The Christian and Pedophilia: Applying Biblical Counseling to Christians Struggling with Pedophilia

Abstract

This thesis argues that biblical counseling is the only form of counseling that offers hope of true lasting change in life for Christians who struggle with sexual attraction to children labeled as Pedophilia. Chapter 2 examines the secular approaches taken by the world toward those who struggle with pedophilia. While a brief history is given to the broader category under which pedophilia falls, the majority of the chapter is given to the development of the idea as well as current treatment philosophies and practices by the secular psychological community with regard to those who have pedophilic tendencies. Chapter 3 discusses the Christian response toward pedophilia. Beginning with the Early Church Fathers, this chapter highlights statements from the early church fathers as they directly speak about the common practice of pedophilia by the Roman society in which the early church was birthed. This chapter also discusses Puritan thoughts and treatments regarding those considered to have illicit sexual attractions. Chapter 3 ends with an examination of modern Christian psychology’s treatment of pedophilia. Chapter 4 transitions into a biblical approach toward pedophilia. This chapter speaks to the primary cause of pedophilia as well as secondary influences on those who struggle. Chapter 5 examines implications for both the one struggling with pedophilia as well as the church that welcomes such struggles into communion with the saints.