The five Penn State people who were involved have received some punishment too. Penn State's former president, athletics director, a high level official and head coach Joe Paterno were all fired. Paterno died recently of complications related to his cancer but surely were hurried along because of the stress of the circus he had created. On Sunday, his statue was removed from its base just outside Penn State's Beaver Stadium. Jerry Sandusky, the man responsible for the crimes against at least 10 boys over a 15 year period, was convicted on more than 40 counts and awaits sentencing. Like the Penn State officials, Sandusky's wife also ignored what was going on and she too bears blame.
To be clear: Regardless of what punishment is doled out by men, God is JUST and He will balance the scales and rightly punish these and anyone else who rejects Him and cling to our own lustful ways.
One thing that has bothered me about this story is the terms that have been used by the media and others to describe what happened. In my opinion, these terms are watered-down and are not genuine descriptions. We have heard terms like these repeated over and over: "child abuse," "sexual abuse," "sexual assault," "victims of child abuse," and "child abuse scandal."
In one Time Magazine blog article, author Christopher Ferguson explains that Sandusky has a "disorder" and backs that up with an official definition from the American Medical Association. His article ends with this nice, tidy little description:
Like many abnormal behaviors, pedophilia likely stems from a biological predisposition combined with exposure to a harsh environment. Child abuse is horrific; but the fact that it doesn't produce an endless chain of future abuse is something we can take small comfort in.
There you have it: A summation provided in our current culture that teaches the innate goodness of all mankind and a denial of original sin. After Ferguson says "child abuse is horrific" he adds a "but" as if there can be some consolation and then he proceeds to give us one by saying that it is not an "endless string."
Here are the facts used in terms that are much more descriptive. Sandusky is a totally depraved, perverted. homosexual rapist who preyed on at least ten boys and raped them repeatedly. He was not a product of his environment. Instead, he was a product of his insatiable desire to gratify his own evil, fleshly desires who stopped at nothing to do so. The five people who let it happen (the four Penn State officials and Sandusky's wife) are no better.
Here are the facts used in terms that are much more descriptive. Sandusky is a totally depraved, perverted. homosexual rapist who preyed on at least ten boys and raped them repeatedly. He was not a product of his environment. Instead, he was a product of his insatiable desire to gratify his own evil, fleshly desires who stopped at nothing to do so. The five people who let it happen (the four Penn State officials and Sandusky's wife) are no better.
God hates sin and one of the reasons He does is that He sees the consequences of it. In Scripture, He is especially clear about perverted sexual sin (Genesis 19:4-8, Jeremiah 49:18, Ezekiel 16:49, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
God loves children and expects us to protect them (Matthew 21:15-16, Matthew 18:2-6, Matthew 18:10, Luke 18:15-17).
Mark 10:13-16:
For the victims, He offers healing to whoever turns to Him. He is just and compassionate. Whoever loves Him, one day their pain and tears will be wiped away and awful sin will be no more.
God loves children and expects us to protect them (Matthew 21:15-16, Matthew 18:2-6, Matthew 18:10, Luke 18:15-17).
Mark 10:13-16:
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16 ESV)
For the victims, He offers healing to whoever turns to Him. He is just and compassionate. Whoever loves Him, one day their pain and tears will be wiped away and awful sin will be no more.
