Jersey Girl wrote:Ray,
Thank you for posting his message. What are is your impression of his statement?
Jersey Girl
It's an extraordinary and honest confession and request for forgiveness. If he had continued with any deception the criticisms would have justifiably continued as well, but I think it's hard to naysay a statement like that. Still, if he hadn't been exposed he would most likely not have owned up, which is why he probably thanked his accuser. His prolonged battles with temptation is something I think most believers who try to live according to the scriptures would relate to. Periods of success and failure, and finally abandonment, acceptance, and living a dual life. It could also be a lesson - if you can't live what you believe and teach, then don't lecture others while privately forgiving yourself for personal transgressions, but not others. He should have said nothing about homosexuality, but then, how could he not in his position? This may make him a more merciful person, hopefully, and much of that arrogance and pride will no longer show, and there's no question in my mind it was there in the Dawkins interview. Whether he can sustain this change is his next battle, but maybe he will have more empathy for people with the same urges, regardless of whether it's hetero or homo sexuality. His hypocrisy was in not recognising this, and in self-righteously condemning others with the same urges but who didn't hide under the veneer of religion, and this is why Mike Jones exposed him. He thought it was hypocritcal.
I think Haggard had better find out what sort of lifestyle he really wants to live, and doesn't return to this maddening and hypocritical duality.