I guess I just don't get it, other than perhaps some are basing their comments on the title of the thread vs. the article (peace to you, all!). In that light, I would like to ask the following of any who wish to consider them/respond so that maybe I can "see" more clearly:
1. Do you think all pedophiles are child molesters (i.e., do you think all pedophiles carry through on their desires)? Yes or no.
a. If you answered yes, what do you think society should about such ones? At what age/point?
b. If you answered no, do you think those who believe they are/might be... but have not yet acted on it... should get help to deal with their urges? Yes or no.
(1) If you answered no, why do you think they shouldn't?
(2) If you answered yes, do you think such ones (those who have not acted upon their urges) should be able to come out to and get such help from, say, doctors, therapists, crisis interventionalists, etc., without risk of exposure, judgment, condemnation, perhaps even murder? (Note, I am not asking whether such ones should "come out" to society, but do so with professionals)? Yes or no.
(a) If you answered no, why not and from whom do you think such help should be sought, and why?
(b) If you answered yes, given what you know about the recent history regarding gay men who've come out in society andgiven the laws regarding reporting pedophiles in your society, do you think such ones can come forward for/find help without risk of exposure, etc., judgment, condemnation, perhaps even murder?
(i) If you answered no, do you think society should do something to perhaps change that? And if so, what?
(ii) If you answered yes, then I think you're good to go!
I think some who bother to consider (and attempt to answer) these questions might realize that their thinking on the matter may have a little pidgeon-holed, perhaps due to personal experiences, outside/environmental persuasions, and/or paradigms on the matter. Which is absolutely understandable. I have no regard for a child molester.
I am not certain, however, that all pedophiles ARE child molesters. And I think that that is the author's point. Many of us had similar thoughts at one time, though, about other demographics, particularly homosexuals, that they were simply deviants and choosing their attractions. Apparently, that is not the case; apparently, there is some biology involved. Now, someone is suggesting, based on research (and while some may not feel it adequate, it's certainly more than any of us here have done) that biology is involved in pedophilia, too. Do I know? Nope. What makes sense to ME, though, is that pedophilia... a medical term that [currently] describes "persons age 16 or older" and "typically characterized by a primary or exclusive sexual interest in prepubescent children"... isn't necessarily the same thing as "child molestation" AND doesn't necessarily start at age 16. Sorry, but I just can't wrap my around somebody waking up at age 16 and going, "Oh, wait, NOW I like little kids!". Not given what I know about homosexuality ("I was born this way")... gender identification ("I was born this way, but I'm not this way")... and straight sexuality ("I can/will never be any other way").
[Very] little sympathy for child molesters, if any (if they were a child victim, I have a modicum of sympathy, but only a modicum - otherwise, I only have pity). More sympathy for a non-offending (yet) pedophile... who wants help. How could I not be?
Again, peace to you all... and my apologies if we don't agree. But... we don't have to.
A slave of Christ,
SA
