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March 2, 2012
Expert on Child Spirituality Arrested on Child Porn Charges
Professor from Wheaton, Biola, Vanguard, and Toccoa Falls is known for his work on the spiritual formation of children.
A Wheaton College professor noted for his work on the spiritual formation of children was arrested Thursday for allegedly possessing child pornography.
Donald Ratcliff, the Price-Lebar Professor of Christian Education at Wheaton, was charged after an investigation that tracked Web users trading child porn. Investigators say they found pornographic images of preteen children on at least six computers seized from Ratcliff’s home.
Police also seized two guns and 1,600 rounds of ammunition from his home. Ratcliff did not have a firearm owner’s identification card and faces charges for possession of the munitions. Ratcliff’s attorney told The Daily Herald the guns are “family heirlooms,” but added no further comment on the case.
Judge Elizabeth Sexton set Ratcliff’s bail at $750,000 Friday morning. Sexton also ordered that should he post bond, Ratcliff cannot have contact with anyone under 18 or use a computer or the Internet until his March 8 hearing. Ratcliff would have to post 10 percent of the bail to be released.
Ratcliff has studied and been an expert on children’s spiritual formation for more than three decades. Before arriving at Wheaton in 2006, Ratcliff taught at Biola University, Vanguard University, and Toccoa Falls College. He also served as an adjunct at Talbot School of Theology. On a webpage promoting his most recent book ChildFaith, Ratcliff described the importance of children and families in the church, writing, “Children are not the church of the future; they are very much the church today!” Christianity Today interviewed Ratcliff about his work in 2010.
In a brief statement Thursday, Wheaton said Ratcliff has been placed on administrative leave.
Comments
You will note that the article says the Professor is "alleged possession." Also, (and you will note I am neither stating him as guilty or innocent) how would YOU feel if you were the man who was arrested? Especially in the event you were innocent, how would you like to be charged with a crime, or even have people comment on that you were guilty before they knew anything of the case? The only one who is 'shown for who they are' at this point is you. "Judge not by appearance, but judge with righteous judgement." Be careful not to condemn others...
Posted By: Taylor | March 4, 2012 9:02 PM
This is so very sad.
Posted By: ali | March 5, 2012 11:15 AM
It's good that the authorities are making arrests when they have the evidence cited in this case. Society is becoming more and more aware of sex crimes against children and less and less tolerant of it. We all need to be aware that this is a problem (and has been forever) and be vigilant to safeguard against abuse of children in our care.
Posted By: mary | March 5, 2012 4:53 PM
This is too bad but not unexpected. We all "sin and fall short of the glory of God", including teaching professionals. The Scriptures say teachers are to be held to a higher standard and will by judged by God more severely !
We should pray for mercy on the school and the other profs that Satan not establish any kind of foothold and minimal collateral damage would come to the staff, faculty and administration of this truly outstanding school.
Posted By: pete | March 6, 2012 2:53 PM
I agree with Pete. We must pray for Wheaton and for all involved in this messy business.
Posted By: Jessica | March 7, 2012 10:02 PM
This is why I laugh every time someone says "without religion, how can you have morals?"
Posted By: Stu | March 8, 2012 12:35 AM
This should be a wake-up call for any woman married to a pedophile or child pornographer to get out before you become headline news. The damage to your children by leaving isn't nearly as bad as the damage done by staying.
Posted By: JWC | March 8, 2012 7:55 PM
Posted by: pete at March 6, 2012
This is too bad but not unexpected. We all "sin and fall short of the glory of God", including teaching professionals. The Scriptures say teachers are to be held to a higher standard and will by judged by God more severely !
We should pray for mercy on the school and the other profs that Satan not establish any kind of foothold and minimal collateral damage would come to the staff, faculty and administration of this truly outstanding school.
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Not one word about the victims!
Some of them were only three years old. What sins could they have possibly committed to deserve the fate that has befallen them?
You call for prayers for the School, the staff, the faculty, the administration, and minimum collateral damage, but none for the victims!
Posted By: Michael | March 12, 2012 1:52 AM