atheism and children

[Catholic_Lady]

Both you and Randy have suggested that the phrase "The Catholic Church" means all Catholics everywhere. For example, you said this: "Well it's just weird because all of us Catholics make up the "Catholic Church."

I realize this is a bit late, but do you realize how that sounds to an outsider? It sounds like you are suggesting that you, as a Catholic, are equally culpable and complicit in both the good and bad actions of the Church. This includes the despicable acts of shielding pedophiles and encouraging clergy not to contact the authorities when sexual abuse is reported.

I'm having a hard time making sense of that stance.

I understand the dilemma there. I would equate it to the scandal of Enron in the 90s. Just because someone is a member of Enron does not mean they were complicit in the scandal at the top. Nor does it mean they held the same views as those at the top. This is the problem when we paint with broad brushes we lose the ability to discuss things at a personal or subjective level. We often identify ourselves or label as members of a larger group (republican, white, black, Jewish, homosexual, etc) and that creates the danger of guilt by association. We are all individuals who may share common ideas with multiple "groups" but we need to be careful when we make inclusive claims of belonging to a particular sect of whatever because we may be telling others we agree 100% with that groups stances and beliefs but in reality it's not true.

Yes, this. And it wasn't even everyone at the "top" who played a part in covering up, either. The actions of a few, should not represent the majority.