...A refreshing characteristic of Brians commentary is its “basic quality of understanding”. I agree with the analysis that mans’ animal instincts are a powerful force designed by nature to fulfil a most basic role of survival for the express purpose of entropy; or, order in nature leading to disorder!

..Without the rule of law superimposed over basic instincts, the state of disorder is unnecessarily hastened! A lesson to come for the Catholic Church I am afraid.

david f, Friday, 16 Nov 9:11:24am

I agree that christianity, or any other religion, is Not going to disappear soon.

But their numbers will continue to gradually decline with less justification for their doctrines and the divisions they cause.

I think we should be careful of assuming that priestly celibacy is the cause of child abuse. Many secular institutions, and religious ones run by denominations other than catholiocism, have been caught up in this appalling practice. Here in WA our most recent scandal involves abuse by Dennis and Neil McKenna at Katanning Hostel – a state-run institution. There have also been accusations of widespread abuse of young military and naval cadets.

I suspect the causes are less facile than Brian suggests, and are related to the culture of power and impunity that attends adults in respected positions with control over the lives of vulnerable youngsters with little or no family support. Churches might be particularly prone to this because of their self-image as upholder of righteousness, their culture of authority and conformity and their extensive engagement with the weak and vulnerable. But I suspect it’s more institutional and cultural failing than a product of celibacy.

Rhian, given that Catholic clergy abuse children at 6 times the rate of clergy from other faiths, there is clearly something peculiar to Catholicism that predisposes its priests to assaulting children with unprecedented frequency. Celibacy is clearly a contributing factor, if for no other reason than the presence of a wife allowing fewer opportunities for alone time with children.

No Candide, I agree with Rhian.
Paedophiles infest all forms of society, and they are just as likely to be married as not.
They are known to ingratiate themselves into single mother's homes and are sleeping with the mother at the same time as they are abusing her children.

So how does celibacy 'cause' paedophilia do you think?
Is the paedophile an abuser before he becomes a celibate priest?
I believe he is.

I tend to think the paedophile looks for places to go to where he can find easy access to kids. The Catholic Church is a huge organization with many children involved, so I reckon that's the only reason more paedophiles are found in their ranks...

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Dear George, Dear McReal,

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"The 21st century is going to be the last century for all Christian faiths".

I guess the author just wanted to finish on a positive note.

Our religious friends, whether Christian or otherwise, have not given us much to smile about these days.

Pretty glum really.

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