Religious Leaders Scandals
There are many incidents in the history of various religions that are a cause of embarrassment for that religion. Some are not considered embarassing to adherents of the faith – but are considered so by many people outside of the religion. Both types are included here. In no particularly order:
1. Inquisition [Catholicism]
The Medieval Inquisition is a series of Inquisitions (Roman Catholic Church bodies charged with suppressing heresy) from around 1184, including the Episcopal Inquisition (1184-1230s) and later the Papal Inquisition (1230s). It was in response to large popular movements throughout Europe considered apostate or heretical to Christianity, in particular Catharism and Waldensians in southern France and northern Italy. These were the first inquisition movements of many that would follow.
Torture was used after 1252. On May 15, Pope Innocent IV issued a papal bull entitled Ad exstirpanda, which authorized the use of torture by inquisitors. The Inquisitors were forbidden to use methods that resulted in bloodshed, mutilation or death. One of the more common forms of medieval inquisition torture was known as strappado. The hands were bound behind the back with a rope, and the accused was suspended this way, dislocating the joints painfully in both arms. Weights could be added to the legs dislocating those joints as well.
The organization is still active today under the name of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Prior to becoming Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Ratzinger was the head of the congregation.
2. On the Jews and their Lies [Lutheranism]
Unfortunately the founder of protestantism Martin Luther was also a religous bigot. In his most famous book about Judiasm (written in 1543) we find the following gem:
“base, whoring people, that is, no people of God, and their boast of lineage, circumcision, and law must be accounted as filth. They are full of the devil’s feces … which they wallow in like swine, and the synagogue is an incorrigible whore and an evil slut …
If you want to read the entire booklet, it is available here. Two other books by Luther, Against the Papacy at Rome Founded by the Devil, and Against Hanswurst, are described as “rivaling his anti-Jewish treatises for vulgarity and violence of expression”, and “[are] so inexpressibly vile that a common impulse of decency demanded their summary suppression by his friends.”
3. The Book of Abraham [Mormonism]
The Book of Abraham is believed by Mormons to be the handwritten account of the prophet Abraham. In 1835 Smith was able to use his “Angel-given” tools to translate some Egyptian scrolls that he was given access to (at that time no one could read hieroglyphics). Upon inspection, Smith declared that they contained the Book of Abraham. He promptly translated the lot and it was accepted as scripture by the church (it is included as part of the Pearl of Great Price). The scrolls vanished and everyone thought the story would end there. But it didn’t – in 1966 the original scrolls were found in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. The scrolls turned out to be a standard Egyptian text that was often buried with the dead. This fraud caused a number of mormons to leave the church and is still a hotly debated topic amongst mormons and their critics.
4. The End of the World [Jehovah's Witnesses]
1914 was one of the more important estimates of the start of the war of Armageddon by the Jehovah’s Witnesses (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society). They computed 1914 from prophecy in the book of Daniel, Chapter 4. The writings referred to “seven times”. The WTS interpreted each “time” as equal to 360 days, giving a total of 2520 days. This was further interpreted as representing 2520 years, measured from the starting date of 607 BCE. This gave 1914 as the target date. When 1914 passed, they changed their prediction; 1914 became the year that Jesus invisibly began his rule.
Since late in the 19th century, they had taught that the “battle of the Great Day of God Almighty” (Armageddon) would happen in 1914 CE. It didn’t. The next major estimate was 1925. Watchtower magazine predicted: “The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914; but it would be presumptuous on the part of any faithful follower of the Lord to assume just what the Lord is going to do during that year.”
The Watchtower Society selected 1975 as its next main prediction. This was based on the estimate “according to reliable Bible chronology Adam was created in the year 4026 BCE, likely in the autumn of the year, at the end of the sixth day of creation.” They believed that the year 1975 a promising date for the end of the world, as it was the 6,000th anniversary of Adam’s creation. Exactly 1,000 years was to pass for each day of the creation week. This prophecy also failed.
Realizing how stupid they were looking every time they made a new failed prediction, they announced that the end of the world would occur 6000 years after the creation of Eve – a date that can not be calculated.
