Christians, How many of you are like Ted Haggard?

Question

I'm not talking about the sex and drug stuff, but more like preach or worship your religion only to sin sin sin afterwards..?

NOW how many of you will answer me honestly?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Haggard

Answer 1

Honestly? I try not to be, but no one's perfect.

My intitial reaction to your question was one of defensiveness. But then I realized that the reason I was getting defensive is because you're right.

The fact of the matter is, the One we take our name from (Jesus Christ, duh) was the only perfect human that ever lived. We may all TRY to be Christ-like, but there's just no way we'll ever come close.

Many of us DO use Christianity to sin...and some of us (I've done it too, so I'm including myself) have sinned after thinking that God will forgive us anyway, so it's fine. It's THAT kind of thinking, though, that leads to a mess like the one Ted Haggard got himself into. We think, "Oh, it's just a little lie. God will forgive me." And then, "Well, it's a big lie, but God will forgive me." Or, "It's only a dollar. God will forgive me for stealing it." And then, "Well, it's a thousand dollars now...but God will forgive me." Or, "It's just one picture." And then... "Well, I've now done the things I was only fantasizing about...but God will forgive me." But then...the non-Christian community finds out, or our non-Christian friends and family members find out...and what do they say? "Look at that HYPOCRITE." And then we hang our heads in shame, because not only did we let ourselves down, we let all other Christians down, we let our loved ones down...and we let God down.

If we could stop ourselves before that first, initial, TINY little sin, we could avoid the whole thing. But we ARE only human.

As a sidenote, I imagine if Ted Haggard really IS a Christian he's truly ashamed of himself for what happened. I wouldn't want to be in his head right now if he really is a Christian.

Answer 2

I just hope more pastors start becoming more humble and less judgemental and not think that they can't be corrupted and exposed. It is sad that he carried on a deception while carrying out his ministry instead of stepping down and then having his sins exposed. See? I'm imperfect and I need forgiveness before I can be your minister. There wouldn't have been so outraged. I can sort of relate to what you're saying because my father was in authority at our church. He ignored every talk about being a better husband and father. He still layed it all on my mother.

Answer 3

Evan Evan Evan, that was so not cool, I'm a christian and yea I'm sure at times im a hypocrite, but come'on i am friends with a lot of people and even family members who aren't christian and let me tell you, you don't have to be a christian to be a hypocrite, so please quit putting all of us into the same box, BTW, i don't know hardly anything about ted haggard, i think he was in the media for something shady though

Answer 4

Wow: So-Crates, Im pleasantly surprised at your answer! I hope you know how rare and how refreshing to have someone who isnt crazy about us, actually look at something like this objectively :)

It is true, we ALL are hyprocrites at some time or most times or all the time. We are all the same flesh, we are all in the same world, we are all hoping to save face as well. So, Mr Hippie Man, I am going to tell you that I as a Christian have been a hyprocrite. I havent done meth with a gay prostitute...but I have done things that I shouldnt have according to my personal beliefs. Gods Peace.

Answer 5

Many good pastors will use their failures and shortcomings as examples when they preach. Part of the problem is that we put pastors on pedatals and expect them to be perfect, and it is even worse when pastors try to be perfect when they know they are not. Many good pastors now and realize their shortcomings. They have friends and counselors who hold them accountable to what they know is right.

It is when any of us, pastor or not, lie to ourselves and others. Eventually, the mask will get worn out and the real self will come out. We are all subject to sin and are all affected by the fall of human kind. Understanding and acknowledging this is the first step into a grace filled life.

Answer 6

I sin every day, but a little less every day as I grow closer to God and live the life that he has planned for me.

I'm a work in progress as we all are. Many are just further along in their walk than others, but we're all walking somewhere.

Answer 7

Who is Ted Haggard? A Christian leader?
I find my faith helps keep me from sinning. This is a honest answer.

Answer 8

I'm nothing like Ted Haggard.

Answer 9

I will not deny that I'm a sinner. Everyone is. My goal is to live every day like God wants me to, sometimes I'm on track or sometimes I fail. That's why God's forgiveness is good. We get to try and try again. Not that it should give us a license to sin, but He is there to catch us and stand us back up when we stumble.

Answer 10

God loves homosexuals too. He does no longer have placed them right here on earth if he did no longer love them. in basic terms closed minded fake Christians and different bigots hate homosexuals. submit to in concepts, interior the bible Jesus frolicked extraordinarily much completely with the outcasts and dregs of society. maximum Christians form of forget that area. Oh yeah, i do no longer think you would be 'cured' of the gay. in case you like d*ck, you like d*ck and that's extraordinarily lots the final analysis.