... in response to Re: my take on it, posted by Humabdos on Dec 6, 2002This is Greg speaking again. I don't know what you are referring to when you say something about not worshipping false idols. If you are referring to the honor we give to Our Lord's mother, then you are mistaking honor for a great woman with worship. Mary is not God, but specially chosen by God, above all other women. And we honor saints, because their lives are something we should try to imitate.
Those priests and higher ups cannot justify molesting children. They and whoever covered for them will have to answer for it. If they would go to confession, and are truly sorry for what they have done, then God can forgive them. However, there still is the matter of reparation. Just because they are forgiven, does not mean they will not have punishment coming to them. Remember, God is merciful, but also just. They may have obtained God's mercy, but justice is still left to be done. And also one condition for mercy is turning from that life of sin. If they continue molesting children, then how can they show that they are sorry for what they have done? They can't, and then God will not show them mercy. Part of the problem is that over the last several decades, there has been this idea introduced that God is only merciful. It is like the protestant idea of "once saved, always saved", where a subsequent life of sin does not jeopardize their salvation. So many Catholics and non-catholics no longer have any fear of hell, since "God is merciful, and would not send anyone to hell". Well I am sorry to say, there is a hell and many go there. And there is different levels of punishment in hell. The worst punishments is reserved for priests and religious, since they are the leaders who should show everyone the highest standards with there lives. More was expected of them, so their punishment is more. I will get off my religious soapbox now. Congrats for the visa. Take care, Greg
