HELSINGIN SANOMAT has this story about a Laestadian sex abuse case that happened back in the 1970s and 80s, but just recently came to light:
Incest victim of Laestadian preacher tries to piece his childhood together
This story seems especially tragic given that the victim's family knew about the abuse and chose to do nothing:
. . .at least some of the parents of the boys were aware of the preacher’s doings. Yet they did nothing to help their own children. Saving the congregation’s face was more important than protecting the children from their predatory grandfather.
One aspect of Laestadian theology that is only hinted at in the article is the whole idea of "the Devil made me do it." When we'd do something good growing up, we weren't supposed to take credit for it. Instead we'd "give God the glory." Conversely, if we did something bad, Satan was at work. It only now occurs to me that this is a very convenient way to avoid taking any sort of personal responsiblity.
I think you hit the nail on the head with this one, Tomte. The personal responsibility issue seems to be totally missing from the OALC belief system. Easy way to live, I'd say, for those on the inside.
ReplyDeleteSISU
Ain't it the truth, Sisu. If you ever want to see a bunch of OALCer's duck for cover, mention a lawyer. That whole legal accountability thing is so much harder to live with than just dripping a few crocodile tears and asking forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteCome on cvow you're a cath-o-holic aintcha? The biggest baddest coverup of sex abuse and lack of personal responsibility is still weaving its way out of the woodwork in the cath church. I wonder how many lawyers the Vatican employs to find ways to sweep things under the rugs. Caths have no place to throw stones in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteYup, guilty as charged. At least the RC church is trying to make moral and legal amends for the wrongdoing. Tell me how many OALCers have paid the legal price for the sexual abuse they've committed -- I don't seem to recall...wait, would that be close to zero?
ReplyDelete