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10
1
Yes No
Debate Score:11
Arguments:9
Total Votes:11
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 Yes (5)
 
 No (1)

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Quocalimar(6470) pic



Should a pastor HAVE to tell if a criminal confides in him?

If a killer is killing people, then goes to confession for forgiveness, and then the next day comes in after killing more people, and then the next day, and the next day, etc and the police can't find him, should the pastor HAVE to tell the police who the murder is? This is different from the other debate, that I'll link to, because this one relies on the law. http://www.createdebate.com/debate/show/Should_a_pastor_tell_if_a_criminal_confides_in_him

Yes

Side Score: 10
VS.

No

Side Score: 1
GuitarGuy(6096)
1 point

Of course! Actually the pastor should report the criminal ASAP, rather than wait until the police show up and ask him.

Side: Yes
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Quocalimar(6470) Clarified
1 point

This argument seems like it belongs in the debate that revolves around the pastor's responsibility rather than the law.

Side: Yes
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GuitarGuy(6096) Clarified
1 point

Oh well, you get the point. It seems like it fits this debate but I'm kind of tired lol. I'll have to look at it again later.

Side: Yes
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izazovnog(322)
1 point

Definatly, if he continues after, he should be dealt with.

Side: Yes
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Buks(42)
1 point

With the way you explained it, the Pastor should do that only if he has told such criminal to repent and not to do go back to his/her vomit again. but if the pastor keeps listening without taking any action, it will get to a time that the criminal will kill one of the pastor's loved ones without knowing and then the pastor would be forced to report.ifthe explanation wasn't there, the pastor should not do such thing.

Side: Yes
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Quocalimar(6470) Clarified
1 point

This response of yours is better suited for the debate "Should a pastor tell if a criminal confides in him" that one deals with morals and ethics of the pastor. This debate, highlighting the words 'have to tell' are dealing with the law.

Side: Yes
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Buks(42)
1 point

Of Course the pastor has to tell since the criminal doesn't want to stop killing. whats the essence of confessing and asking for forgiveness when the same thing is done over and over again

Side: Yes
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PhxDemocrat(13121)
1 point

I think he must even though he will be excommunicated. The priest will be able to finally sleep in peace at night.

Side: Yes
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Atrag(5666)
1 point

No. To me it is very clear that if a crime has happened in the past and the criminal tells the priest then the priest should be under no obligation to report him. The pastor should not have a duty to enforce justice.

However a more difficult issue would be if the criminal is still dangerous. For example, imagine a child molester that has not only molested a child but admits to having strong tendencies to do it again. It may be argued that the pastor has a duty to protect the population at large by reporting this person to the police.

However, to me there should be something sacrosanct between a pastor and someone who confides in him. I think its very important that those people that struggle with thoughts that could lead towards crime have a place to talk without being judged. It may be something they can move away from with the right support as part of a therapeutic process. If they know they can't talk about such feelings and tendencies its likely to get worse.

I'd also say this should be the same for doctors.

Side: No
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