Sunday, June 02, 2019
Sunday Reflection: Unchastened
I was really struck by two things that happened about the same time.
First, the Children's Theater Company tried to get attorney's fees from a woman who, at age 15, was raped by one of the CTC's teachers-- even after a jury had found the CTC negligent in the matter (though not financially liable, since they did not directly cause the harm).
Second, Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin, who said he was aware of sexual abuse by priests in Pennsylvania but did not report it, tweeted this: "A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ “Pride Month” events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children."
The CTC case, at least, took a turn towards responsibility. The directors of the theater reversed position and withdrew the request.
In each, though, there seems to have been a lack of being chastened when each had been involved in a colossal harm.
I would think that the harm is both to yourself and to the larger society. It is a blow to integrity when someone involved in a systemic, widespread process that allows the rape and molestation of children posits himself as a moral authority about sex and children. It is not good for the faith, or for the man.
Some might say "Wait-- so, the church can't participate in the public degradation of gays and lesbians anymore? But that is an important expression of our religious freedom!" And well, yeah, you do have that freedom, and you can express whatever you want. But it is going to do much more harm than good. Especially when it comes from someone tarnished by the widespread, systemic sexual abuse of children and the cover-up of the same that the Catholic church-- and Bishop Tobin-- was a part of.
I am chastened, and have said this, by the mistakes I made as a prosecutor: for too long, I did not think through the effects of the sentences we sought. When others are chastened, it makes me respect them.
There is a part of the parable of the prodigal son that is often forgotten. When the lost son returns, he is chastened: he tells his father "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your servants."
We all remember the next part, where the father celebrates his return and prepares a feast. But the chastening is just as important. After all, we are lost son, not the father-- all of us are that person at one time or another.
Are we up to the task?
First, the Children's Theater Company tried to get attorney's fees from a woman who, at age 15, was raped by one of the CTC's teachers-- even after a jury had found the CTC negligent in the matter (though not financially liable, since they did not directly cause the harm).
Second, Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin, who said he was aware of sexual abuse by priests in Pennsylvania but did not report it, tweeted this: "A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ “Pride Month” events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children."
The CTC case, at least, took a turn towards responsibility. The directors of the theater reversed position and withdrew the request.
In each, though, there seems to have been a lack of being chastened when each had been involved in a colossal harm.
Who is hurt when those who hurt others are not chastened by the experience?
I would think that the harm is both to yourself and to the larger society. It is a blow to integrity when someone involved in a systemic, widespread process that allows the rape and molestation of children posits himself as a moral authority about sex and children. It is not good for the faith, or for the man.
Some might say "Wait-- so, the church can't participate in the public degradation of gays and lesbians anymore? But that is an important expression of our religious freedom!" And well, yeah, you do have that freedom, and you can express whatever you want. But it is going to do much more harm than good. Especially when it comes from someone tarnished by the widespread, systemic sexual abuse of children and the cover-up of the same that the Catholic church-- and Bishop Tobin-- was a part of.
I am chastened, and have said this, by the mistakes I made as a prosecutor: for too long, I did not think through the effects of the sentences we sought. When others are chastened, it makes me respect them.
There is a part of the parable of the prodigal son that is often forgotten. When the lost son returns, he is chastened: he tells his father "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your servants."
We all remember the next part, where the father celebrates his return and prepares a feast. But the chastening is just as important. After all, we are lost son, not the father-- all of us are that person at one time or another.
Are we up to the task?
