I think the bigger and deeper issue is, why does this so frequently happen in religious institutions? Or, looked at differently, is it more common among Clergy (of all shapes, sizes, and flavors) or is this just representative of the population as a whole?
Either way, the real problem with religion is it's ability to take something like this, sweep it under the rug, then gloss over it with scripture to make it seem like it either didn't happen or was the victim's fault.
I think one of the troubles with religion is it attracts people of a certain mental facility, who think that by adopting the rules and dogma of something "ordained by god" that they are incapable of doing anything wrong. They've got a big ol' get out of jail free card to do whatever they want. I'm not saying they do, but that people who believe in this kind of crap are attracted to the religious lifestyle because of it's certainty.
It's the certainty that is the problem. Once you are sure and inextricably interwoven in a belief structure, that gives you leeway to justify any behavior that pleases you. This is the problem with almost all religions.
It's been my experience that very few people have anything resembling self control when it comes to doing things they really want to do... even if it is not in their best interest. Religion just gives these people one more excuse to not exercise their self control.
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regna
(no subject)
Date: 2009-03-16 11:39 pm (UTC)Either way, the real problem with religion is it's ability to take something like this, sweep it under the rug, then gloss over it with scripture to make it seem like it either didn't happen or was the victim's fault.
I think one of the troubles with religion is it attracts people of a certain mental facility, who think that by adopting the rules and dogma of something "ordained by god" that they are incapable of doing anything wrong. They've got a big ol' get out of jail free card to do whatever they want. I'm not saying they do, but that people who believe in this kind of crap are attracted to the religious lifestyle because of it's certainty.
It's the certainty that is the problem. Once you are sure and inextricably interwoven in a belief structure, that gives you leeway to justify any behavior that pleases you. This is the problem with almost all religions.
It's been my experience that very few people have anything resembling self control when it comes to doing things they really want to do... even if it is not in their best interest. Religion just gives these people one more excuse to not exercise their self control.
Bah. Now I'm depressed.