Have you ever had one of those moments where you just can’t hold back? That’s where I am at.
First, understand I can’t stand Oprah. For years she has driven me crazy. Mainly because of her claim to being spiritual and religious while endorsing such things as cohabitation and homosexuality. It drives me crazy that so many Christians support her openly. Many give me a hard time for my anti-Oprah stance.
Today, I happened upon Oprah and it only reinforced my opinions. Her guest today is Ted Haggard. You remember Ted Haggard. Ted was the evangelical ‘pastor’ of a mega-church in Colorado. He was caught being involved in homosexuality. Haggard had served as president of the National Evangelical Association. He stepped down and became just a “regular” Christian. At the same time, he is described as being “forbidden” to serve as a minister. Truth be told, Haggard would still be ‘pastoring’ if evangelicals would accept him. In Haggard’s words the church told him to “go to hell” and chose not to forgive him. This has motivated Ted Haggard to love God more and understand God more—according to Haggard.
My frustration today deals with the Oprah interview. Haggard’s biggest problem, according to Haggard and Oprah, was not that he was involved with homosexuality but rather that the was deceptive and lied about it. According to Oprah, God wanted Haggard to admit he was a homosexual. In fact, God accepts him. Do you see why I can’t stand it? It’s okay to be a homosexual but it’s not okay to lie.
Friends, it’s not okay to do either! Yes, God hates lying (Proverbs 6:16-19). But God also has declared homosexuality to be unnatural and an abomination (Romans 1:26-27). Paul said, while inspired, that homosexuality was a dishonorable passion. Homosexuality is a sin. It is wrong. God does not accept it. God loves all and desires all to do to be saved. But God also requires us to leave the sins that separate us from Him. Included in this is homosexuality. The Christians in Corinth had changed from being homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The idea that God accepts you as long as you are honest is absurd. By the way, Haggard still hasn’t come clean. He says he is neither a homosexual, a heterosexual, or bi-sexual. Hmmm…seems Ted is still deceiving.
Finally, Ted Haggard still acts like the evangelical minister he once was. He spent the interview preaching about God’s mercy, love and acceptance. No scripture was given. Instead, Haggard simply offered the personal experience of his feelings as proof of God’s love. He’s felt it. He knows that God accepts him as he is. Friends, personal feeling and experiences do not trump the Word! It doesn’t matter how accepted you may feel…if you haven’t repented and put away your sin the you are still separated from God.
Friends, we need to quit tuning to our feelings and Oprah and start reading the Word of God. If you want to be spiritual, turn to the only source of truly spiritual things—the Bible.
7 Comments
January 28, 2009 at 11:35 pm
I watched this episode today too and ended up just turning it off. What got be is that Oprah kept saying “but you were denying yourself.” It was like she thought that he was suppressing who he really was and that was his sin. It irritated me so bad!
January 28, 2009 at 11:53 pm
I personally am anti-Oprah, recently. I watched her show on a regular basis until a couple years ago. I think you’re right, drives me crazy to hear her advising people on anything regarding spirituality and God.
January 29, 2009 at 12:00 am
I saw the tv show and totally agree with you. Oprah was her usual worldly self and Ted was very unrepentant, in my opinion. He has so many people like Oprah telling him the being gay is how you were born that I think he is beginning to accept that. What I couldn’t believe was the attitude of his wife. I hope she sees that her husband is not sorry for his actions and they are both spiritually hurting their children.
January 29, 2009 at 12:42 am
Thanks for the comments…
I was disturbed by the wife, too. It was amazing that she was just willing to stand by and let him “find himself.” So much so that they moved four times in a year…it was amazing.
January 29, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I believe Oprah has a bit of Nebuchadnezzaritis, or Herod Agrippadosis. I imagine it is very difficult to battle the pride monster when you are in her position.
I LOVE that God chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and the wisdom of this world to be foolishness.
January 29, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Nebuchadnezzaritis or Herod Agrippadosis?
That’s classic. I’m going to have to use that.
Oh yeah, I’m with you on your post too, Terry.
January 29, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I have never like Oprah either & am proud to say I have never watched an episode of her show.