I make no excuses for the process that shielded the perps from just prosecution. Thinking they could “solve” the problems, officials within the Church made foolish and criminal mistakes. The shame belongs on the individuals responsible, but not the community of Catholics.
Phil Robertson at 18 was involved with a 14 year old — something I find completely unacceptable; yet, a few here rationalized it as normal. I recall only one other poster being outraged by this unseemly tidbit, but I’m sure there were others. Nonetheless, rose colored optimism factored into the comments supporting Phil.
Rationalization can be complex and difficult to argue, but finding reliable statistics and news that shed better light on a dark subject is a good thing — for the stakeholders and others with objective intent.
Gene your comments have been measured, genuine and you made no excuses. I appreciate your candor on the matter AND your defense of the faithful in the Catholic church. Where I was a bit shocked that some of the faithful here, being faithful Catholics were not a bit more outraged. I guess it comes with years of eye poking, brunt of late night comedy jokes and a host of other stuff flung at the Catholic church which may make some very defensive. I can understand that.
On Phil? No I would not support an 18 year old man touching or dating a man’s 14 year old girl. Just wrong and the way I was raised. I think if you sent a note to Phil, he would readily admit he was wrong as well as his alcohol, drugs and other sinful living before he repented and put on Christ. What he did was wrong and I think he would even tell us so as well.