Serbian Orthodox Church Rocked By Sex Scandal

[unworthyservant]

Sexual abuse in the church has been a hot topic for some time. I believe that a big part of the problem is when churches impose rules that were never taught by Christ, i.e. celibacy or chastity for priests or bishops. I understand that the church in question requires celibacy for it's bishops (it appears that the accusations were related to a bishop). So, in one way the problem has a direct correlation to these beliefs. That however doesn't excuse the behavior of individuals. Problem is that many churches teach many things that were never taught by Christ and it is up to us as believers to separate the chaff from the wheat. Sexual sin and lust is the only sin where Jesus mentions body mutilation as a possible deterrent when He mentions those who have been made eunuchs for the gospels sake. 

[unworthyservant]

26 minutes ago, maryjayne said:

Sexual abuse of children is seldom a crime of lust, or due to having no sexual outlet. It is a crime of domination, control and anger. Look at the research. There is plenty out there. Lust has little to do with it. That is why adults from all walks of life, both sexes, all ages, married or single or whatever commit these crimes. Its not sexual frustration causing it.

I agree with you that it is a crime of control and domination but it is also in God's eyes a sin of a sexual nature. I'm simply trying to point out that these crimes are much more prevalent in churches which require celibacy. There is some sexual aspect to this type of behavior and without getting into a discussion of Freudian theories, I think that the fact that most of these abuses are perpetrated by clergy who have taken vows of celibacy should speak for itself. Also, I don't want to use this forum to discuss the psychological or societal triggers that lead to certain sins. While I believe that this sort of research is important for society, I feel that the Church has a responsibility to see that their teachings are in line with those of Christ and not to add their own unsupported teachings. That would eliminate even the need for this discussion. If churches didn't impose such man made rules then there would be no chance that they contribute to any problems in society. So, what I'm saying isn't an attempt to find the underlying causes of someones sin but simply point out the fact that when churches teach things that are not of Christ then it can lead to troubling problems such as this.   

[unworthyservant]

maryjane, please allow me to clarify my thoughts this way. I'm not referring to the sexual abuse statistics or motivation in the general public. I'm simply making the point that when these abuses occur in the church it is far more prevalent in those churches which require celibacy. Now, given that celibacy was not a requirement of Christ, isn't it altogether possible that if the church didn't enforce it, the abuse in the church might be much less a problem? So, my only point is that when the church follows the teachings of Christ and doesn't go adding their own beliefs then they shouldn't have nearly the problems that we see today. And conversely, it's those churches that have added celibacy as a requirement that seem to have most of the problems. I apologize if my statement that  the fact that these abuses are perpetrated in the church mainly by those who have taken vows of celibacy should speak for itself sounds condescending but I'm simply pointing out that while there is probably 100 volumes written on the psychology of these perpetrators, the only constant that has anything that I can see to do with the church is the direct correlation to celibacy. That said, it's the one thing that the church has control of. We can't cure all of societies ills (per the Bible) but we should address the problem of adding to Christs teaching whenever it arises. I believe that most of the issues in the church (as you have mentioned in your reference to a cult with whom you were affiliated) have to do with men adding their own beliefs to those of Christ.  

[unworthyservant]

1 minute ago, maryjayne said:

I understand you. And I am disagreeing with you, as the statistics and evidence do not back up your claim. It is not more prevalent in churches requiring celibacy.

 

No, it doesnt sound condescending. It is merely a factual error.

 

This is not true. There is no correlation with the amount and frequency of abuse and a requirement of celibacy in a church. Many many churches not requiring celibacy have, and have had, investigations and ongoing criminal proceedings due to abuse.

I have no interest in the psychology of the abusers, I have not mentioned the subject. I am taking issue with your misconception of where abuse takes place. Even the most cursory look at the evidence disproves your correlation between celibacy and abuse of this type. It is a dangerous myth and should be laid to rest.

Do you believe, as stated above, that if the churches were not forcing unbiblical celibacy then the amount of abuse would drop? That does not explain the epidemic of abuse everywhere, by both men and women, of all religions.

maryjane, unfortunately I can't answer the question if lifting the celibacy requirement in those churches that have it would lower the instances of sexual abuse in the church or not. I am simply making the point that since it's not taught by Christ the it can't hurt to try and adding things to Christ's teaching always leads to problems. It may only be a small part of the problem but as I previously noted it's the one thing that the church has total control over and it's better to do what you can (especially when it harms noone) than to engage in endless debate over the causes and continue in teaching things that were never taught by Christ. There may be many underlying causes but in the end there;s only one. Satan! Those who commit such acts are driven to them by the devil. So, I say while there's no simple answer except the influence of the devil to explain such actions, wouldn't it be prudent if those churches dropped their instance on celibacy and instead put their efforts toward finding other solutions after they have eliminated the POSSIBILITY that their own edicts are part of the problem?