Posted on 11/03/2006 12:08:07 PM PST by freedomdefender
COLORADO SPRINGS, Nov. 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Focus on the Family founder and Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., issued the following statement today after learning the Rev. Ted Haggard had acknowledged some "indiscretions" involving accusations made against him by a gay prostitute in Denver:
"All of us at Focus on the Family are heartsick over the allegation, not yet confirmed, that Ted has had a private life with a homosexual for several years. We will await the outcome of this story, but the possibility that an illicit relationship has occurred is alarming to us and to millions of others.
"Ted has been my close friend and colleague for many years. He has been used mightily to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Colorado Springs and around the world. He will continue to be my friend, even if the worst allegations prove accurate. Nevertheless, sexual sin, whether homosexual or heterosexual, has serious consequences and we are extremely concerned for Ted, his family and his church.
"We ask that the Focus on the Family constituency and Christians everywhere pray for Ted and his loved ones. Our hearts go out to all of them. Perhaps the allegations are false and the circumstances are not as we have heard. Either way, the situation has grave implications for the Cause of Christ and we ask for the Lord's guidance and blessings in the days ahead."
You should see this peace of filth that came in my mailbox yesterday, from the "faith and values" coalition.
It was complete with pictures of bibles and bible verses, and had a big picture of Foley and Ney on the front, with a headline of "Gepublican greed and Corruption in Washington".
I know no Christians made it. I'm sure it's a Democrat dirty trick. It is designed to suppress christian turnout. Made me furious.
The Pope is holy and orthodox man who has been in the spotlight for a long time. Should we pull out what your forefathers did in order to cast a shadow over you?
"Bakker has lots of stuff you can buy, there on his site."
How much extra for an engraved autograph?
Here you clearly implied that principles laid out by Dobson caused the scarring.
Of course, some perverse people misinterpret Dobson, just as they will any writer/teacher/leader. And that should not be blamed on Dobson.
"I am sorry you were hurt by someone who should have represented God as love!
"
Wasn't me. It was a young boy in my neighborhood. I was an adult long before he was born.
Funniest thing of all was that the boy's father, at his trial for child abuse, tried to use Dobson's words in his defense. He said that Dobson told him to use a switch, and to keep hitting the boy if he kept crying.
It's in the book. Dobson does recommend the use of a switch. He does recommend giving a child some more of it if he cries too long. I guess this guy didn't read the whole thing...just the part he wanted to read.
The father got 5 years in prison. I guess the jury didn't buy his defense. The boy...well, he's doing OK now, thanks to some really good foster parents.
No, Dobson did not intend that children be scarred. Yet, there are many cases just like that one out there. People do not read everything. They do not read the cautionary material. They do not necessarily understand what Dobson was writing.
They do read that children are like dogs and must be punished until they behave. They do read that they should use a switch or a paddle to punish their child for "misbehavior." Sometimes, they miss the point and use too big a switch, apply it too strenuously.
That's the risk of writing books like Dobson's. Go look up "Dobson child abuse" (no quotes) on Google and read some of the pages that you'll find.
If you get the idea that I do not like James Dobson, you are correct. I cry when children are abused. I am angry at those who give people permission to do so, even if they did not intend to do so.
Jesus would not have beaten a child with a stick, or even a switch. I can guarantee that to you. If you doubt me, it's time to read Matthew again. In fact, I recommend reading Matthew once a year, whatever your religious beliefs.
Never heard of this guy before today. What does a scam artest caught in a drug deal and bi-sexual encounters have anything to do with how this country is going to be run in the near future?
Nothing, but the Dems are counting on it keeping the faithful home.
It won't work
I never heard of him, either. I guess some people actually know who he is.....and understand why this is a news story. Maybe he's on TV??
First it was Foley's priest admitting only to "massaging" and now this guy. It's all sounding a bit like that infamous scene in Spartacus to me!
Because this nut-case
has always billed himself as
a friend of George Bush [!]
and now the world press
is reporting this story
as a George Bush thing!
Bush ally quits evangelical post in gay scandal
(Sydney Morning Herald)
I still don't understand why this will make Republican voters stay home.
What do Rev. Haggard's sins have to do with keeping taxes low, protecting the American people from terrorists etc.?
I know this is off-topic, but have been meaning to mention this to you for a while.
Nothing, but why did the "values voters" go to the polls in 2004? Mostly because of the protection of marriage, abortion, and other morality-based issues. At least that's what Karl Rove seemed to believe based on the campaign he ran. Haggard has been at the forefront of these issues which is why his fall from grace is a big deal.
In any case, the biggest problem Haggard has now is that he is still reluctant to come clean on what he did. First he did nothing wrong, next he committed an indescretion, now he paid for a massage from a gay hooker but didn't have sexual relations, and bought hard drugs once but didn't use them...
Does that remind you of anyone?
In the long run Haggard's evasions and lies will be more damaging to him than any drug use or sexual "indescretions". It shows that he is still in denial and cannot be trusted to tell the truth. Such a man should not be allowed anywhere near a pulpit.
The president of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). And, yes, the purpose is to keep conservative Christians from voting.
Well, yes it will keep some that I know at home. I hope it is not too many.
I live near Seattle and I've never heard of this guy either. And even if I had it wouldn't change my vote...my "leader" is Jesus Christ, not some guy with a big church in CO.
God Bless Dr. Dobson for exibiting a Christian spirit to a fallen brother. NEVER condoning the sin!! standing against it.......but reaching out in LOVE to a brother. I am glad that he hasn't passed judgement either.Let the truth yet be known.
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