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Ex-seminary principal waiting for evidence
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If he is guilty, he needs to be severely punished and dealt with as any pedophile. Lets admit it. God wouldn't call a pedophile to be a seminary principal. Merely mortals called him to that position of trust and, if guilty, he betrayed that trust. For the victim and the family he needs punished (if guilty)
Students need to remember that if a teacher acts as though he is still a kid, and wants to be "in" with the kids--he might just have issues.
The girl's father seems very concerned with all those affected as well which shows great character. I hope the girl is being honest. I only say this because today we see so many people lie to this extent, even to get others hurt. For his sake, I hope it isn't true. For her sake, I hope it is.
I have known girls and older men who have lied about rape and other things like it and the saddest part is that it seems that justice is hardly ever met.
Only until the courts on high will rule in the end can we wait for any kind of rest from these troubles.
He might be innocent until proven guilty, but the LDS Church has already axed the guy's job. Does that say something? If he were man enough he would accept his guilty and avoid a trial, embarrassing his friends and family even more.
Thank you! I agree.
Also:
"She said she never liked this guy--never got why everybody was so in to him. She thought his stories were over the top--didn't think they were exactly true. She thought he was creepy in how he tried to be everybody's fav."
Glad to see there is SOMEONE who sees through this guy.
Give him credit, though. It looks like he's having a good experience in court. Give him a black rock.
There are always two sides to a story and that needs to be remembered. The teachers from Bountiful Junior High made mistakes but no one seems to be condemning the child who courted them.
He has manipulated many teachers, who if they fall are locked up, but he has yet to be given counseling.
Were they wrong in sleeping with a child? ABSOLUTELY! Does he need help as well? ABSOLUTELY.
We don't know the whole story yet so let's wait before throwing stones at the poor guy!
I am a seminary teacher and just want to say that we are warned against all of the things that Bro. Pratt did. His behavior is not an indictment against all seminary teachers. I know from many years of experience that the seminary program blesses students, families, wards, the teachers themselves, and communiies... and has for many years. We are always only one generation away from losing everything and so the church invests a lot of money in the youth. Very wise.
Like David of old we can be called to great positions of responsibility, but if we choose to disregard counsel and follow the temptations of the flesh, anyone can fall.
Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. I feel bad for Bro. Pratt. His small bad choices led to his downfall just as David's did. The church took immediate action and we will go on.
Thanks for your time.
No matter what happens isn't what I want for my children to think. If he is guilty then he deserves everything the law can throw at him. If not, then still I wouldn't trust him with my children.
And to dear lie-detector JJJS --I know one of those students who took time out of their day and traveled the distance in support of their teacher. Their body language was an indication of how scary it was for them to be in a courtroom; how sad they were for their friend facing the destruction of his life; and how unsure they were that their frined would even see them, or acknowledge them. It was nervousness for hope. They believe him to be innocent, but either way, they want to pay him back for how he helped them in their lives.
Looks to me like JJJS is just a little jealous that he (she, it?) doesn't have the kinds of friends that would be there for him in his most desperate hour.
Can you imagine what would happen to the lds church if, after accusations of this behavior surfaced, and they did nothing, and he did it again to someone else?
They were absolutely correct in getting rid of him.
Tonto
Uh..."small bad choices?" I think the choices were anything but small if true. Not good for you, of all people, to come out and say, "small bad choices." THEY WERE HUGE BAD CHOICES, buck-o!
This may be the case why the news knew of supposed text message while the defense team is still waiting to see what actually exists. Did AF police jump the gun on what is real vs. what is alledged?
He would never have been fake with his students, he didn't have to be, he really meant the things he said. He wanted the best for everyone.
As for my opinion of Mike Pratt, all I can think, is if he can fall I better examine my own life and look for weaknesses I can fix because he was one of the best men I knew in High School.
I never would have believed it was possible for this to happen to Mike.
Once again, it is just proof we all need to watch ourselves closer.
Please sight your source that said there was an interview before he was terminated, because I don't believe that has come out in the media or anywhere else.
Although I do not live near Orem and don't know them or Bro. Pratt, I wish them all the best.
You missed his point completely. He was making the point that "small bad choices" often precede great falls. He used the example of King David to show that a series of "small bad choices" ultimately led to his demise. (see 2 Samuel 10:1-27)
David's problems began when he was not where he was supposed to be, leading his troops into battle. Secondly, David saw a woman bathing herself, instead of looking away, he lusted long enough to determine that she was very beautiful to look upon. Next, instead of letting it go, he inquired who she was. Next, instead of being a faithful husband, he sent for her. Next, instead of sending her away, he committed adultery. Next, instead of repenting and moving forward, he had her husband killed.
A person doesn't fall out of bed unless they are near the edge. A series of "small bad choices" often lead to painful outcomes. A mindful lesson for each of us.
Remember, everyone -- the cops, the prosecutors, the Media, the university faculty -- thought the Duke lacrosse players were all guilty, too.
"Dooped" .....On and on
If you want bad spelling, bad grammar, horrid syntax and usage, the Des News forums are the place for you.
Ray
I went through the seminary program. I was the president of the seminary at my high school. I learned more nonsense, false doctrine, and twisted reasoning from seminary teachers than anywhere else (perhaps with the exception of religion courses at BYU)!
These people are little more than egocentric entertainers, religious zealots, and cheerleaders. Pratt is classic in this regard. That is why he worked his way up to being a principal.
I agree with the comment that said the Church should get rid of Seminary. I will throw in Institute as well. They do more harm than good. The focus should be on learning the scriptures and doctrines at HOME and at CHURCH.
Seminary and Institute teachers are nobody. They have NO Church authority at all. They are not called nor sustained in the same way as ALL other callings in the Church! Yet they play such a mythical but influential role in the lives of our youth. That is VERY dangerous. Pratt's case proves it!
Boycott seminary and maybe change will happen!
This needs to be the law of the land and it includes all entities that have attornies (city, state, federal).
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