5. Lisa McPherson [Scientology]
Lisa McPherson (February 10, 1959–December 5, 1995) was a Scientologist who died of a pulmonary embolism while under the care of the Flag Service Organization (FSO), a branch of the Church of Scientology. Following her death the Church of Scientology was indicted on two felony charges “abuse and/or neglect of a disabled adult and practicing medicine without a license”, putting under trial the nature of Scientology beliefs and practices. The charges against the Church of Scientology were dropped after the state’s medical examiner changed the cause of death from “undetermined” to an “accident” on June 13, 2000.
A civil suit brought by her family against the Church was settled on May 28, 2004.
6. Baptist Founder [Baptist Church]
You may be wondering why there is a photograph of a Mennonite buggy in this item – the reason is that the founder of the Baptist Church, John Smyth, eventually broke away from the church he founded and joined the Mennonites! That’s right – Smyth had so little faith in his own creation that he abandoned it. In addition, he tried to convince as many of his congregation as possible to abandon the baptist church – and a majority of them did.
7. Aisha [Islam]
Aisha was the six year old girl that was betrothed to Muhammad. At the age of nine she married him – becoming one of his 11 (or 13 depending on the source) wives. While most Muslims do not object to this marriage, it is a source of great scandal to many non-Islamic people. In Islamic tradition, she is attributed as the source of many stories about the life of Muhammad. It is believed that she was his favorite wife.
8. Metzitzah [Judaism]
Metzitzah b’peh is a controversial method of circumcision performed by some Haredi and Hassidic Jews in which, after removing the foreskin, the mohel (circumciser) sucks out the blood from the wound to clean it. The mohel spits the blood into a receptacle provided. Afterwards the circumcised penis is bandaged, and the act is considered complete. Metzitzah b’peh was implicated in the transfer of herpes from mohels to eight Israeli infants, one of whom suffered brain damage. When three New York City infants contracted herpes after metzizah b’peh by one mohel and one of them died, New York authorities took out a restraining order against the mohel. In three studies done in Israel, Canada, and the USA, oral suction following circumcision has been implicated in 11 cases of neonatal herpes.
9. Miracle Wheat [Jehovah's Witnesses]
After a variety of newspaper reports claiming that a man had discovered a variety of wheat that was far more productive than normal wheat, the Jehovah’s Witnesses believed it to be a sign of a covenant from God relating to the end times. As a result, they bought up a lot of the wheat and offered it for sale at exorbitant prices. The official statement from the organization was:
Brother Bohnet writes us that he has gradually accumulated a crop of miracle wheat from the few grains he obtained as a start. He prefers that the first opportunity for obtaining this wheat shall go to THE WATCH TOWER readers. He will sell it for $1 per pound, including postage, and give the entire proceeds to our Society. All orders for this wheat should be addressed, Miracle Wheat Bohnet, 17 Hicks street, Brooklyn, N. Y. This will keep mail on this subject separate from his personal mail and from ours.
At trial, Mr. Russell admitted the seed packets had been mailed from the Watch Tower offices: “For the accommodation of our readers, we allowed this seed-wheat to be put up in pound packages and mailed from THE WATCH TOWER Office, just as the U.S. Government handles such seeds at Washington.” (ZWT 02/15/1913).
Needless to say, the wheat was not miraculous and behaved exactly like normal wheat.
10. Mountain Meadows Massacre [Mormonism]
The Mountain Meadows massacre was a mass killing of the Fancher-Baker wagon train at Mountain Meadows in Utah Territory on September 11, 1857, by a group of Mormons and Paiute Indians. The Arkansas emigrants were traveling to California shortly before Utah War started. Mormons throughout the Utah Territory had been mustered to fight the invading United States Army, which they believed was intended to destroy them as a people. Initially intending to orchestrate an Indian massacre,[citation needed] two men with leadership roles in local military, church and government organizations, Isaac C. Haight and John D. Lee, conspired for Lee to lead militiamen disguised as Native Americans along with a contingent of Paiute tribesmen in an attack.
The emigrants fought back and a siege ensued. Intending to leave no witnesses of Mormon complicity in the siege and avoid reprisals complicating the Utah War, militiamen induced the emigrants to surrender and give up their weapons. After escorting the emigrants out of their fortification, the militiamen and their tribesmen auxiliaries executed approximately 120 men, women and children.
isnt no.4 and no.9 the same thing? or at least the titles are backwards?
evan: thanks – I have fixed it.
