I know someone who was abused. It is horrific, but evil exists everywhere- and in every church. That does not alter the fact that the Catholic Church’s teachings adhere most closely to Christ’s wishes. It is as safe a place as I know to be... spiritually.
I would never leave a system of belief I thought to be Truth because of what a pathetic, evil individual did. I would just punish that individual to the best of my ability. Then I’d leave the rest to God. He sifts all.
I don’t say this lightly. I have had my own heart broken by some leaders in the Church. But I persevere because of Christ’s words and the sacraments. One of my children was an altar server and I kept a very vigilant watch. It took me 7 years to recover from my own hurts from representatives of the Church. No matter what, I would not allow my faith to be like the seed that fell on good soil but was carried away by birds. I believe we should protect our faith from everyone and everything.
No evil human gets between me and my Lord.
You're right.
It's impossible to control the behavior of every person connected with every organization. The best an organization can to is put a stop to it and deal with the perpetrator as soon as they find out.
While the act itself can reflect badly on the organization, their reaction in dealing with it is more what they should be judged by than whether the molestation occurred.
If people are going to condemn the Catholic Church because some priests molested some children, then they need to spend equal time condemning every single other organization for the molesters in them. No singling out one group.
Essentially, condemn everyone in the entire world.
Well I don't think I can agree that the catholic denomination has any more right to call itself closest to Christ's wishes than those from other denominations who could say that very thing as well....in FACT I am certain some would say they are closest. So this really is a personal belief.
You said you would punish the individual who did the crime....yes, of course... which is what I think has so many disturbed about the catholic churches handling of the matter...and you know the arguments so I won't get into them. It's the idea men were shuffled around and the crime hidden...and while doing so more became victims...so the catholic leadership is then seen as enabling the criminals who did and do this. Though I understand the current pope has attempted to do more than most.
Actually our faith is in Christ first and foremost and rests in Him alone... and even he said not to trust men...and it is they who operate the church of every denomination. So again if this was happening in my church and went unaddressed I would be out of there and my kids with me.....no child should be sacrificed on the alter of any-ones church preference.