Ernest A. (CrabEater) reviewed on 12/7/2009 + 51 more book reviews

I have read other books on the subject of sexual abuse and the catholic church. An important difference with this material as opposed to other similar examinations of the topic is that this book looks at the crisis as having always been an issue thoughout the historty of the church. This view is substantiated by reference to ancient accounts, texts and cannon legislation. This book clearly provides evidence that this is by no means a new issue with the church. This book also provides the added dimension of the collaboration between a priest, lawyer and phychologist involved with both abusers, victims and ecclesiastics in its aurthorship. These aurthors provide a unique blend of knwledge to shed light on the issue and its scope. one risk is that it tends to blame celibacy for the cause of child molestation. It is at best only a minor contributing stressor. It does however shed light on how or why leaders responded or failed to respond to the crisis in the past and present. This book provides a unique and valuable study of the abuse its roots, causes and impact. I recommed this to anyone interested in the sexual abuse scandal within the catholic church. it is important to understand that if celibacy were discontinued, this problem would still remain. The issue as the reader will learn is much more complex and sadly systemic and has been for centuries.

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