Some may see the fall of Mr. Haggard as an opportunity to criticize the evangelical movement and its leaders; others may view it as confirmation that we all are sinners, and of the need to seek forgiveness and redemption. And it’s possible that from such scandal the church may emerge stronger.
Damage control may be more difficult in the political arena where the evangelicals’ influence is strong, but there, too, the sins of one man may not undermine the faith of those who follow his positions on social issues. And while it may be tempting for critics of Mr. Haggard and evangelical churches to take some satisfaction in his disgrace, we would only suggest that such a feeling, as with all temptation, is to be resisted.
It’s easy to think silly things. He’s a "sinner." The "devil" got to him. How about something a little more likely? Homosexuality is a biological state, just like heterosexuality. It’s only a problem because other people choose to make it a problem. Maybe Pastor Ted is just a regular homosexual man struggling to live in a crazy world, partly a world of his own creation. Maybe Christianity is not about persecuting other people for what they are, it’s about loving other people no matter what they are. Maybe this Evangelical Interpretation of things is simply baloney made up by a group of bigotted men…
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