Uh, no, my example was not one of pedophiles becoming Christian preachers. It is a simple fact that hundreds have preached from the pulpit for years, and have turned to sexual crimes. They were every bit as much of a believer as you are. But they broke a commandment.
Clergy, or "Christian preachers" are men who have chosen to partake of this world's Religious Businesses. They are required by most religious franchises, including Catholic, Baptist, Adventist etc., there are too many to count them all today, to complete religious courses from approved religious schools, so they can learn how to promote which ever religious philosophy, traditions or doctrines of the specific religion they have adopted. They must be "Ordained" by these various religions before becoming one of the "hundreds (who) have preached from the pulpit for years, and have turned to sexual crimes"
To correct a small indiscretion on your part, I am not of this group of "believers". I have adopted the Holy scriptures as Paul advised
"for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works". And not the teaching of these "Many" who prophesy "in Christ's Name."
What is your evidence that all these clergymen who committed crimes were always pedophiles?
You said "Hundreds of clergy have been convicted of "
sexual crimes." I was replying to "your" post, according to what "You" wrote.
It has been clearly proven that pedophiles are drawn to religions, where they have easy access to children, especially summer camps, etc. Of course, not all sex "Crimes" are against children. Rape of an adult would also be a "sex crime". But sexual advances towards a consenting adult is not considered a crime in America.
You said "Hundreds of clergy have been convicted of
sexual crimes." I can't remember any cases of a Preacher, who has preached at the Pulpit for years, being convicted of Rape. But I can show hundreds, maybe thousands of cases where Christian Preachers have been convicted of child molestation and other forms of pedophilia, which are the most common "Sexual Crime" committed by Clergy. Were they pedophiles before they became preachers, or did they become a pedophile after they became preachers? I'm not sure the distinction is relevant.
The simple fact is that Christians do wrong, and sometimes even commit crimes. To write all these people off as false apostles seems inappropriate.
I am replying to your words. "It is a simple fact that hundreds have
preached from the pulpit for years, and have turned to sexual crimes."
You are speaking to "Clergy", I posted Jesus and Paul's Words regarding those who claim to be preachers.
After all, even the Bible says, "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us." (I John 1:8)
1 John 3:
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
There is a difference between a man having Sin in him, and a man sexually molesting some innocent little child, having disguised himself as an Apostle of Christ.
Surely you can see the difference.
So no, it simply is not true that people that believe in Jesus always obey the commandments.
This is true, men slip and fall.
But it is also true that if God chooses a man to
represent HIM to the people of this world, that this man will not sexually assault little children. He will not murder someone. He will not steal money from poor widows or use Christ's Name to enrich himself and his friends.
Think about what you are saying here. "Just because the Baptist Preacher is a pedophile, doesn't mean God didn't send him to teach our children".
"Just because Ananias and Saphira lied about the sale of their goods, doesn't mean they aren't good Christians".
I disagree with the philosophy you are promoting here, based on what is actually written in Scriptures. There is a reason why there is greater condemnation for preachers.
Sometimes Christians disobey commandments. You must surely know that. To suggest that every person who identifies as a Christian who later breaks a commandment was never a Christian is ridiculous.
LOL, you keep moving the bar. Lets bring you back to your own words. "It is a simple fact that hundreds have preached from the pulpit for years, and have turned to sexual crimes."
To insist that the lust to molest little children, or commit sexual crimes against the innocent is so great in the hearts of men, that it is impossible for man to resist, is foolishness in my view. Personally, although I am no preacher, nor have I been ordained to promote any of this world's religions, nevertheless, I must be honest, I have no desire to molest little children or commit sexual crimes against others. My struggles lie elsewhere. I am sorry that you are plagued with such a lust, if you are. But be comforted in the Words of the Bible.
1 Cor. 10:
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
This is why it's so important to listen to Jesus' Words, even if you are convinced, they seem, as you said " inappropriate."
A man chosen and sent by God to Preach about Him, AKA, "clergy", will not be sexually abusing the children of the Flock he claims God sent him to teach. Is God not Faithful? Or have you deemed Paul a liar?
And if all Christians sometimes break a commandment, how can one claim that those others within the church that break commandments were never really Christians, while claiming that oneself is still a Christian in spite of breaking a commandment?
"All" self-proclaimed "Christians" are not Clergy. It is the Jesus "of the Bible's" Words that I posted that you disagree with, as do "many" others who come in Christ's Name. And Paul's Word regarding how to tell if someone knows God or not, is what I believe.
"
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
Obviously the religion you have adopted, doesn't promote or believe these Words of the Jesus "of the bible", or of Paul that I have posted to answer your questions.
That is nothing new at all, as Jesus also teaches us.
Matt. 7:
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
So then, not according to me or my words, but according to the same Jesus many "clergy" who you said "have preached from the pulpit for years", but have committed Sexual crimes against children and others, were not sent by God at all. In fact, Jesus Himself says HE doesn't even know them.
This is why I don't listen to this world's preachers. But to the teachers I know God has chosen and sent to me through the Holy scriptures. I don't have to worry about these teachers lusting after my grandchildren, or my children, because they are "servants of God's Righteousness" and not servants to their own wicked lusts.
Thank you for actually engaging. This is a great topic, and important in my view. Feel free to ask me about my post or address it as I love to examine these kinds of things through scriptures.
