Re: Love or Lust
Submitted by Bach on March 19 1999 at 12:40:36
In reply to Love or Lust Submitted by Joe on March 19 1999 at 10:38:41
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Hi Joe, Thank you for your very thoughtful post. I understand your comments about abuse and consent. I also hear what you are saying about harm through manipulation that is non-violent. I do accept what you are saying here. I also would like to point out that I have heard stories from men, who as boys, did not feel manipulated. These young men said that they sought out the relationships and were disappointed when the adult was too scared to respond the way they had wanted. I have many successful relationships with adults. I do not believe that my sexual attraction to minors is a result of an inability to build relationships with my peers. I do believe that this attraction places a particular responsability on my shoulders to act responsabily in a way that a regular man/woman relationship does not demand. But, the principal is still the same. Respectful relationships of mutal consent are what I believe God expects from us. You said at the end of your post: What I am saying is that I can understand someone having difficulty in altering his sexual preference, but that doesn't excuse them from behaving in an appropriate manner - and geez most of you guys know when you're not behaving as you should, and if you dont' it's easy enough to tell, if you're in a situation with a boy and you feel yourself getting excited then you really shouldn't be there! Yes, I agree that folks who are tempted by certain situations, and have proven that they have difficulty controlling themselves, would be better to stay away from these contexts. However, do you assume that I can not control myself? Do you assume that it is more difficult for me to not rape a child than it is for you to not rape a woman? I would be interested in your comments on posts to this board that talk about accountability, community and respect. Peace of Christ, Bach 
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