I have known a large church to tell ex-sex-offenders they aren't allowed in their church because its a liability issue. How is this ANYTHING like how Christ would have handled it?
Not a easy issue ...because when your talking about the safety of others and especially children...precautions should be taken.I have known a large church to tell ex-sex-offenders they aren't allowed in their church because its a liability issue. How is this ANYTHING like how Christ would have handled it?
We are often warned about wolves in sheeps clothing ..it not biblical to just accept folks because they claim to be a Christian ...
I sometimes wonder, that even though we might be forgiven by Christ, if there is still a time of Sowing and Reaping, or does it all just disappears once we ask for forgiveness?
Now, right here is when we Christians begin to depart from the teachings of Jesus. And, unfortunately, many church officials hide behind the "liability" angle.
Well as someone that has taken two sexual offenders and tried to helped them try to find a church...its not a easy issue and someone who has crossed those lines needs to understand they have to earn the trust of folks and that takes time a allowing folks to see the faith they claim they have. This belly aching about folks not just trusting them is just selfish pride and someone who would be that way..should not be trusted .
For some of these folks..being around people in general can be a temptation ..and if they are sincere, they will be honest about their prior convictions and they will humbly seek to be accepted into a fellowship with whatever restrictions that group decides to place on them. If they decide they don't trust them..and they know God ..then they will pray and find a group that will.....Has anyone here even mentioned "trusting" them to be in positions of temptation?
I have known a large church to tell ex-sex-offenders they aren't allowed in their church because its a liability issue. How is this ANYTHING like how Christ would have handled it?
Uh, as this has been my life's work, I can see this going the usual direction. So let me point out that Sex Offender does not necessarily equate to Child Molester, and Child Molester doesn't necessarily equate to Pedophile.
Please, just accept that there is a world of information about all this that the average person is totally uninformed of..... so try not to get too frantic about it.
A drunk pissing on a palm tree can be (and often is) sentenced as a Sex Offender.
I do believe if they really wanted to be in a group setting, why not a men's bible study group. I believe there are churches that will come to a home, you just can't stop at one, and than say I have been rejected by all! Did everybody in the bible have a temple, building, or group to worship God? Than after awhile you might be asked to a bigger place of worship! I like seeing it as seeking God, like seeking gold...through the pile, you'll come across some pyrite! I have sat next to those who were convicted of those crimes, and spoke in a non judgmental way!
Uh, as this has been my life's work, I can see this going the usual direction. So let me point out that Sex Offender does not necessarily equate to Child Molester, and Child Molester doesn't necessarily equate to Pedophile.
Please, just accept that there is a world of information about all this that the average person is totally uninformed of..... so try not to get too frantic about it.
A drunk pissing on a palm tree can be (and often is) sentenced as a Sex Offender.
Legally speaking, it is a liability issue. I wouldn't have them in leadership. However, as the body of Christ, we need to welcome them with open arms. Love on them. Minister to them. Show and teach them Christ. Help them to grow in Christ. God loves them too and Jesus came for them too.![]()
I agree willie-t, these "special" laws are nothing more than the slow erosion of our freedoms and liberties guaranteed under the bill of rights and our constitution