Last month I saw the documentary The Trials of Ted Haggard on HBO. It chronicles the life of Ted Haggard since the scandal that forced him out of the pastorate at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Co and position his the president of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Actually, it was interesting and thought provoking. First, I was struck my the dedication of Haggard’s family to stick with him. As a result of Haggard’s actions the entire family had to leave their home in Colorado. One of the conditions of Haggard’s resignation from the church was that he would not be allowed in Colorado. The Haggard family had to give up their home in Colorado and live in borrowed or rented places in another state.
A second observation I made was the far reaching effect of Haggard’s actions. His actions not only effected himself but his family. During their time of exile the family’s standard of living dropped significantly due to Haggard’s inability to get a job and housing situation. Our actions effect others around apparently, that is something that Haggard never thought about. The lives of his wife and children were devastated because of his actions.
Throughout the documentary it seemed as though Haggard was genuiely repentant. I mean he obvisously was sorry that he had to give up his nice home and lowered his standard of living. That really didn’t seem to be true remorse or desire to change. After the documentary was flimed Haggard was allowed to return to Colorado and apparently it didn’t take long for him to return to his old ways. True repetance involves a change of heart and actions not just words.
The Dee Zone 