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To: RegulatorCountry

Do you deny then that Jimmy Swaggert and Ted Haggard are both back to ministerial positions?

The key word is unrepentant. Do you have some knowledge that these priests are unrepentant?

Did not Jesus say that we are to forgive sin seventy times seven times?

The bishops also must repent of their sin, they are human as well.

If the Church’s position was that there were no wrongs committed, then I might see your point.


265 posted on 01/23/2011 4:18:15 PM PST by Jvette
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To: Jvette
Jimmy Swaggart has repented, in a highly public manner. Some choose to judge him as insincere. I don't know his heart and neither do you. Time will tell.

As far as Ted Haggard, I'm not aware of his returning to ministry, nor am I aware of his repenting. It's a topic worthy of looking into. If he has not, he has no place in ministering to Christians.

Forgiveness of sin and the acceptance or accomodation of unrepentant sin are two entirely different things. I can forgive people and have forgiven people for sins that affected me personally. Does that mean I should advocate putting them back into a position of temptation, or that it's not wise to be particularly attentive when it comes to their area(s) of weakness? No, it does not.

Lawyers are involved in the matter of those priests and in several instances bishops as well, and therefore no admission of wrong has been forthcoming that I'm aware. To do so would be an admission of legal culpability on the part of the church, and so there have been quiet settlements involving large sums of money.

Is this the Christian approach? It doesn't appear to be. But, it's not my church, I'm not under their authority no matter what they might claim, and they will deal with the consequences whatever they may be. It's a pity, since the scandal and controversy reflects upon us all as Christians. For this reason, I hope and pray that they're being guided by a higher authority than mere legal counsel, but there is scant indication thus far that this is the case.

279 posted on 01/23/2011 4:40:51 PM PST by RegulatorCountry
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