Lit 9 - Dale, Hiding behind the cloth Flashcards
What is the main focus of the article, “Hiding Behind the Cloth: Child Sexual Abuse and the Catholic Church” by dale?
The article examines the history and reasons for child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. The authors argue that the guilty priests are child predators who differ little from other child predators.
What are the five themes that emerged from the academic literature review on child sexual abuse (CSA) within the Catholic Church? Dale
(1) Blame Society, (2) Abuse of Power, (3) Forgiveness, (4) Moral Perfection, and (5) Rationalization of Sexuality and Celibacy
How did Pope John Paul II respond to the media attention on clergy abuse in the early 1990s and 2002? Dale
He reacted defensively, attempting to protect the Church by placing blame on institutions beyond the church’s control, such as the media, society (particularly American society), and the presence of evil in the world.
How does the concept of the Church’s moral perfection contribute to the issue of CSA? Dale
The Church’s assertion of infallibility in matters of faith and morals since 1870, combined with its priority to maintain a flawless image, led to a culture of concealing wrongdoing and blaming sins on individual members, hindering institutional reform.
What role did celibacy play in the CSA scandal according to the academic literature? Dale
Much of the academic writing views the Church’s celibacy mandate as a central factor in the crisis, arguing that it creates an environment conducive to sexual abuse and violence
What are the two main themes identified in the psychoanalytic literature regarding CSA by Catholic clergy? Dale
(1) Institutional power and authority and (2) Sexuality, misogyny, and patriarchy.
What is the dale’ main argument about the perpetrators of CSA in the Catholic Church?
The authors argue that priests who commit sexual abuse should be viewed as typical child predators, rather than victims of the institution of the Church. They believe that focusing on the Church’s unique qualities diverts attention from the reality that child abuse is widespread in society
How are priests similar to other child predators, according to the Dale article?
Priests access and groom children similar to other child predators. For instance, many molesters are employed, well educated, primarily Caucasian, groom both the family and the child, desensitize the child to touch, and place blame on the victim.
What recommendations do the authors make for future research and societal action?
Back:
○Shift the discourse away from priests who abuse to abusers who are priests, to focus on the victims.
○Deny abusers access to prospective victims at all costs.
○Conduct systematic research to develop effective treatment programs for abusers.
○Recognise that some child predators may be drawn to the priesthood because it offers opportunity and protection.
