Haggard admits (practically) everything

[pegkerr]

Here.

He magnanimously asked his congregation to forgive his accuser. That's so very nice of you, pal.

Then they gave him a standing ovation.

What a . . . [considers for a while and then decides that words fail me.]

Comments

[longtimegone]

There are really no words.

[ann-totusek.livejournal.com]

I almost understand that, but it SO misplaces the responsibility. Some of the people in the church will want to "shoot the messenger" and he's clarifying to them that they shouldn't, but it shouldn't be couched in terms of "forgiving" the guy. The only person(s) who would need to "forgive" him is Haggard's wife (and kids too, for the chaos it's assuredly thrown their lives into). 'Course, she's more likely to want to shoot Haggard than the other guy- the other guy had no sure way to know that any commitments were being dishonored at the time.

[heavenscalyx.livejournal.com]

What disgusts me the most about this is the abominable language he's couched his bisexuality (or gayness, or whatever) in. Not unexpected, just disgusting.

[cakmpls.livejournal.com]

What kind of Christians are these, one wonders, that they don't remember the model who pointed out the hypocrisy of some religious leaders?

[loup_noir]

I think it says more for the Christian nature of his church than him. What a lovely role model for a pastor, eh? Adultery, falsehoods, I'm not sure what drug use would fall under in the ten commandments.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Does everything fall under the Ten Commandments?

K. [I don't see how that would work, really]

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Um... isn't this the standard Christian thing?

K. [no clue, either way]

[vass]

Why am I thinking of Dick Cheney right now?

[cph9680.livejournal.com]

Damn pathetic. The hypocrites need to be shot, one and all!

[nmalfoy.livejournal.com]

I have learned that some Christians are not bad (though there are very, very few. Most just shove their religion down your throat with no respect for yours or your lack of one). The ones re not bad are the ones that are quiet about their faith. He's going to turn a lot of people off of Christianity, or at least add to the reasons to avoid mainstream religion, and all I can say is I'm glad it's not *my* karma. He's in for it.

[longtimegone]

The ones re not bad are the ones that are quiet about their faith.

I actually disagree with that.

I don't think it's about being quiet. It's about not being a hypocritical asshole, regardless of what you do or don't believe. I think that would solve a lot of problems from either side.

[nmalfoy.livejournal.com]

Being a hypocrite is bad. But to me, the best way to get someone to see that Christianity is a good thing is just to live your life--don't shout about how wonderful you are because you've Found Jesus. Let others come to you if they see that you've got it together. But that's just my take on it.

[longtimegone]

I see what you mean, or at least I think I do.

But I think that goes back to, again, just not being an asshole. I kind of bristle at the idea that I should never talk about the fact that I'm a Christian, because I'm most certainly not ashamed of my personal faith (even if certain factions of it make me want to throw up and hide on occasion).

[nmalfoy.livejournal.com]

Oh, no, you shouldn't hide it. Grrr. It's hard to put this in words. I just don't think you should broadcast it to people you don't even know. Sure, once you know someone, you share things about who you are and what makes you who you are. Sexuality, religion, favorite Care Bear, etc. See? But to a total stranger... that's just odd, to me.

[littlecatfeet.livejournal.com]

I have learned that some Christians are not bad (though there are very, very few. Most just shove their religion down your throat with no respect for yours or your lack of one).

This...upsets me as much as anything else in this situation. As a Christian, I don't know what to do about the fact that for so many people, Christianity is something to be treated with caution at best and reviled at worst because it has hurt them. I want to be offended, but I've personally gotten this response too many times to take offense anymore. I know A LOT of Christians who are wonderful, tolerant, loving people who don't want to shove their religion down anyone's throat. Unfortunately, they are not the most visible, or the most vocal contingent. That prize goes to the crazies who make people think that all Christians are intolerant bigots.

[pegkerr.livejournal.com]

Yes, I agree. It's been interesting: I have a huge friends list, and many of them are not Christians. I'd like to think when they are tempted to wonder, "Geez, are ALL Christians rigid, anti-science, shrill, sex-repressive and intolerant?" they will hopefully think of me and realize "No, they are not."