It's a proven statistic that in rigid, hierarchical societies like these evangelical churches there is far more abuse, physical, mental, and sexual, being hidden than in more open and relaxed communities. Having grown up in and around them, it's not unusual to see a pastor or other elder with otherwise sterling character brought low by problems with pornography and prostitution. In some part, I think it's the focus on "avoiding sin" that keeps those "sins" in the forefront of the mind and makes them that much harder to avoid. It's a vicious circle.
So much of belonging to a group like this is all about hiding who you really are and presenting a good face to the public on Sunday morning. You can't risk the appearance of being anything but perfect, so it becomes second nature to hide the truth of yourself. Add in the elements mentioned below, jealousy of and anger at those who aren't trying and don't care to be "righteous", and yeah, this kind of situation becomes a normal mode of operating for folks.
I will be far more shocked if the rumors aren't true than if they are. And while I do feel sorry for the wife and kids, who knows? Maybe they have their own secrets they're hiding and this will be the catalyst that spurs them to seek their own freedom, rather than submit to being twisted and wounded by their own closets.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2006-11-03 04:40 pm (UTC)So much of belonging to a group like this is all about hiding who you really are and presenting a good face to the public on Sunday morning. You can't risk the appearance of being anything but perfect, so it becomes second nature to hide the truth of yourself. Add in the elements mentioned below, jealousy of and anger at those who aren't trying and don't care to be "righteous", and yeah, this kind of situation becomes a normal mode of operating for folks.
I will be far more shocked if the rumors aren't true than if they are. And while I do feel sorry for the wife and kids, who knows? Maybe they have their own secrets they're hiding and this will be the catalyst that spurs them to seek their own freedom, rather than submit to being twisted and wounded by their own closets.