Posted on 02/16/2011 3:37:03 PM PST by Gamecock
Ted Haggard's recent profile in GQ magazine finds him seeking attention by getting graphic about his encounters with male escort Mike Jones -- hence his claim that masturbation isn't "sex sex" and speculation that a younger Ted might see himself as bisexual. But some of the comments he shares about restoration and celebrity in a video for Lifetree Cafe are at least as interesting as another trip around the massage table. See the clip below.
In the interview, Haggard talks about other famous folks who've had their reputation rehabilitated in recent years by institutions such as TV networks and pro-sports leagues, including Martha Stewart, Michael Vick and David Letterman. However, he suggests that religious organizations are far less receptive to this phenomenon despite teaching about forgiveness, redemption and judging not lest ye be judged. "The church does not believe in the Bible," he announces at one point. "We market the Bible."
Haggard's video is keyed to a "temptation" theme that will be the focus of conversations at Lifetree Cafe locations such as Concordia Lutheran Church, 13371 W. Alameda Parkway in Lakewood, during the week of February 20. Look below to see the clip and get more information from a press release from Lifetree, which is based in Loveland.
When exposed, he lied and lied and lied until the proof came out. Then, he tried to act the victim.
He secretly did any dishonest, disgusting and vile thing he felt like and wanted to still keep his cushy, high profile position.
He's lucky that he wasn't demolished by fire and brimstone from Heaven. I don't blame those who were truly injured by this unrepentant, lying charlatan and have a hard time forgiving.
As a Christian, why don't you extend the forgiveness to them that you claim they are denying to Haggard? If he hasn't been "restored" perhaps it's because the Almighty knows something that we don't.
The simple truth is he cannot play quarterback as well as Vick, and he cannot get viewers/readers like Martha. Life is like the La Cosa Nostra. If you earn you stay around, if not you get wacked.
Well, for one thing Martha Stewart was railroaded and the victim of horrible legal advice. She just stumbled into a very unfortunate situation that spun out of control. Nobody thought for a moment that she was a pervert with a disgusting secret life.
When evangelical Christians speak of being "restored," often what they mean is being put back in the position of authority they held, e.g. prior to disgracing oneself by an act of sin that became public.
When Paul speaks of restoring someone (e.g. in Galatians ch. 6), he means that the breach in fellowship that has been caused by sin is repaired by public repentance and forgiveness, and that person is accepted back into the church. It does not mean that you are entitled to your old job, if you held a church office previously. One of the qualifications for church leaders is marital fidelity. Obviously, getting caught with a gay prostitute isn't that.
My understanding is that Haggard refused the disciplinary procedures that his old church initiated. If that is accurate, then his "treatment" at the hands of other Christians is a situation of his own making. I find it hard to be sympathetic.
Sorry Colonel, i have a bit of difficulty with the last one. We have the national difficulties that we have because we selected political leaders who we normally wouldn't trust to babysit our children.
I watched the video. I did NOT see a man with Godly repentance for what he had done. By his words and body language I saw an man embittered that he was caught and lost his standing among men. His words and attitude on the video show his repulsion, not at his sin, but at the body of Christ. He is lashing out at the church. If he were right with God, he would be at peace with things, no matter if everyone turned their back on him.
Christ did no wrong and yet His people did much worse to Him than they did to Ted. Jesus didn’t go around calling His disciples names with a bitter attitude.
Before Ted can be “restored” to the church, he must first be restored to God. I do not know his heart, none of us does, but what comes from his lips shows that he is in dire need of God’s true peace and contentment.
Forgiveness only comes after true repentance and confession.
Don’t cha just feel Ted’s humility and repentence oozing through.
Cause you’re white. Cause you’re Christian.
I can think of other reasons - but this will do for a start.
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Um. Doesn’t Martha Stewart fit both of those categories?
I think the bar for redemption might be set a little higher in the public’s eye for the head of an evangelical organization, who rails against homosexuality, while lying about his involvement in meth fueled romps with a male prostitute. I know it is for me.
I think we are talking apples and oranges.
Sure pols should be held to a high standard.
But Scripture teaches those in authouruty in the church are held to a high standard in God’s kingdom.
(BTW, missed seeing you around these parts!)
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