Finding Hope in Scandal

The President of the National Association of Evangelicals resigned from the organization last Friday, as well as being fired by the overseer's of his own 14,000 member church.

Ex-Pastor Ted Haggard was accused, by a male escort, of using methamphetamine before engaging in gay sex monthly for the last 3 years. This is the same Ted Haggard who was named by TIME magazine one of "America's 25 Most Influential Evangelicals", and used his influence and power to rally a good amount of the 30 million evangelicals he formerly represented to vote Republican in the last presidential election based on two issues: abortion and you guessed it – same-sex marriage.

Haggard is no alien in Washington. When George W. was parading through the States talking about his "faith-based initiative", Haggard did the same from his Colorado pulpit. So when news broke of the accusations made towards Haggard it quickly became the top story of the weekend. Well, along with the announcement that Saddam will be hung, (Isn't it the 21st century?).

For so long the Haggard-led conservative evangelical community has been battling in the political arena; somehow believing that good ol' traditional American values are Christian values as well. While doing this they have only distanced themselves from certain communities and cultures most notably, the gay and lesbian community. The evangelical community must use this opportunity to forgive their own brother in Haggard, as well as ask for forgiveness from the countless number of gays and lesbians they have abused by excluding them from God's church. This is an opportunity for healing and creating peace.

Only time will tell, but so far the conservative evangelical community has largely gone into their usual mode of defense. A man known to "bash homosexuals", who actually practices homosexual activity; Haggard has finally lowered his pride and admitted his hypocritical acts. Yet the conservative evangelical community has only denounced their association with Haggard, and has yet to make any sensitive steps towards mending the tear between themselves and the gay and lesbian community. In a postmodern, post-Christian world, conservative evangelicals are losing their credibility and political voice faster than Pat Robertson loses brain cells. Since they clearly desire no reconciliation in their relationship with the gay and lesbian community; it's probably a good thing.

I am a follower of Christianity, specifically in modern and postmodern America, as well as being a Christian with Anabaptist convictions. When I was a violent and dejected 17 year old high school kid, I chose to become the first individual in my family's history to become part of the Anabaptist church because of their peculiar beliefs and practices.

The original meaning of the word "evangelical" is "messenger of good news", and after 16 years of hearing the evangelical message of exclusiveness, blind patriotism, redemptive violence, and happiness through achieving the "American Dream"; I determined it was bad news. Everyone believed in God, but it seemed like no one wanted to take part in the faith of the prophet from Nazareth.

A great friend of mine, and former EMU seminary student, told me recently that Anabaptists are built to last in the postmodern world. I sincerely agree with him. While hypocrite's like Ted Haggard, or the Ohio segment known as the "Patriot Pastors," are busy defending their one-sided political agenda and preaching an exhausting pseudo gospel to tired ears and seeking hearts, will our generation of Anabaptist's step up to the plate and help lead the current and future generations of Christians into the uncharted waters of post-liberal, post-conservative, postmodern culture with genuine love and recognition for all?

Since the existing postmodern culture wants nothing to do with the Ted Haggard's of the world or the conservative evangelical political agenda; will future generations of Anabaptists seize this opportunity to communicate our beliefs which transcend liberal and conservative through voice and example? The stakes are high for our generation of Anabaptists and those to follow, but there is no time more crucial than now.

contact John at john.tyson@emu.edu