virtue of its vast following.

I also fault a system that has shown itself to be inept when it comes to dealing with the problem. They have moved too slowly, have ruined the lives of too many people, and have done too little to prosecute the perpetrators.


I also think that they need to keep an eye out for those pedophiles. Progress starts with having a more careful screening process for those who wish to enter into priesthood. Let them know what it is they are getting themselves into, and furthermore, let them know, in harsh and blunt terms, that if they even attempt to abuse boys (or girls), they will pay with their freedom in this world (by legal means and jail) and risk eternal damnation in the next world. This, more than anything else, will help stop this sick plague.

So I should respect something that is clearly wrong just because it's part of someone's culture?

Should I respect Nazi's views and ideas because it's part of their culture?

Im talking about something that is not hurting anyone.

I don't understand what you were trying to say. Could you rephrase it?

I believe lifelong abstinence is harmful, though.

They are not forced to it,and its not harmful.

Thank you....child molesters are child molesters regardless of abstinence...that is just a MAJOR copout

I think ALL CHILDMOLESTERS regardless of status should be chemically castrated


Half the time molesters do 1 year in prison....then they are out./....its ridiculous

So your comparing NAZI's to the Catholic Church's policy on Priestly marriages?

I realize they're not forced into it, but as I said, that doesn't change the fact that it's wrong.

Give me proof that it's not harmful in any mental or physical way. Completely depriving a human being of something that is natural to human beings can't be good for you.

it may not be "good for you" but that is NO EXCUSE to molest children....them being celibet has nothing to do with the fact that they want to fondle an 8 year old boy or girl

If thats the case why do married men still molest children?

an argument brought out here is that white people do it too. People with wives engage in this practice as well.

I'm trying to say that bad people come from homes where kids are not raised well. They also come from those where kids are raised properly. just because they come from both types of home doesn't mean we shouldn't tryto encourage families frrom raising their kids well.

its just one of those arguments ... improvements can always be made. Taking one factor out of the equation that may result in something bad is always an improvement. and abstinance (and i'm not only refering to sex here), can often lead to strong desires of wanting something in one shape or another. its very natural. I've never engaged or considered casual dating cause i dont believe in it but i'm often tempted at a club or bar to wanna go home with some chick .. what stops me at the end is my faith in my own belief .. (and well for a few years now cause of my commitment to my current relationship). But i do not deny that the amount i used to be tempted (before going out) would have been a whole lot less if i hadn't created such a rigid rule for myself.

They are not being deprived of it,they(most)are the ones that are depriving themselves because of their spiritual beliefs.There is no scientific fact that says it is harmful.

Sure. Why not? They hold about equal authority in my book.

I realize that Nazi's views and beliefes are much more hurtful and have a wider range of harm, but neo_wolf asked me to accept something that I perceived as harmful just because it's part of someone's culture, and I think that's total BS.

Ok...abstaining from a girl or a guy who is OF AGE is one thing....regardless if its the same sex or not....BUT, saying that abstience is the reason men are attracted to young boys is just another excuse for them

Eh? I'm not using it as an excuse to molest children....