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In Reply to: Intention, comparisons, abuse issues. posted by Rocky on August 28, 2003 at 07:43:56:
This is a really good analysis, Rocky. I'm glad you brought up the subject of motive and intent, because it's very important. From what I've read, I also believe it is Karen Zerby's intent to continue with TF's sexual doctrines where they can be practiced without consequence. LJ seems to be about grooming members to sexualize their relationship with God-Jesus, and therefore, their relationships with Christ's representatives, the leaders, is sexualized by default.
The Family guidelines for sharing LJ and other sex doctrines with teens are diabolically clever. It immediately struck me how the leadership appears to have studied statutes regarding age-related criteria for SA and officially positioned distribution of LJ and other sex doctrines to teens within a narrow window of permissability and public oversight. I don't know what child SA investigation is like in your locale, but when I was in direct practice, I felt I was doing good if I could get a CPS worker to aggressively pursue a case involving an older adolescent about to "age out" of the system.
While the sequelae to SA described by 2nd gen members is similar to what other SA survivors have described, I also agree that the unique context in which the abuse is/was perpetrated on COG children is among the most complex and perverse that I know anything about.
Finally, I'm not sure I agree with your analysis of change in the Catholic Church. I am not convinced that the cadre who is intent on reform will necessarily become the next generation of leaders. What convinces you of this? I see some systemic issues within the RC Church--chiefly the clergy's lack of any real accountability to the ordinary members--as a serious structural component of the coverup. I find it hard to believe that the Roman hierarchy will ever allow its bishops to radically alter their power position vis-a-vis the priesthood of the laity. When that happens, you might see me back among the faithful. Until then, I've got my doubts about how much real, significant, lasting change is likely to take place.
