Pastor Ted in Therapy

As expected Ted Haggard has entered a program (a deprogramming if you will) to restore him to fellowship. His overseers, Foursquare leader Jack Hayford, AG mega-church pastor Tommy Barnett, and most importantly Jim Dobson's chosen representative, Focus on the Family VP H.B. London, have begun their efforts to help Pastor Ted overcome his problems.

As reported in the LA Times, he will undergo an extensive regimen of prayer, bible study, and counseling. The first goal, apparently, is to get him to admit that he is a homosexual -- something he has apparently refused to do. The next step of course, will be to rid him of his homosexuality. This, is to be expected since in this view (56% of White Evangelicals) homosexuality is a life-style choice and not an inborn tendency. It is interesting that Mr. London points out that most people who go through this regimen drop out before completion.

As to why Pastor Ted fell into this life style, at least some in his community believe it to be an attack on the church by Satan. Such is not surprising given the strong belief in spiritual warfare within Charismatic circles. Tony Campolo warns, however, that such a belief could set Pastor Ted up for another fall. So, we have to wait to see what transpires. But the story is far from over!

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