Hello? What about the Jonestown massacre? It’s probably the number one scandal in the last 50 years!
Pile: the cult died with it – this is a list of events that occured in mainstream or ongoing religions. Incidentally, check out the top 10 incredible recordings to hear the Jonestown death tape.
This quote from Luther seems appropriate in light of some of his more unfortunate writings, “I more fear what is within me than what comes from without.”
He apparently did not fear it enough at times.
Joe: quite right – he was, in general, an utterly disgusting vile man. It is hard to believe that virtual all of the modern non-Catholic/Orthodox religions started with him.
I grew up a Lutheran and while they don’t really mention the bad parts of the man when he’s discussed when learning about the founding of the church, the religion is a pretty basic, yet conservative religion. I don’t mean to defend him, I just want people to know that Lutherans aren’t worshiping Luther himself and that hatred of Jews is not a part of the belief system (at least any more).
Paul: thanks for that – it is nice to hear a modern perspective on the situation.
I would say the whole chatholic-pedo issue is a pretty big deal, too. Why leave that out?
9000: I completely agree. That should definitely be up there, no doubt..
I thought the inquisition was the the most famous historical embarrassment for the Catholic Church which is why I chose that one.
Mormonism is on there twice….
9000: so is the Jehovah’s Witness organization – I could do a whole list on both of them alone. And I have already done two Scientology lists.
James: your comment was deleted because of the libelous sentence at the end. You are free to debate this topic but let us not make false accusations.
Ah, bummer.. The current Pope was in the Hitler Youth though, that much is fact.
As for the Catholic Church’s failure to recognise it’s complicity in the child ***** scandals I still maintain it should be up there in blazing lights. Scandalous.
james: He was, that is true – it was obligatory for all boys reaching the age of fourteen to join. However, he refused to attend meetings because his father was bitterly opposed to the Nazis – you can read an article from the New York Times about it here.
As for the abuse – it is a terrible scandal though I still think the Inquisition is more scandalous as it resulted in deaths. Also, the Pope has spoken about the situation and some of the American Bishops have been found guilty and fined for complicity – so I don’t think it is failing to recognize the problem. Hopefully under Benedict XVI something will be done about it because JPII seemed to be too sick to do anything in the Catholic Church in his last years.
It was funny though, no? Perhaps not..
My comment that is, not the scandal
James: the last sentence was not very funny, no
BTW, where are you from Jfrater? You have a lot of US content but include obscure entries like the English Comedian Chris Morris (who I am a big fan of) who most people outside the UK wouldn’t know.
james: some of the lists here are submitted by other people which is why there are some obscure things – I don’t know much about a lot of them to be honest. I am from New Zealand originally but I live in London at the moment.
One last thing on Luther since I was the one that first commented on him. It’s sad to see that he fell to hatred in such a way and in the end maybe his negatives outweigh the positives. However, Luther did write some amazing things especially given the times that he lived in. His commentary on Romans was one of the best religous writings I have ever read.
Joe: He received a very good education whilst he was studying to be a monk – I have no doubt that he did have some great insights.
In 1835 Smith was able to use his “Angel-given” tools to translate some Egyptian scrolls that he was given access to (at that time no one could read hieroglyphics).
This is incorrect. By 1823 Jean-François Champollion had “cracked” the hieroglyphic system, using the Rosetta stone, and his unique insights into language and grammar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champollion#Biography
Anyway, keep up the good work Jamie.
Che: wow – thanks – I didn’t realise that the Rosetta stone was decoded so early. Very interesting – though it doesn’t have a bearing on the problem still
Look, I know you could probably do a whole list on the Catholic church, but I’m sorry, I still don’t get how 11 cases of herpes makes the list, while hundreds, perhaps thousands of cases of child molestation, a cover-up, and settlements resulting in entire dioceses going bankrupt doesn’t even garner an honorable mention?
9000 – I think we just have to agree to disagree – there is no point debating it. Just enjoy the lists
True – no bearing on the problem.
