In my online explorations, I hear different reactions to virtuous or celibate pedophiles.One group whose voice I sometimes hear online are serious Catholics. Here's an example of such a group. Some other Christians feel similarly. Their religion tells them not to hate sinners, so they spare us the "bullet to the head" vitriol. And while they have no tolerance for child sex abuse, it is one element of a much larger group of sexual practices they oppose — everything but sex inside a heterosexual marriage. They obviously know secular society doesn't work that way at all, so they seem somewhat resigned. As a result, their rage against child sex abuse seems to also be muted.

It has another curious effect, though. Given how limited the realm of proper sexual activity is, they think it is natural, right, and feasible for a good person to resist sexual temptation. So when they hear of the concept of celibate pedophiles, they believe us — yes, anyone is capable of lifelong celibacy.

In contrast, the rest of society sees this as a very difficult thing to do. Our supporters think we deserve respect and congratulations to commit to celibacy and follow through. Our detractors think it means most of us will abuse kids eventually if we aren't already doing so.

Like most Christians, these conservative Catholics believe that thoughts can be sinful, so they also oppose thinking of oneself as a pedophile and certainly oppose entertaining erotic fantasies involving children.

This viewpoint is something of a small detail among pedophile-related issues, but as I've said before, I've covered the big issues as I see them and do not feel inspired just now to argue them again.

thepword is a collection of 220 articles, blogs and podcasts in the voices of pedophiles who oppose adult child sexual contact and exploitation. Our content is frequently removed from mainstream social media or blog sites because of what we are and the fact we talk about it. Our side of the conversation continues here.

other relevant content

we just want a little air to breathe

selecting for dangerous or clueless men

attraction is not action

evert

"One of the things we often hear is about the normalization of pedophilia. Our agenda is absolutely not 'normalization of pedophilia', that’s far away. We just want a little air to breathe."

ethan edwards

With the exception of sexual abuse, most of my posts can be seen as arguing society should be more tolerant of pedophiles and everything to do with pedophiles.

bly rede

interview with Bly Rede, non-offending pedophile

other relevant content

"One of the things we often hear is about the normalization of pedophilia. Our agenda is absolutely not 'normalization of pedophilia', that’s far away. We just want a little air to breathe."

With the exception of sexual abuse, most of my posts can be seen as arguing society should be more tolerant of pedophiles and everything to do with pedophiles.

interview with Bly Rede, non-offending pedophile