Chatting with a friend this morning, I was left with this question posed by him. " If there was someone that you knew that was a pillar in the community, but then charged with a terrible crime (pedophile), who then committed suicide before the trial or evidence was presented, would you then attend his viewing and/or funeral? "
That gives me pause for thought. Honestly, I don't know if I can come up with an answer. I've never been put into such a situation, but I will say this. I hate the issue of pedophilia. It's not just an 'issue', it's a dispicable act of sin. That being said, all sin is rather dispicable....and since all people are subject to some sort of act that displeases God (sin), it is up to Him to judge that sin or that person's behavior. It is not up to me.
I suppose the entire question about my attending the viewing or funeral would depend a lot on how well I know that particular person. I'm not especially fond of funerals, in general, and am most likely not to attend for the sake of attending, unless I'm very familiar with the person or their family. Family members of the dear departed one are comforted, somewhat, in knowing that they have the support of their friends as they grieve their loss. I know that is true for me. So, I guess my answer to the question would be, "The alleged crime would not keep me from attending his services, should I be very close to the family. Otherwise, I wouldn't be there anyway."
Hmmm...I wonder if my friend would be satisfied with my answer? I'm sure it's all a matter of personal preference, and this would be mine. I hope I never have to be in the position to find out what I'd do in such a situation.
