LaShawn Barber reported today on the high profile evangelical leader Ted Haggard's supposed solicitation of a male prostitute. Evidently the story contains some truth because Haggard admitted to a few of the indiscretions. Bits and pieces of the story read this way:
The Rev. Ted Haggard stepped aside as senior pastor of the 14,000-member New Life Church and resigned today as president of the National Association of Evangelicals amid allegations by a former gay male escort that the two had a three-year sexual relationship.
Mike Jones, 49, of Denver, made his allegations on the Peter Boyles show on KHOW 630 AM, saying he was compelled to come forward because he believes Haggard, an opponent of same-sex unions, is being hypocritical.
More on Haggard's admission here.
LaShawn Barber writes an insightful commentary about an age old problem-hypocrisy. She declares the power of hypocrisy by stating:
Hypocrisy is mightier than the sword. When you preach/teach/nag against something and people find out you’re doing the thing you preach/teach/nag against, you are a hypocrite who deserves ridicule, especially if you’re high profile.
Having said all that, I have to say this: No Christian should be surprised that Haggard may have given in to his perverted thoughts and turned them into perverted actions. It’s a temptation we all face.
On a personal note, I’ve never been tempted to start drinking again or return to the depraved lifestyle I once led, but the possibility of falling back into those sins is always there. I am tempted in other ways. Running a public blog and dealing with anonymous and thoughtless idiots and haters tends to bring out the “old woman” who wants to curse these people, hunt them down, and dare them to say to my face what they write in e-mails or on this blog.
Hypocrisy penetrates all groups of people be they Christian, Muslim, Atheist or agnostic. No one acts perfectly consistent with their words. Often words declare high and noble ideals only to fall victim to powerful contradictory emotions. In a way Haggard represents a host of fallen noted Christians who find it an overwhelming task to live up to their religious celebrity status. True, Haggard may accept God's offer of redemption, but that's only one piece of a larger puzzle. Christians in all walks of life must look in the mirror and ask, "What do we do to add to this tragic picture?" Ted's not a victim, only a celebrity. And that's the rub-celebrity Christians. We Christians acculturate our faith. We give Dove awards to religious recording artists and we make stars out of our most handsome, simplistic, and skilled orators. All this celebrity stuff contradicts the Bible. Jesus said "The last shall be first and the first shall be last." He also declared, "The greatest of all is a servant of all." Furthermore, he reveals the essence of discipleship with this stinging challenge: "Whoever would come after me he must deny himself, take up a cross, and follow me." (Mark 8:34) No stardom mentioned here, only shame and suffering. Our American culture taints the Gospel;works against it; makes hypocrites out of us all. Christians need to renounce this pie in the sky cultural faith, with its emphasis on self and take up the cross, the instrument of crucifixion. Jesus follows his challenge with the truth that a person who seeks self gain will lose their soul(God life). Yet, if they take up this cross and deny self, they will discover their God life. Could it be that God allows these celebrities to fall in order to save their souls? Maybe Jim Baker, Ted Haggard, and other's public death will lead to eternal life.
MORE ON HAGGARD
The hits keep on coming in. As the day goes on more news emerges about Ted Haggard. Seems he may have bought some meth on top of all his other baneful acts. The possibility exists that Haggard was corrupt when he entered the ministry and never truly knew Christ. Evil people work in the church too. What better place for evil to hide than the church. Then again this news changes every hour. I suspect we won't get the facts until the smoke clears in a few days. I'm telling you, as a minister I've seen all kinds. Nothing that happens in the name of Christ shocks me any more. If I turn my focus to these celebrity Christians instead of Jesus I might falter. But, I've learned these guys do not represent the ordinary old Joe disciple out there in the pew, trying to make a go of it everyday. Often these celebrity types do nothing more than give Christians a bad name.
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