Still – i wonder what the hieroglyphs Smith “translated” actually meant. Just out of curiosity.
I have been enjoying them, but when you use the term “TOP” 10 or 15 or whatever, it gives the impression of some sort of cumulative statistical calculation. Like the list I just read about natural disasters, ranked by number of deaths. That makes sense.
Maybe from across the pond it doesn’t seem like such a big scandal, but I know many Catholics whose faith has been shaken to the core over this. Church attendance has declined severely.
Also, few people have probably heard about the ‘Wheat Scandal’ or Lisa McPherson. Who hasn’t heard about pedophile priests, though? Wouldn’t that automatically qualify it as a bigger scandal?
I know, I know, I’m being a troll, and I have no idea why I feel so strongly about this, I don’t belong to any of the religions on this list, and I have nothing against the Catholic church. I even went to Catholic school for a short time, and wasn’t molested or anything (but they made me cut my hair, dammit).
Perhaps you should rename this list “10 arbitrarily selected religious scandals” or something. I’m not trying to be a jerk about it, I just keep imagining what it would be like to read this list IF I HAD BEEN molested by a priest.
Well in that case 9000, we can mention all the pederasts and higher (percentage wise) of abuse in many other religions. Catholicism just happens to be one of the biggest one out there so it gets more press. So by your line of thought, we really should have included Lutherans or Baptists on this list and not Catholics.
9000: All of these lists (with only a few selections) are arbitrarily selected. If you look at the site with that in mind, you should not be so upset over my choices
Che: they are from the book of breathings – if you look that up on google you will probably find a translation of the entire thing.
9000: Jfrater is right about the list being arbitrary.
However unlike you I am religiously motivated in that I am an atheist (yes, bring on the comments). But I at least therefor am not religiously motivated in any direction, thus am able to comment without bias on the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church – in my opinion – is one of the most disgraceful and shameless manifestations of misplaced belief and trust there is to date. It methodically and determinedly set out to deceive it’s followers and the world. (In my opinion, JF).
Although I disagree with all religions, some more than others, I feel the Catholic Church to be the most guilty in covering up or denying guilt.
At least the Muslim religion, among others, never denies it’s faith and practices, even though I do not agree with them.
james: Its not like the Catholic church has a monopoly on hypocrisy. I don’t think they’re any worse than most other organized religions, they’re just one of the most prolific and oldest, so their record is going to look worse on paper.
One positive element is that they at least have a central authority that can define and re-adjust their doctrine to (sloooooowly) moderate their ideals, theoretically allowing them to exist in the modern world. Lack of this type of central authority is what keeps Islam in the dark ages.
So whatever your issues with the Pope are, think about how much different, better even, interaction with the Muslim culture would be if there was a Muslim equivalent of a Pope, to definitively state what the position is on violence, women’s right, etc…
James: the interesting thing about your comment is what you say about Islam – Islam has a religious law that permits muslims to deny their faith if it serves them to do so – Catholicism says you must die rather than deny your faith.
Just to clarify, you may only do that in Islam when you are faced with the danger of Death or Torture, but in reality, a brave Muslim would rather die horribly than to change or deny his religion.
Jfrater: I was referring to the faith, i.e. the Church or the religion as an institution, rather than the individual believer or believer’s rights.
9000: An interesting point, I have to admit. I have just read your post and have done no research as to which religion is longer, but longevity has little to do with it. My basic point was the Church was attempting to shrug off blame, either by sweeping it under the carpet or with token gestures by admitting to specific cases, without actually making a full apology on behalf of the entire church and those affected.
But I must disagree that a head of the Muslim faith, equivalent to the Pope, would be a good idea. My reasoning is thus:
The Pope, or any religious figurehead, has very little or no business in Politics. Many is the time religion has been mixed up in Politics, with only dire results. People’s beliefs are their own, politics affects everyone. The two should be respected in their own right, but never confused.
While often being a root cause of conflict, religion can never solve it due the die-hard resolve of those who believe it; compromise is not an option. Therefor the only way to a resolution is through talks with country leaders or spokesmen without religious motives.
