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URForgiven -> RE: Double Standards (9/13/2008 3:05:19 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: zamdad I was going to bring this up in the post I wrote last night, but decided not because it seems that I always referance it and many simply don't like the topic, therefore shut it down. But, since Covann mentioned it. I might as well too. Because I have spent many years working with criminals, I have noticed how we like to categorize criminals. We see the worst of them as being sex offenders. Even in jails/prisons, other inmates view sex offenders as being the lowest of the low. Yet, many convicted of sex crimes never make it to prison, they are supervised on probation in the community. I know most don't like this discussion because there is an inherant danger. For the majority of us, that danger is unknown. The media plays into the fear by categorizing all sex offenders as being equal. yet, as someone who has supervised a sex offender caseload, sat in on countless hours of sex offender treatment, exploring the thinking/thoughts that go into setting up an offense, I find that most of us should be keenly aware that we can all say, "But by the grace of God go I." Through my particiaption with these offenders I was able to see that my own life has been filled with thoughts and subsequent actions that are, pure and simple, sin. Sin that not only affects me, but sin that impacted others. My selfishness, my wants and desires being fulfilled at the expense of others. All too often I hear others, men and women, who claim the name of Jesus Christ say things that don't reflect the character of Christ. Being someone who has worked in the business of confrontation, I have chaleenged brothers and sisters in the thinking behind their comments. Frequently the response is, "I didn't mean it," "I was only kidding," etc. What's on the heart come out of the mouth. No one acts or blurts out something unless their mind has entertained the thought. It is interesting that pedophiles are so hated by other prisoners. Why do you suppose that is? Perhaps because they were victims themselves? Or perhaps because even those who are the bottom of our moral barrel still recognise it for the evil that it is. When you steal a young one of their innocence...the enemy has half the battle won. I remember your previous posts. The problem I see with what you present is misplaced sympathies. No doubt, due to your line of work. Once someone crosses the line and inflicts their sin upon another, then they have relinquished certain rights of citizenship. And it is then our responsibility to protect society from them. Yes, we, as Christians, are capable of anything. There are many who will deny that, but they only deny their own need for the grace of God at all times and in all ways. If we are not afraid of ourselves, then we are deluded. I understand the need to have compassion for those of us who have succumbed to the draw of what we, as a society, consider the most grievous sins. But that compassion does not negate the need for providing a safe environment for our citizens, and especially for the most innocent and needy among us. You will say that we need to restore the criminals and the victims. But, there is no restoration for those who have been murdered, and it is impossible to restore innocence lost. Quite frankly, I just do not care as much for the criminals as I do for the victims. It is not that the offenders sin is greater, but that the consequences are. Both to themselves and to their victims. Is that a thought I need to take captive or a thought that is in keeping with the crime? Jesus Himself said... Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. It would seem those we consider the worst among us, understand this better than we who consider ourselves better. quote:
Seems to me that we all need to be aware of our own personal thought lives. When those things that are not Christ honoring enter our minds, we need to capture those thoughts and surrender them to Him. I agree completely, well said. Peace
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