Question for Christians only, what is the answer to this social question?

[-Morb-]

I was having a good debate about this with some friends the other day, and now I'm curious as to what Jesus or the bible says about this most difficult of subjects:

Child molesters can't be cured, and will continue to strike again and again thoughout their lives. I think they should just kill themselves, out of a sense of duty to humanity and for their own sake.

It's tragic, because some of them don't seem to cultivate such a desire, it seems to just spring up in them from an early age (at least if the pedophiles I've heard during interviews on television are to be believed).

For the sake of argument, let's say someone is born with pedophile tendencies which manifest later in life. The only options I see open for that individual according to Christian doctrine are three possiblilities:

1. That person prays for guidance, and hopes that by some extremely rare miracle, they are able to live a life without being a danger to children. Maybe by moving into the woods away from everybody or something, I don't know. Seems irresponsible, like a time bomb waiting to go off.

2. That person seeks counsel, and if the counsel is any good, they will be locked up away from society forever. A fate where suicide begins to look good by comparison.

3. That person, regardless of any praying or counseling measures they've undertaken, simply waits until they give in to temptation, and they harm a child. At which point they turn themselves in to the police. Again, another fate where suicide begins to look good by comparison.

Suicide I know is the ultimate mortal sin, and is never an option according to Christianity. But with this scenario, it seems like it would be the best option for both the pedophile and any potential victims the individual may harm (and "when" is usually more certain than "if"). What is a pedophile supposed to do?

I like to try and understand Christianity, so any serious answers here are appreciated. I consider this to be a very tough question that I've never heard anyone adequately explore before in this context.



[This message has been edited by -Morb- (edited 03-19-2006).]

[Dragonsthrone]

I think that if a child molester was saved, then God would be able to change his life enough that his desires to be with children would disapear.

[-Morb-]

quote:Originally posted by Dragonsthrone:

I think that if a child molester was saved, then God would be able to change his life enough that his desires to be with children would disapear.

That makes sense, except is there any recorded case of that happening? I've never heard of anyone being cured by God when it comes to this. I've heard of cancer victims who claim to have been miraculously cured, but never pedophiles. And I've heard of pedophiles who claim to pray to God every day to become cured of their condition.

The curse of pedophilia seems to be a particularly unfair one for God to afflict anyone with. There's no option open for the individual that doesn't end in horrible tragedy.

[super chick]

I think they chould be locked in a cell for the rest of there life . I am a christian and thats why lots of other people on totse dont like what I have to say but here maybe some people that think as I do. I can not give a wright awnser to your question for I do not know the awnser but I will say what I think. put them in jail for life. are you a fallower of christ?

[Atomical]

quote:Originally posted by Dragonsthrone:

I think that if a child molester was saved, then God would be able to change his life enough that his desires to be with children would disapear.

Molesting children is a mental illness. Are you suggesting someone who is saved is free from depression and anxiety?

[nLS]

nothing wrong with touchin up a kid

[Dragonsthrone]

I wasn't aware child molestation was classified as a mental illness, but if someone is saved, while they arn't free of depression, they would be a lot less likley to fall into it, because they can turn to Jesus. I havn't heard of anyone who was a child molester being saved and cured either, but theres alot i don't know. I also beleive that God is powerful enough to work in their lives and cure them. Its like homosexuals, they never stop looking at the same sex, but with the help of God they overcome their desires.



[This message has been edited by Dragonsthrone (edited 03-19-2006).]

[Atomical]

quote:Originally posted by Dragonsthrone:

I wasn't aware child molestation was classified as a mental illness, but if someone is saved, while they arn't free of depression, they would be a lot less likley to fall into it, because they can turn to Jesus.

You have any proof to support this?

[ohhi]

quote:Originally posted by super chick:

I think they chould be locked in a cell for the rest of there life . I am a christian and thats why lots of other people on totse dont like what I have to say but here maybe some people that think as I do. I can not give a wright awnser to your question for I do not know the awnser but I will say what I think. put them in jail for life. are you a fallower of christ?

You are so dumb... it's not even funny.

[Digital_Savior]

quote:Originally posted by Atomical:

Molesting children is a mental illness. Are you suggesting someone who is saved is free from depression and anxiety?

But having sex with animals is not.

You're a strange fellow, Atomical.