The more public religious figureheads you have the more controversy and political instability you will have as a direct result of religious beliefs being brought into the limelight on a political spectrum. Personally I think it’s the worst thing you could do.
To name only some of those invloved, Clinton, Mo Mowlam, Ian Paisley and Blair were hugely effective at resolving the N. Ireland conflict, technically a religious conflict, and all were politicians.
Thanks for the info Jamie, checked it out, and surprise-surprise, apparently Smiths “translation” appears to be a lot of nonsense.
http://www.bookofabraham.com/intro.html
Che: welcome
You may all be interested to know that the Mormon church issued an pseudo apology for the Mountain Meadows Massacre today. Article here.
Jfrater, “he was, in general, an utterly disgusting vile man. It is hard to believe that virtual all of the modern non-Catholic/Orthodox religions started with him.”
No bias there. Hmm.
Why pick on Luther? Anti-semitism certainly didn’t begin with him. It was a long-standing Catholic tradition. Ricoldo da Monte Croce was a prolific writer of anti-semitic and anti-Muslim tracts which Luther borrowed from heavily. How many popes were anti-semitic? How many Christian (Catholic) kings were anti-semitic? It begins with the beginning of Christianity itself.
Your selectivity reminds me of Eamon Duffy’s apparent bias in _The Stripping of the Altars_. Catholic triumphalism. I also agree strongly with 9000 that the molestation scandal should be included on the list. To excuse its absence with “there is only room for 10 things” is nonsense. This site has many lists with more that 10 items on them.
Nevertheless, I really enjoy the website.
Allison: hey – I never said there was no bias, but that aside, his writing is utterly vile and you won’t find a Pope to match it. Also, as I said on one of the other lists when someone demanded I add George Bush as an evil man, we need to give history some time to see things clearly – the awful *****ual abuse situation is happening now – we need time for history to really show us the repercussions of it. For now I won’t include it – just as I won’t include the Anglican *****ual abuse scandals. In 50 years, if I am so lucky to be still alive, I will re-evaluate – especially for you
Glad you like the site anyway – not all of the lists will upset your religious sensibilities 
ok people you have to realise that most religions started out as a way for a small group of people to control the populace and as such will unfortunatly result in more than a few embarasing or horrible incidents. (i know i cant spell worth a hoot)
Jamie, I bet you’re catholic. Or were raised that way, right?
Its just an impression that I gather from reading some of the posts relating to religion.
Not a criticism or impeachment. Not at all. You seem like a pretty objective person. I’m just curious.
9000: I was raised Catholic, yes
Very good list, I like the fact that you didn’t just bash one religion, you decided to go with a plethora of them. I’d love to see a part II
Anonymous: Thanks
I am sure I can find the items for a second 10 
It is hard to separate presons humanity from God’s work that is sometimes done through that person. I don’t know of any mature human who has always being righteous and always did God’s will.
Yes, Luther has been anti-semite, but it doesn’t mean God didn’t have a plan for him that served God’s purpose. And it doesn’t mean Luther was not saved, just cuz he was anti-semite. In those days, it was considered acceptable to hate Jews, as they were seen as murderers of Jesus. But in relation to sin, we all are murderers of Jesus.
Bjesomar: in the Catholic tradition at least two people (not counting Jesus): John the Baptist – in tradition it is believed that he was born without sin (he was conceived with original sin but when Elizabeth met Mary and John jumped in her womb, it is considered that he was cleansed of it at that moment) and lived without committing sin, the Virgin Mary is believed to have been conceived without sin and never sinned.
Well, i thought recently pope proclaimed some changes in “original sin” doctrine, and that children who die before they are baptised, don’t neccesarily have to pay for their sin?
And on other hand, why did Jesus say: Don’t stop children from coming to me, their’s is the kingdom of God?
Original sin doctrine has some serious moral flaws.
Although Mary and John were indeed very nice people, it is a loooong shot to call them unsinners. I think it is written in NT that only Jesus was without sin. That fact allowed Him to reconcile humans and God, cuz without commiting sin, He received punishment for sin.
If John the Baptist was without sin, why did he proclaim that he is not worthy to untie Jesus shoes?
Mary is mentioned in several instances in NT that she tried to provoke Jesus miracle making. Also there are harsh words that Jesus replied to his mother. Would it be possible if Mary’s life was without sin?
