Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday July 25, 2007

An article in the July 19, 2007 Newsweek was about Senator David Vitter and his dalliance with prostitutes. The Senator was a strong voice for what is called conservative issues, primarily Family Values, having been a leading voice in calling for President Clinton to be impeached. And now, well it's the old story, moralist cries loud and lays on the whip and the said moralist is caught in similar transgressions. News? Not really.

The Newsweek piece is an interview of Michael Cromartie, noted Evangelical, and currently president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, by Susannah Meadows. I could write a book on the gems in the interview.

Ms. Meadows asked Michael:

"Do you cringe when you hear fellow evangelicals moralizing?"

"I do when I read their newsletters and the way they give the appearance that they've been untouched by some of the tougher struggles that others have. It’s those who have gone through the struggles that write the best. They are the most winsome on the subject." As I read the interview I thought how insightful toward the offender, without approving the action. I promise you this is a rare blend in any branch of Christianity. And I add that I too cringe when I read some of the literature my brethren send across my desk. They seem to denounce the Holiness movement for its insistence on the Eradication of the old nature, yet are appalled when someone demonstrates the monster within. And, alas, I peruse several rants by righteous holy men, who if the truth were to out, well you can imagine the embarrassment. Recently a man asked me the most important thing I have learned that helps me to decide about how far to go in backing this or that new wave of Christian activity. My answer shocked him when I said, "I have learned the value of knowing where the bones are buried." Many with a public overly righteous approach hope in the depths of their heart that you do NOT know where the bones are buried.

Mr. Cromartie made a statement that should help put some perspective on the Christian men and women who fall or leap into sin. I wish more of my fellow Bible thumpers would adopt this attitude:

"A good follow up story would be to see how these people recover and whether they really do confront the darker parts of their nature in trying to repair their lives. It's something we don't hear enough about. The reformation of lives by those who have failed is a story that needs telling."

I love the glorious words of Jesus in John 8:11:

"Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit

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