For some time, I've been disgusted at the hypocrisy of the extreme right wing of the Republican party---of certain people who tell me I should live my life a certain way, who hold themselves as the example of moral piety while they break their own ethical codes, who tell me to do as they say, not as they do.
Examples include those to tell me that my most solemn duty is to protect the sanctity of life, but then are willing to see young women terrorized, hurt, or even killed for trying to obtain a safe and legal abortion. Those who try to protect the lives of the unborn while simultaneously beating the drums of war. And those who are fighting to protect the sanctity of marriage from the threat of loving, committed same-sex couples, while they cheat on their wives, get divorces, or lead a double life.
It's tempting to call Ted Haggard a hypocrite for rallying against homosexuality and then engaging in homosexual activity---but I won't. The reason? It's not right. It's not fair. And it's not my place. I'm not even sure I consider myself a Christian but I do believe in its principles---"let he who is without sin throw the first stone."
What does it say about our culture that people have to go to such great lengths to hide who they are? Haggard was extremely outspoken against "the sin of homosexuality"---and so he hid. He hid behind his wife and his family, his faith and his church, and the conservative Christian right. And he's certainly not the first one.
To me, this says something is very wrong in this country about the way we treat people, about what we teach our children. It seems that we've forgotten to look at the big picture---what the Bible says about doing good for humanity, about practicing love.
I never thought I'd quote a conservative, but I agree with Andrew Sullivan on this one:
The Christian response to Haggard must not be demonization of him. It must be to reach out to this damaged soul and to help heal the terrible damage done to his family. (The kids were in the car during that interview!) Please: Don't exculpate him. But don't demonize him either. He is human; and our calling as Christians is to understand, help and love. That's hard, so hard. The Christian calling is to love one another. Not to pass laws or elect parties. Do we understand how hard it is to simply love one another? Isn't that enough for Christians? Isn't that enough to fill our lives, without politicizing the world?
It's time to get back to basics---love thy neighbor and thy enemy, live a life of service and humility, to care for the sick and help those who cannot help themselves. Only when we do this can we call ourselves a Christian nation. (Or Democrats).