THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PRIESTS AND THEIR VIEW OF WOMEN As I watch a religious program with two priests in discussion, I am struck

with an insight that I have had before. Many priests, not all, but more than a few, may hold a certain view about women which could make celibacy not only easier, but actually quite desirable. I believe that priests are very fastidious people. They have a deep need for "c leanliness", both of body and soul. (The mind may remain unclaimed territory.) I think many priests see women as "unclean", both in terms of biological functio ns and in an emotional sense. Messy, complicated, earthy in a way that they may find extremely distasteful and hard to accept. This could be one of the reasons they become priests, embrace celibacy (if indee d they do, judging from all the child abuse cases). But even in the child moles tations, not many girls are involved, and there are not too many cases of women being molested or raped. If you can understand the connection here between religious fervor and disdain f or sexual relations, especially with women, you will "get" the psychology of man y priests. Even in the Bible, women were considered "unclean" during menstrual cycles and a fter childbirth. They were also considered "unclean" mentally and emotionally, corrupting influences on men, or at least weakening factors. Unfortunately for women, who can be unfairly treated and who can be beautiful st rong creatures, these (mental and emotional) views may often be true, if they fa il to live up to the strength and the promise of their natures. The biological can never be judged in such a way. Nor should it be. To condemn or judge others based on conditions of nature/birth is senseless and unfair. These conditions were clearly out of their hands once they were born in to this world and to some extent remain so as long as they are on this earth. (I think you may know how I feel about the spirit world and decisions made befor e arrival here) Engaging in sexual relations with children is not fraught with the same difficul ties or "messiness", if you will, as engaging with women or adult men. This cou ld be the underlying attitude. And once again, men are seen as better, stronger, less complicated, "cleaner" in some respects. Especially biologically. Men could also be desired for companionship and ease of communication. Women ma y be seen as too difficult to be with, to talk with. Again, not necessarily abo ut sex, but definitely one important factor. Respecting and caring about the ge nder and being able to communicate with them in a natural way. This could be not just a problem for priests or an attitude among them, but coul d extend to other men as well. However, they have more of a chance, a desire and a necessity in some cases to r elate with women and be intimate. So it would not be a major problem. Still underlying deep seated attitudes and issues prevail. They have very little to do with common sense, justice, changing societal views and new opportunities for women.