Friday, September 18, 2009

Temptation and youth pastors

JoshuaObannion What is it about 14-year-old girls and youth pastors? I’m getting to the point where I think it is a good idea just to nix the whole idea of youth pastors. Why do we need them anyway? I mean… the is no god and all. It is just an opportunity for perverts to take a pass at our kids.

 

Joshua O'Bannion of Gilbert, who was working as an intern at Christ Life Church, 1137 E. Warner Road, was arrested at his home on Sept. 9 on suspicion of sexual conduct with a minor and sexual abuse, according to the Chandler Police Department.

That day, the 14-year-old girl disclosed that she had sex with her youth minister on three separate occasions in July and August, police said.

Admitting to sex with a 14-year-old, that means something like 10 years per count. A dumb thing to do, but at least he told the truth.

Joshua O’Bannion was an intern at Christ Life Church in Tempe, Arizona. The youth website is down for maintenance. As with most cases like this, the church has no information about the arrest of its youth pastor. Silence is always the response.

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Michael harmon's avatar

Michael harmon · 812 weeks ago

First of all There is a God and you need to get to know him!!! I grew up with Josh O'bannion and yeah what he did was wrong and he needs to go to prison for it there is no excuse for raping a 14 year old girl. But youth pastors are very important in the ministry and there should be more to show these kids what the truth is. Nobody said we should get rid of preists when there were countless accounts of little alter boys getting raped. One person does not describe the thousands of good people out there who are trying to bring the youth of our nation the truth.
3 replies · active 812 weeks ago
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Mojoey 107p · 812 weeks ago

I was a Christian once. I have no desire to ever repeat the experience.

There is no but in sentence about rape. No, gee Josh was a bad egg BUT youth pastors are still important. That is not my argument. I am ambivalent on the subject of Youth Pastors. My point is about morality. Being a Christian does not make one moral just like being an Atheist does not make one amoral. What we do, who we rape or don't rape, that makes us moral. Belief in <insert your faith> does not make one moral.

As for Catholics and clergy sexual abuse, there are plenty of people calling for reform, dismantling, or even abolishing the priesthood. The pain inflicted by that immoral cult is stunning.

btw - I've written about several hundred pedophile pastors. What I'm painting a picture of is misplaced trust. While one instance may not paint a picture, 400 cases paint the background.
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Caleb's avatar

Caleb · 812 weeks ago

I am a youth pastor and I know what the man did was wrong but that doesn't mean youth pastors should be banned. I know I am not the best one in the world but I strive to teach youth the truth about God. That is the purpose of a youth pastor is to point youth in the right direction. What Josh did was wrong, and I am sure he knows that and wishes it never happened, but there are some good youth pastors out there.
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Mojoey's avatar - Go to profile

Mojoey 107p · 812 weeks ago

I don't want to ban youth pastors.
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anonymous · 798 weeks ago

I think youth pastor's should not be allowed to be single, and if males are youth pastors they should have witnesses ergo, male & female adults present at ALL times. Why? Catholic priests are a good example, imho, for one they are prevented from marrying, hence they sneak. I believe u mojoey when you say you don't want to ban youth pastors. Maybe my thinking is off. Perhaps pedophiles, are addicted to youth but in the particular case at hand, flow gently this man has only been accused, not convicted. Therein makes a huge difference.
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Chris's avatar

Chris · 722 weeks ago

Single or not, it doesn't matter. His father was in jail for molestation, and his grandfather was accused of it by his own granddaughter! I have known John my whole life an he is scum! He didn't just rape young girls, he also slept with several older women in the church, and had 1 girl from his bible college kill herself for taking her virginity and dumping her! Anyone on his side is just as sick!
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Chri's avatar

Chri · 722 weeks ago

*Josh, not John
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rick carson · 679 weeks ago

the scripture says that young women should be mentored by women, it is foolish for a pastor to put himself in a position where he can be tempted while we are saved, by grace, our flesh is still very much alive, SATAN WILL NOT HESITATE TO USE THE BEAUTY OF A YOUNG LADY TO APPEAL TO THE FLESH, HE IS A MASTER DECIEVER AND TEMPTOR many men of God have been taken down by counselling women in private,

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