Flash! If this same incidence of clergy abuse [mentioned below from the Milwaukee News today] happened with another religious denomination, such as Baptist, Lutheran, Jewish, or what ever, I would publish it too! But what a sorry commentary about something that COULD HAVE BEEN NIPPED IN THE BUD decades ago... Sad. I, personally, believe that the "system" has been flawed from the very start --of priests being commanded to remain celibate ! 1st Timothy, Chapter 4: 1-4 tells it all: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and the DOCTRINES OF DEVILS, [verse 2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron, [3] FORBIDDING TO MARRY [celibacy], and commanding to abstain from meats [remember no meat on Fridays?], which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and the the truth." I put ALL CAPS on the part I wanted to high light to get my point across.. sorry. My point is [and all other well read/ studied Biblical Christians know] that celibacy is NOT demanded by the Bible. People will always bring up the apostle Paul urging young people to remain unmarried IF THEY CAN-- to serve the Lord more unburdened/ unencumbered with out the stresses of married life -- and that is only logical and smart. If the younger person, man or woman, is NOT inflamed with the 'passion of youth', of course they COULD get a lot more done in the service of the Lord. [However, only men may "TEACH" in the ministry--per the Bible]. That all makes sense.
But the Catholic church [of which I have MANY relatives and friends still in it whom I love and cherish] 'had to lay down that command' so that there could not/ would not be "any line of successors of a Pope, and other things"-- NOT TO MARRY, and there by MIGHT not have a normal/ natural place for their passions, and some albeit a small minority MIGHT be tempted to molest small boys, etc., [not having any normal, legitimate out let for their passions and desires] ...and now they have this huge mill stone about their neck! There are many scandals in other churches/ orgs., but it seems that those who are married ought to be satisfied with the 'normal' way of life and pursuits....IMO. But a few perverts spoil things for the vast majority of 'good' pastors who serve and conduct themselves well. So now what? And the 'overseers', bishops, etc., have only "moved" the disgraced, offending priests/ clergy to OTHER CHURCHES where they continue their shameful conduct even more!! And now the current Pope is left to clean up the nasty mess that has been going on for decades-- along with the loss of much wealth. Sorry. but we want to continue to bury/ sweep this mess under the rug even more??
When a church that represents Christ is exposed and disgraced, and in the public eye-- finally being made to "pay for the cover up of mounted serious sins"-- it casts a bad light upon their clean linen clothing, and brings reproach on the term 'Christian', in my humble opinion. Do they really have the Holy Spirit guiding them? Would they have God's blessing and protection? Are they actually knowledgeable of God's holy Word-- the Bible? Would any real Christian want to continue dropping money in the collections-- because if they do-- they are supporting this great sin of immorality of the offending church and clergy, and taking sides against God and His Holy Bible! These are good questions to ask in view of the 'End Times', Rapture and 2nd coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Please pray and ponder on this.
Comments, please.
Tom Schuckman
Jesus is my Lord and Savior-- and Heaven is my Home.
tschuckman@aol.com
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3 comments:
Staley said:
Yes this is a great and truthful article.
The first mistake they made was protesting against The True and original Church because they believed baptism in water to be essential for a person to be saved. They then laid claim to being the first church and called the original Church Anti Baptist claiming that the anti Baptist were protestants of which I am proud to be a member. They are the protestants along with all the other churchs that preach works for salvation. You are correct that the Priest having to be syllabus is un-scriptural. They prove that when they say Peter was their first Pope. We know he was married because JESUS healed his mother-in-law.
The second mistake of this church is the belief that they have become GOD'S chosen people and Israel has been abandoned by Him because they rejected and crucified JESUS. Thus the Pope took the place of the High Priest and the Arch Bishops and priest replaced the priesthood which JESUS did away with when HE split the veil of the Holy of Hollies into from top to bottom when HE died on the Cross. They also believe that Vatican City has replaced The Temple.
Their third mistake was giving the priesthood, saints, and Mary the ability to intercede for others. Taking away a individuals personal relationship with JESUS. This Jesus clearly taught against when He commanded to call no man father on earth because we have only one FATHER and HE is in Heaven. HE likewise took any special powers away from HIS mother. brothers and sisters when they came to persuade Him to come home and stop preaching. HE said who is my mother, brothers and sisters but these who believe in and follow me.
The forth mistake they make is believing that the Pope is infallible and call him HIS HOLINESS as well as give him the power to permit or refuse to permit anyone from going to Heaven.
I do not see how anyone believing this way can be saved.
Staley
Tom, to tell the truth, I didn't even want to read the article- the title said it all as far as I'm concerned. I agree with your take on it as well.
I could never support with tithes which are to be used for God's Glory ANY church, no matter the denomination which had such a stain. The Catholic church must take a stand on this issue and all priests who have been found guilty of these charges. They must be excommunicated or whatever they do, and must NOT be allowed to lead in the Church!
They are reaping what they have sown, and I hope for them that they will learn from all of this that they can not sweep this kind of perversity under the rug anymore. If this happened in any other denomination, I'd be saying the same thing- and I do say the same, if any church is knowing and aiding this behavior- end it now, repent and seek forgiveness, or you will find yourselves in the same situation!
You know, it is sad that most agnostics and atheists that I "diologue"with, this ALWAYS comes up! While it is true that this is not Christ, and that we follow HIM, they still (understandably so for unbelievers) equate Christian behavior with Christ, and that is something we will all have to answer to some day.
God Bless you Tom, and excellent post.
PS- I have to say a hearty AMEN to Staley's comment as well. I only want to add one thing, something that hit me the other night when I was reading Acts. Not only was Peter married (as Staley pointed out) but I have to take issue with all this infallible business about the pope. People show reverence to the pope, and all popes as far as I know have NEVER rebuked Catholic followers for this. When Peter went to the home of Cornelius, Cornelius fell to the floor in reverence of Peter. Peter's first words were words of rebuke, telling him to get up as he (Peter) is only a man as well, being used for Christ.
Thanks for letting me add on here too LOL!
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