The recurring case of the idiot priest

[rug]

Ordination changes many things about a man theologically, sociologically and emotionally. But there are some things the sacrament will not change. If you ordain an idiot, you wind up with an idiot priest.

Idiot priests, rather than loss of faith, have caused most of the cases I have encountered of people who have left the Catholic Church. Poorly-prepared or totally unprepared homilies are one major element, abuse is another, pastoral insensitivity in times of need is a big third, but by far the most faith-destructive encounters between idiot priests and the People of God occur in connection with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

I know a woman whose journey away from Catholicism began as early as her first confession. The priest was nicknamed “Baby Jesus” by the other priests in the parish because “he thinks he’s God almighty.” His haughty disdain for her as a child taught her that God is not worthy of any form of relationship.

According to a news report from Kerala, India, a priest there has been reported to the police for slapping a nine-year-old girl. Her crime? The priest had decided that all the children of the parish must go to confession at least once every three months, and she admitted she had not.

http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2011/07/15/the-recurring-case-of-the-idiot-priest/

[Brigid]

1. This is what happens when . . .

candidates for the priesthood are not carefully screened and trained, and perhaps became priests for the wrong reasons. It's sad when encounters with "idiot priests" drive people away from the Church. :(

[rug]

2. It's surprising how many people who left the Church have an encounter like this to relate.

[hedgehog]

3. It's becoming a rather common sentiment.....

http://ncronline.org/blogs/bulletins-human-side/set-decorator-catholicism-clericalism-thrives-new-phase-sex-abuse-crisis

[rug]

4. Interesting article. Thanks.

[hedgehog]

5. I almost feel bad about posting it. Bad times ahead, I'm afraid.

[rug]

6. I don't know. The Church is meant for humans and this is bound to happen.

But we're resilient as well. Any shakeout brings us closer to the truth.

[Matilda]

7. Don't feel bad; thanks for sharing it.

The really bad thing about the set-decorator priests is that they now have support from the top New Man.