Is it wrong that I feel this way about men of the cloth?

Is it wrong that anytime I see a man of the cloth, a priest, a brother, a reverend, etc, all I can think to myself is, "I wonder how many little children that guy molested?" Why does Christianity and Islam attract so many pedophiles? I found a scientific article about it that was peer reviewed but can't find it now.

 

I would say it is wrong. A large portion of religious issues come from overgeneralising, so needlessly overgeneralising the other way doesn't make any sense.

 

I don't know. If you are feeling jealous when you think it, you are wrong. If not, probably not.

 

I wasn't aware Islamic clerics were considered a flight risk regarding kiddies. I would be surprised if they were, actually. Of course we know there's long been a problem with priests, but regular garden variety ministers?

Whether it's wrong or not for you to feel this way is for you to determine, I guess. I know I think more along the lines of "what lies they've told" when I see clothies

 

There is no evidence that child molestation in men of the cloth is any worse than in men as a whole. If anything, it's probably a bit less (but not very significantly so). The difference--a run of the mill child molestor gets news coverage for maybe a day in a local area--a Protestant minister who molests a child gets news coverage for maybe a week in a local area--a Catholic priest who molests a child is national news, and local news coverage for years. It is wrong that you feel that way. You are a victim of your own prejudices and the slanted news coverage.

 

I would say its wrong- and I say this as an atheist.

I think it is always wrong to judge someone- or assume of someone- something based upon the actions of others.

Not that means to not be more cautious with your kids around men who come from positions with higher risk factors- teachers, coaches, ministers, youth group leaders- well really with any men- don't be suspicious but excercise caution.

 

Exactly. Unfortunately, child molestors like to be in things that kids like, and pretty much all of the above need to be dealt with cautiously. As a former teacher and current youth group leader, I'm very aware of the caution, and follow caution myself. I am never around any children besides my own, without at least one other kid present.