I dont know if any of you follow the wacky world of the Apostolic/Prophetic Christian movement but... Ted Haggard has emerged as one of the Premiere leaders in this whole thing and if you dont know its essentially a 'Charismastic' branch that has determined they are not only Apostles and Prophets but also intends to 'restore' all Churches to their 'Apostolic' church government. Anyyyyways... Haggard seems a nice enough man and all but was just recently accused of having a three year long relationship with a gay prostitute. Haggard seemed as sincere as could be in denying ever knowing the man or having anything to do with anything. Thats the problem. Haggard now comes forward today and admits that he did know the man and had gone to him for massages. He also admits he once bought Meth from the man, although says he threw it out afterwards. Not good. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2627142 The funny thing about it all.. while so many of the Apostolic/Prophetic types have become absolutely arrogant about taking over Christianity and eventually the world, Haggard actually is one of the more peaceful, reasonable ones. However, he is the first one who is going to take this thing down - NOT because of getting gay massages, but, For standing in front of the cameras denying any involvement when he actually did know this guy, did get massages (at least) and didn't feel the need to clarify that he did once 'buy' drugs. Even if he had said 'Look, I was curious once and bought drugs but chickened out'. Instead he went off about how he never did drugs and didnt know anything about these allegations. Oh boy.. for a movement that is so confident they are going to 'take dominion' over the Body of Christ and then the world - this is a heckuva start!
Haha, how unexpectedly optimistic of you. "Bites the dust" you say? Hardly. I'll tell what will happen now and just see who is right. His fanatical fundie followers will rally around him with cries of "see see, he's a sinner just like everybdy, he's not perfect but Jesus will forgive him Hallelujah. He's a saint I tell you, a SAINT. He's being persecuted for his love of Jesus, God's mercy is upon him" You know, that kind of thing.
I emboldened the fake and untrue part of your characterisation you made up so as to lie and badmouth Christians. Actually, the Church response has been Christian and more like the first part of your prediction. An investigation was immediately put in place, which will hear from all sides. If it is true, Then he will be asked to step down from leadership. IF he is genuinely displaying confession and regret he will of course seek forgiveness and it will be given to him. It is already assumed he has human frailty and imperfections.... that is a given when you are a Christian so its no surprise or oddity. He will not have anymore leadership role though. But yeah, the emboldened part you made up to cause hatred against Christians would not happen. Gods mercy will be on him but nobody thinks he is persecuted for Christ over that. Interestingly, there are some Christians who do actually think this might be a case of God letting false prophets expose themselves. Haggard is one of a few teachers in the 'Apostolic/Prophetic Movement' who believe God has told them to take dominion over the Church on Earth and over the world itself. One of his right-hand men, Dutch Sheets (yes, thats his name) has decided he is an Apostle and that this year, anyone speaking against the 'New Thing' and the Apostles will begin to be 'Judged by God'. Oops. But these guys say that they are Apostles. Well, For a group of people claiming they are about to take over the world and denominations they are not off to a good start. Paul Cain was the first to be caught out as an alcoholic homosexual a while ago. (sort of a 'forefather' to this current New Apostolic Movement). http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/orrel19.html You need to understand that some of these types have been real brave in declaring themselves the 'new Apostles' and pretty much telling everyone else in Christendom to make way for their Authority. So, If anything you can imagine many Christians will suggest that God is exposing them for what they are. Or, What they are not. Seriously though, Haggard really should have come out in those first interviews and said he did know that guy, got massages from him and once he bought some Meth to try it but chickened out. NOW Because he bullshitted everyone the first time, even if he did not actually have sex with the guy, how can you trust his word anyways. Stupid. I realise he was scared and on camera and on the verge of losing his job and maybe family. But then dont say anything. Dont go and deny everythign and play dumb.
The main problem here is pride. When you have a problem dealing with something you get help. Secrets and hypocrisy will get you everytime.
Bought meth then tossed it.Hmmmm...... Aren't these the same folks that berated Clinton for his "I didn't inhale" claim. Looks like Pastor Ted did things besides praying while on his knees.
hmmmm. this is interesting. for christians, we should always focus on jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. the thing is that a pastor, although anointed by god and the holy spirit is also a human being such all of us. i myself had experience looking up to leaders who i respect very much in terms of their devoted time to their ministry. when something happens or they fall,i got to admit i put him as a scapegoat and actually bailed out for a while. it took me a while to understand that we should not put our trust on men but on jesus. romans 3:23-24 for all have sin and fallen short of the glory of god, and are justified freely by the grace of jesus christ. well, for ted haggard, i cant say for the ministers and other who have seen him as a pastor of the church. that would depend on the congregation. romans 4:12 so then each of us will give an account on himself to god. - from the intepretation, even though i have sin, and i ask forgiveness and as long i know in myself and my heart that i have made myself right with god, i am not justified by what other people say.
