Offending the little ones of Christ
Rev. William Langerak addresses the grave sin of child sexual abuse from a Reformed theological perspective, applying Christ's warning in Mark 9:42 about offending believers. The article combines biblical exposition with a comprehensive overview of the psychological and emotional effects of child sexual abuse, calling the church to recognize this as a serious scandal that demands appropriate pastoral and disciplinary response.
And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. Mark 9:42 Those who harm little children offend them. This offense is a "scandal," which is the original word Jesus used. To offend (or scandalize) is deliberately to entrap or trip someone so they are harmed, wounded, or destroyed. To sexually abuse a child is among the most horrible, destructive, and life-altering of...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org