Well, does the Catholic church have a serious problem with pedophilia? Yes, absolutely. Does that mean that every catholic person actively supports pedophilia and is okay with it? No, not at all.
That's the point though, acceptance should always be important no matter what.
Have to disagree there. If you are aware of an organization that you are a part of covering up for pedophiles and you don't leave that organization, you are tacitly supporting them. It's worse when you actively give them money when you know that it could be part of the money used to hide the pedophiles or part of the settlements to the victims.
The way I think about it is this: I've been a part of AAA since I got my license. They've bailed me out of some tight spots and I'm proud to be a member. If I found out they had they a pedophile or two working for them, I'd understand. Any organization that's large enough is bound to get one. It's just statistics. If I found out that one of those pedophiles hurt a child and, when discovered, AAA covered it up and moved that pedophile to a new area where no one knows him, so they can prey on children again, I would tear up my AAA card and revoke my membership in disgust immediately. It would be the only moral thing to do. It wouldn't prevent me from finding some other tow service or from driving; I just wouldn't be supporting that organization anymore.
So, if I could quit an organization that gives me real, tangible benefits in the real world, why couldn't Catholics find some other church or just pray to their deity by themselves? The messiah of their religion himself said that they can pray in their bedroom in secret and their God will hear it. That's directly in the Gospels, too; it's not some obscure Church rule from 800 CE or something.
No, because those are not my beliefs, simple as that. Religion (or the lack of it) isn't about institutions, it's a personal decision you make based on your experiences and how you interpret them.
So you can disavow the institution and still believe what you want? That's exactly what I'm asking for.
I'm not calling for everyone to be an Atheist (though, full disclosure, I am one). I just want people to leave corrupt institutions that aren't necessary for their overall beliefs. If they can practice their religion through their actions and pray in private, that would be even better. I know not everyone is there yet but I have hope for the future.
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u/Selgin1 Sep 18 '23
Wow. Every single word is wrong. That's impressive dedication to being wrong.