Haggard vs. Jesus Camp

As many of you know, a documentary film called "Jesus Camp" has just been released. While critics have called the film surprisingly even-handed, it reveals the activities of an Evangelical Christian children's camp.

Ted Haggard (see previous post) appeared in this film. It seems that, of all the people depicted in this film, only Haggard has complained about how he is characterized. Having seen a clip of him from the film, we were astonished at the apparent contradiction between his demeanor in the film and the current accusations of promiscuity and drug use, to which he has recently admitted.

This film reportedly contains footage of Ted Haggard emphatically lecturing children against homosexuality, in a manner that accurately foreshadowed recent events.

To see the trailer for the documentary, just go to Jesus Camp and click on "VIDEOS." This trailer does not contain the Haggard clip in question, but does illustrate the overall content of the film.



You may judge for yourselves whether this film portrays Evangelicals evenhandedly, and whether Evangelicals themselves continue to represent traditional conservative values. According to the film's web site:

"A growing number of Evangelical Christians believe there is a revival underway in America that requires Christian youth to assume leadership roles in advocating the causes of their religious movement.

"JESUS CAMP... follows Levi, Rachael, and Tory to Pastor Becky Fischer's 'Kids on Fire' summer camp in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, where kids as young as 6 years old are taught to become dedicated Christian soldiers in 'God's army.' The film follows these children at camp as they hone their 'prophetic gifts' and are schooled in how to 'take back America for Christ.' The film is a first-ever look into an intense training ground that recruits born-again Christian children to become an active part of America's political future."

By the way, if anyone has seen this film, please feel free to review it here by commenting on this blog post.

Scandals Stack Just Like Cord Wood

If readers are looking for some relief from the mounting scandals plaguing family-values conservatives and the Republican party, there's little hope for a let-up.

Take for example this story by the Associated Press, concerning Ted Haggard, leader of the 30 million-member National Association of Evangelicals and pastor of the 14,000 member New Life Church:

Key Evangelical quits amid gay sex claim

The claims by 49-year-old Mike Jones were first aired on KHOW-AM radio in Denver. Jones said Haggard paid him to have sex nearly every month over three years. (If you're into math, that's about 36 times.) Jones also said Haggard snorted methamphetamine before their sexual encounters to heighten his experience.

Do conservatives bring these situations upon themselves, simply by their outspoken views on such things as who will get into Heaven (a discussion Haggard had with Barbara Walters in a 2005 interview)? Or, if the stories are true, is one of the most revered evangelists in this country, an outspoken opponent to gay marriage, paying for gay sex and using illegal drugs in the process?

Wait, There's More:

Add to the woes of hard-hit Republican candidates across America this announcement that Pennsylvania Republican Representative Don Sherwood, accused of abusing his ex-mistress, Cynthia Ore, agreed to pay her about $500,000 in a settlement last year that contained a powerful incentive for her to keep quiet until after Election Day.

Rep. paying ex-mistress about $500K

The title of this AP article doesn't do this sordid story justice. It seems that Sherwood, a 65-year-old married father of three who is considered a family-values conservative, had one of the safest seats in Congress. That is, until Cynthia Ore sued him in June 2005, alleging he physically abused her throughout their 5-year affair. Ore aggreed to the terms of the settlement, which includes keeping silent about the details.

According to police, in 2004 Ore called 911 on her cell from the bathroom of Sherwood's Capitol Hill apartment to report that Sherwood had choked her while giving her a back rub. Sherwood admitted having the affair with Ore, but vehemently denied hurting her. Criminal charges were never filed. Ore, now 30, sued for damages, hence the $500,000 settlement.

What Does It Mean?

These are just two stories. The news is filled with similarly unsavory accounts. Does it illustrate the growing chasm between deep seated conservative beliefs and the actions of those who profess to share those beliefs? Are these people merely posing as conservatives, in order to gain lofty, responsible, well-paid positions in our society?