Years ago... I used to watch Jimmy Swaggart.... and I learned tons about forgiveness from his teachings. When he fell....there were people who left the church, disillusioned and heart-broken.
One of my friends snidely asked what I thought about all those he hurt by his actions...and the first thought that came to me was, "If they walked away from God because Jimmy Swaggart fell, they had their eyes on the wrong man anyway".
I was in Texas when Swaggart apologized on TV. My grandmother said, and I quote, “He’s bellerin and bawlin like a newborn calf.”
Heh.
Don’t mess with Texas wimmin.
Both events were very moving. I couldn't help but think that God was speaking to me directly.
Years ago... I used to watch Jimmy Swaggart.... and I learned tons about forgiveness from his teachings. When he fell....there were people who left the church, disillusioned and heart-broken. One of my friends snidely asked what I thought about all those he hurt by his actions...and the first thought that came to me was, "If they walked away from God because Jimmy Swaggart fell, they had their eyes on the wrong man anyway".
Jesus spoke about the weeds and the wheat. I think people who fall away because of clerical misdeeds are just looking for an excuse to stay away from "organized religion." What that really boils down to is pride --being their own god. I mean, if Jesus, God Himself, could submit Himself to two humans for most of His life (Mary and Joseph), how can we be unwilling to submit ourselves to earthly authority?
I smiled when I read your post. I remember someone saying to me “I refuse to go to church because of all the hypocrites”. I answered that I couldn’t think of a better place for them to be.
Worth repeating.