Sex abuse scandal. Guess the religion?

[DinoDoc]

That's a bit harsh.

No, it isn't.

Of course there are many ways, ...

I thought the calling was to help people, not to get credibility with adherents of a religion you don't believe in.

[rah]

Then I guess I was wrong and you really are a jerk.

A grieving widow is more likely to be consoled by a priest then the homeless man down the street.

[BlackCat]

Paycheque and easy access to children, obviously.

Nah, swedish priests are usually married with children, so I don't think that is one of the perks that atract. Further there are also a lot of female priests.

There isn't very many catholics here in scandinavia, but at least the danish catholic bishop of course what the vatican dictates.

[DinoDoc]

Then I guess I was wrong and you really are a jerk.

Honesty is the best policy in this instance. You're being a priest is the best opportunity for an atheist to help people line could have only come from a moron.

A grieving widow is more likely to be consoled by a priest then the homeless man down the street.

What does this have to do with anything you've said?

[Ecofarm]

Then I guess I was wrong and you really are a jerk.

A grieving widow is more likely to be consoled by a priest then the homeless man down the street.

If those are her choices, then she is truly impoverished (alienated, alone)... probably because of the church.

[rah]

Not just a jerk I see, but a stupid one at that.

If you want to spend your life helping people, if you're in the clergy, the church supports you so you have more time to help people. If you spend all you're time helping people the odds are you're not making much money and will probably end up like that homeless man.

If you're not in the clergy, you have to go out to find people to help, but if you're in the clergy people come to you. And the ones that come to you already trust you because you're in the clergy. If you're not in the clergy you have to waste time building trust.
Would you trust that homeless man, or would you think he was trying to scam you.

I wasn't passing any moral judgement on it, just expressing a logical thought.
TRY thinking next time.

[Ecofarm]

Well, I'm passing moral judgement on it. And it fails.


It's true I'm a jerk (not just or always), but calling me stupid will not help you.

[rah]

Well that's your opinion and I can respect it without agreeing. And you didn't call me stupid for disagreeing.

[Ecofarm]

It's living a lie. There are plenty of charities to work for, things to donate to and movements to become a part of...

We get a chance to make a difference everyday, almost every moment. I'll retrieve a comment from a story I read recently...

It is hard to hear of the plight of women in other countries, especially where there is abuse and/or conditions existing which keep women second class citizens in their own country. It is not possible for most of us to affect women in those situations; however, we can look at our own local situations and help where we can to alleviate the suffering of and help to elevate the situations of women in our own local area. Whether through the giving of money, time, tallent, or just a helping hand to an individual, we can and should make a difference, if not a world away, then in our own neighborhood, city, and state. Just look beyond yourself. You don't have to go very far to find someone who needs your help.

Posted by: Li'l TX'n

http://afghanistan.blogs.cnn.com/2010/03/08/being-a-female-in-afghanistan/

That totally trumps "it was the only way to give 100%".

[Wezil]

1. We don't mind if people wander a bit.
2. Because the good ones (like me, your priest) come back even more sure of our fantasy.
3. If you wander... don't forget coming back is fine... even for someone of such astute authority as I.
4. Well, now that you know I came back... and you know I'm "special", then you might as well not think about bothering.

The Mennonites have similar thinking on children coming of age.

[rah]

EcoFarm, I never said the clergy was the ONLY way.

Well if you think you have the calling "TO HELP PEOPLE" joining the clergy probably gives you the best opportunities.

Probably gives you the best does not mean the ONLY way.
Yes there are many ways.

But how many of those ways provide room an board to allow you to spend more time helping people? Yes there are charitable organization that do it but I'd bet that there are more clergy in the world than charitable organization openings that provide room and board.

My statement was the I thought the clergy offered the best opportunity, not the only one.

And I'm sure there are plenty of priests that don't believe in god and no one is the wiser. (except maybe god and if they're doing his work, I doubt he'd care. )

[Ecofarm]

I will not argue over "only" and 'best". I've said my piece.

[MrFun]

rah, I like you on here, but this time, you're really not making much sense.

There are rules to go by, when you join an institution or organization (unfair ones, as well as fair ones). It's perfectly reasonable and fair for the Catholic Church to require a genuine belief in God, because this is a fundamental belief that is the basis of Catholicism.

Even though I'm not a veteran of any U.S. military branch, should I be able to lie to a veteran-based organization in order to become a member because of whatever other ulterior reason/motivation I may have? Even if that reason is basically well-meaning?

If you don't believe in God, don't become a member of clergy.

[rah]

Then I'll leave it at that. Thanks for being civil about it.

And I wouldn't join the clergy without believing in god. In fact, when I was growing up, I was an alter boy and went to summer camp that was a seminary where all the Counselors were priests in training. For many years I considered joining the priesthood but in the end decided my commitment wasn't strong enough.

But I'll bet there are many priests that don't believe in god and that doesn't mean they're helping people any less.
Each man must be his own conciense on that.

[Ben Kenobi]

Asher to BK: I hate you.

BK to Asher: I'm not going to respond to this, and give you the satisfaction. Too busy making **** up.

Asher to BK: I still hate you.

Ming: I hate BK too.

Mr. Fun actually made me laugh.

You left out rah though.