Bjesomar: on comment 47 no – the Pope has not made any changes to the doctrine of original sin – Popes are unable to change doctrines – it is contradictory to infallability. On 48, I suspect John the Baptist said what he said because he was just a man and Jesus was God. I was simply telling you what the Catholic Church teaches, which is that those three people never had a stain of sin on them (except original sin in the case of John the Baptist- which was removed before he was born).
o.k. fair enough, you presented what has been taught in CC, and i presented what seems bad idea in CC. I believe all doctrine must pass test of logic in order to be accepted, and i see no logic for children having Original Sin.
My basic motive is something what is written in 1 Thess 5:19
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.
Just a little detour here- ignore me if you want, but the thought just occured…
How does religion explain how babies have gills for a bit while in the womb, y’know if we haven’t evolved from fish or whatever?
This is such an obvious thing that someone’s probably thought up a religious explanation- but I ain’t heard it and am interested, this ain’t an attack on religion.
Hobolad: as far as I am aware that has not been discussed by any of the great Theologians of the past (who were probably unaware of that feature of a baby in the womb). Theologians generally avoided discussions on Science as it was not their field. Also, evolution is not denied by the Catholic Church – the doctrine relating to our creation is that Catholics must believe the whole movement was sparked by God – his methods do not matter (be it evolution or creationism). Of course, fundamentalist Christian religions would disagree with that entirely (but the Catholic Church is not a fundamentalist Church).
Thanks! Learned something today
j and bj – i felt the need to jump in here. according to heb 4:15 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
The doctrine of original sin had to apply to John and Mary because they were born of a man. This is how the curse is passed.(Rom 5:12-21) This is why the doctrine of the virgin birth is so crucial to christian theology. If Christ had been born of a man, he would have inherited the curse and thus been unable to be sinless.
John and Mary are worthy of honor but not of deification.
DiscHuker: According to the traditions of the Catholic Church, God (who is infinite) suspended original sin in the case of Mary – obviously in the case of Christ it was not necessary, and in the case of John the Baptist – he was conceived with it – but not born with it as it was removed by Christ while he was in the womb. This is no different from God suspending the laws of nature so that Adam and Eve and their children could procreate amongst themselves without the problems that occur in man now when they interbreed. The Bible alludes to Mary being without sin as she is “Full of Grace” according to the angel that spoke to her.
part of the problem with what you say is that this doctrine, of the RCC suspending original sin, is found nowhere in scripture. i realize that RCC says that church council and papal prouncement equates with scripture, but that poses its own problems as someone outside of scripture declaring themselves equal with God’s word.
bj – your rule about a doctrine having to be good logic seems pretty arbitrary. why do God’s ways have to make sense to you in order for them to be true?
DiscHuker: I understand your point – I was merely pointing out the reason for the Church’s view on it – and remember – what is scriptural is the Angel saying Mary is full of grace. DiscHuker: remember, until the protestants arose in the 1500′s no Christian believed that the Bible alone was the source of God’s word. That is a long time for God to leave the planet without the truth – especially as it is the period of time right after he came to earth.
j – well, it comes from a certain translation…
“The Latin Vulgate is the Latin translation of the Bible done by St. Jerome in the fourth century. It is here in Luke 1:28 that is found the unfortunate Latin translation which says “ave gratia plena “Hail full of grace.’” Remember, the New Testament was written in Greek, not Latin, but the Roman Church has derived its doctrine from the Latin translation, not the Greek original. Therefore, it constructed its doctrine on a false translation. ”
here is the link for this quote in it’s context with alot of other information about “full of grace”
http://www.carm.org/catholic/fullofgrace.htm
as far as point #2 – just because no one believed “Sola Scriptura”(that scripture is the only source of authority concerning matters of God) doesn’t mean that for all that time it wasn’t the truth. how long did it take for everyone to believe that the earth was round? did that mean that it wasn’t?
DiscHuker: Thanks for the link. I will be sure to check it out.
I just want to say that i think the world would be better off without organized religion if people just practice their faith in their own home and kept their veiws to themelves there would be fewer problems in the world