11/16/06 Update:
This post by Mark Roberts conveys what I would call a graceful and proper apology for wrongdoing by a public figure. It is quite refreshing to see someone actually say “I’m wrong…the responsibility is mine alone.” It’s rare. As Christians, we pay consequences for our sins both here and in front of God. The apology doesn’t mean Haggard is restored to his leadership position, and rightly so, in my opinion. But it does allow forgiveness, which is the biggest purpose for apologies in the first place. Complete restoration? No. Complete forgiveness? Of course. It’s what we’re called to do.
========================
In light of the Haggard scandal, I’m curious if any of the few regular visitors here have let other Christians’ actions affect their own faith. (Edit to Add: I’d also like to know, if you’re so inclined to post here, whether or not these Christians’ actions have helped prevent your having faith in the first place).
It reminds me a lot of one of the things my first pastor said in one of the first services I went to after becoming a Christian. He said, “I know many of you are visiting and are searching for the perfect church. If you ever find it, please don’t join it – you’ll ruin it.” Those words have obviously stuck with me over the last 25 years.
I think when a leader like Haggard gets caught up in sin in the public eye, it certainly hurts the church. But Haggard is no different than I am. My sins are different. Many are thoughts at that are not acted upon, but Jesus does not give us much leeway there.
Many of my posts refer you to one of my favorite blogs. Here is another. LaShawn Barber again has captured what I believe is the proper attitude toward a situation like this.
November 7, 2006 at 11:02 am
Do Hypocritical/Inconsistent Christians Shake Your Faith?
No, because my faith is not in Christians but in Christ. If somebody would give me evidence that Christ was hypocritical/inconsistent my faith would be shattered.
Hypocritical/Inconsistent Christians give non-Christians and excuse to criticise religion, but I have serious doubts that sin among Christians keeps too many from seeing the Truth. They say in effect “Unless every Christian alive (and even those who have died) lives a perfect life (according to my standards) I have no reason to consider the claims of Christ.” It also reveals their underlying view that people are justified by works.
November 7, 2006 at 11:09 am
Here is an interesting blog on the topic.
http://www.challies.com/archives/002181.php
November 15, 2006 at 9:04 am
The actions of Ted Haggard and the like don’t shake my faith because, like the previous commenter noted, my faith is in Jesus, not men. All men are fallible, so it’s no surprise when stories like Haggard’s appear.
I think the real damage is done to non-Christians who are interested in Jesus. They see a guy like Haggard and probably think he is perfect because he’s a top dog in the Christian world. Then, they might wonder how Jesus fits in to the whole thing and walk away scratching their heads in disappointment.
Thankfully, God’s grace covers all of our sins, including Haggard’s, and turns what the enemy intended for evil into pure gold. I’m sure God is working to bring many to faith through Ted Haggard’s failures.
November 16, 2006 at 11:42 pm
“I think the real damage is done to non-Christians who are interested in Jesus. They see a guy like Haggard and probably think he is perfect because he’s a top dog in the Christian world.”
Hi, I’m one of ‘they’. I’m not sure who Haggard is, but I personally don’t see any Christian as ‘perfect’ (or anyone for that matter). Neither do I feel damaged;)
February 15, 2008 at 11:05 am
im doing a project for my junior english class about hypocritical christians. i think hypocritical christians do have a totally negative impact on nonchristians and its driving more people away from God. not everyone, but a lot of people. 20 years ago, christianity almost made up 65 percent of the world. today, its about 33%. its dropped by half and i think its due to “Bible-thumpers”[lol]. i think its a turn off to have a mighter than thou attituide and if i werent a chritian, id steer clear of that.
Mathew 23:27-28
27 “It is bad for you, teachers of the Law and proud religious law-keepers, you who pretend to be someone you are not! You are like graves that have been made white and look beautiful on the outside. But inside you are full of the bones of dead men and of every sinful thing. 28 As men look at you, you seem to be good and right but inside you are full of sin. You pretend to be someone you are not.