Italy, sex and the Vatican

[frankiej]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/...he-vatican

As always books like these will spark controversy.

I have not read the book yet.
If anyone has, is it worth a read?

And what are your opinions about the disgusting acts of priests in the catholic community?

[Violet]

My opinion? It isn't disgusting at all.

That doesn't mean I think it is a good thing, but I really am not disturbed or disgusted that the activity takes place.

[bozo]

From what I've seen, the catholics are reluctant to treat their own sexual predators in fancy dress quite the same as they would run-of-the-mill abusers.
The catholics get what they deserve in my book.

[LastPoet]

I live in a catholic country and believe me, they will defend their holy church to the dephts of dishonesty...

[Doubting Thomas]

I agree. I live in a small Catholic community and most Catholics treat their priests like royalty. I think it has something to do with Catholics thinking that priests have special magic powers when it comes to God, that is, only a priest can conduct mass which turns a cracker and wine into Jesus' actual body & blood, not just symbolic. Only a priest can baptize a baby or bless things like a rosary or crucifx and make them holy. So the priest has a special place in Catholic communities.

I really think that if the Catholic church would join the 21st century and have their priests be more like Protestant ministers, that is, a normal person with a wife & family, and wearing a suit instead of funny bathrobes, then they wouldn't have all these problems with priest shortages. Nor would they have as many problems with pedophiles & sex scandals. It's just not normal to expect someone to refuse their natural sexual urges and be celibate.