I was recently asked, "Why do priests rape children". My honest response was, "I don't have a clue. I really don't get it. I do not understand why anyone would want to do that".

This question makes me want to pick up the 2015 movie (Spotlight)

A bit or research found an article by The legal examiner that suggest 3 to 9 percent of priests sexually abuse children. 4% of priests abuse children is noted in a few other articles with the claim that Newsweek found this percentage to be no different then the general population.

I know several people who, as children, were raped by their priest, I also know one who was raped by neighborhood kids, another by an uncle, one by an in-law, and one girl repeatedly raped by her married gray haired next door neighbor. All but the one raped by her neighbor were boys. I consider myself lucky to not have gone through that experience.

But why do (some) priests rape children? Aren't priests supposed to be the emissary of the all powerful invisible sky daddy? Moral pillars for society? Even if we (those rational enough to recognize there is no evidence to support the god claim), realize the lack of merit for the god claim, Priests are supposed to be believers. Does their belief in the invisible (imaginary?) sky daddy have no more influence over their behavior then anyone else in the general population?

A: Some articles assert because priests and other people in positions of power behave this way because thought they could get away with this.

B: Some suggest priests rape children because they wanted to assert their authority over someone they could dominate. A power thing.

C: They do not realize the damage they are imparting: I've known many people that were really messed up as a direct result of such behavior.

D: They realize the damage but don't care about the health of the individuals they harm. I find this plausible as to preach faith as a method to find truth damages the rational health of people and society.

E: Think their god is OK with it (God will forgive them because for them it is not a sin and/or because they are also doing god's work they are good with god). I've had run-ins with bishops that convinces me that could be a reason.

F: Do not believe in their god and use the position of clergy solely for their own social, fiscal and power gain.

G: Some other reason. . . Why do you think priests rape children? You can select multiple answers.