1. The problem is, “hidden,” means hidden.Dan:
That's where transparency comes in.
1. A serial abuser's actions (even a repentant and treated one) must never-again be hidden,
1. A. nor can he ever in his life be given unsupervised access to children - in any community.
2. Restoration does not mean all is forgotten, nor does it mean life goes on as if these things never happened. That would be irresponsible both to the abused, the abuser, and the potentially abused.
3. However, we as a Christians cannot turn any sin, even one as detestable as this, into something unrestorable.
4. The message of the Gospel is grounded upon Grace - undeserved favor - we have no right to claim it for ourselves if we are not willing to extend it to others.
The temptation to hide sin is tremendous! When we are tempted to hide sin to protect loved ones, loved community, etc., it’s even more powerful. Once it begins, “the tangled web” begins.
So, on surface, yes! In action, is it even possible? (i would ask appleman. he’s seen it all, and has to deal with it, in real time, in real life.) How to get this to be more than agreeable words?
1. A. This is imperative.
A sincerely repentent sinner would respect this, if not embrace it. Possibly to view this in the ways we view alcoholics abstaining from alcohol. No thinking, caring, responsible adult would offer a known alcoholic an alcoholic beverage.
2. i agree.
One hard part of this seems to be, those surrounding forget others’ crimes as they get busy with life.
Example, it’s not easy for those who easily drink responsibly to be vigilant about others around them who cannot. “Just this once won’t hurt,” etc.
3. i’m not so sure. on surface, it sure sounds good.
But, what about scriptural verses that tell us nothing is done except by the Holy Spirit?
We can restore nothing, we can’t even guarantee our own children will accept Jesus Christ.
We can surely pray for our own and others’ restoration. The doing is not in our control.
Accepting and submitting is our choice.
This is a BIG “loophole” that has been exploited beyond description, many victims are harmed by those who know very well how to exploit this Christian concept.
4. Grace.
Yes, “Go, and sin no more,” not, “Go, and continue in sin.”
It is initially an unearned gift, paid with a high price, but, it comes with the contingency to “sin no more.”
Again, this Christian concept has been and is exploited beyond description. It’s esp misunderstood that continuing in sin is perfectly ok. i read of this in the world weekly, if not daily.
Bottom line.
Christians can be a smart psychopath’s playground. The best ones are appealing, they make themselves useful and valuable.
Here’s something to think about.
At core, beside being wiley, perpetrators are cowards. They go for the “low-hanging fruit” in every setting, secular, Catholic, Protestant, Anabaptist.
Christians are not to be foolish.
We are not to offer others for sacrifice.Matthew 10:16 ..
15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
16 Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves;
therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. ..
Jesus went to the cross, He did not send Thomas or Peter or other. He did not send children.
Honestly, i now wonder what would unfold if 1 leader, upon learning of abuse, would simply offer himself in place of the victims, “Abuse me, leave the children out of it.” - What would happen?
Because, in moments of violence, it is not uncommon for such SELF-sacrificial offers to be made.
Does anyone ever say, “You have murdered, you have repented, now take your weapons and go onto the next potential victims, because we know you won’t do that again.”
In most of history, sexual crimes have not been recognized as the brutal violent acts they now are. It’s not about sex or love, or even lust. It’s power and violence.
Different things contributed to this, not the least of which was the strong passion perpetrators had to continue in their crimes, while blaming victims. That’s a big part of the evil in this.
Can Christians “get smarter” about preventing+responding to crime without betraying Christ?
In honoring Him, by protecting the vulnerable, “the least of these?”
Reports are, there are no known cures for pedophiles, or sexual abusers.
Certainly, the Holy Spirit has unlimited ability. Discernment comes from the Holy Spirit, not secular human law, or church rules.
Who will go to JMast and offer himself? Could this be an effective response? It might be.
It is repugnant. Is it materially different than laying one’s life down for another?
Is it more repugnant than risking children’s safety?
(In my imagination, i envision the JMasts of the world running away in terror.
it would cause havoc with their lust for control.)
Sorry about over-writing. Bad habit.
If repentant, they should absolutely be willing, however, to accept distance or any other safety measures.
