The Axiom Of Respect
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Treating Themselves And Others Respectfully
And Respecting Only Those Who Earn It
Ted Haggard, former "pastor of the 12,000 member New Life Church" in Colorado Springs and former "head of the 30 million-member National Association of Evangelicals," is back in the news again, two years after "male prostitute Mike Jones accused of him of paying for sex and crystal meth." ("Ted Haggard Speaks Out After Two-Year Silence")
This time, although Haggard "apologizes" to the LGBT Community for "all the pain, all the rejection, and all the hurt [he] caused" and insists that he is "deeply sorry for the attitude [he] had," it is clear that he still hasn't come to terms with his own sexuality (heterosexual "with issues"?!) and that he is still causing great damage by promoting the absolutely ridiculous notion that homosexuality "isn't OK" and requires "treatment."
Haggard "acknowledged that his religion forced him to suppress a fundamental part of who he is," but claims he "no longer struggles with his sexuality. On occasion he still imagines being with men, but he says these thoughts are 'not compelling.'" "'People can judge me,' he said. 'I think it's fair that they judge me and that they think that I'm not being real with myself.'"
No, Haggard is definitely not being real with himself. In fact, he is beyond denial and entering delusional. We just hope he stops this nonsense and faces the truth before more people (including his wife and family) get hurt (again)! It is extremely unfortunate that he continues to believe sexual orientation is something you chose. On the contrary, sexual orientation is innate, and to believe otherwise only makes you judgmental (and often cruel) toward others and/or untrue to yourself.
We happen to be heterosexual, but we do have people in our lives who are homosexual, and it is painful to witness them being mistreated and discriminated against. Although society is not nearly as prejudiced as it was in the past (please go see the movie Milk), gays and lesbians are still treated as second-class citizens every day across our nation.
Many religious organizations are guilty of perpetuating this hate, and Haggard is living proof that once the belief that homosexuality is wrong becomes engrained in you, it is nearly impossible to shake. Haggard would help himself tremendously if he would just admit that he is homosexual and start living a life of truth. Not only would this be a gift to himself, but he could also become a positive example for others.
Following Magna Sententia, it is imperative that you accept your true self, which is the basic elements of you that are permanent, fundamental, and innate (including your sexual orientation). Your true self isn't positive or negative; it just is. To deny that you are homosexual is to deny you, which is terribly unhealthy. Furthermore, if individuals cannot accept you because you are homosexual, then they are not worth having in your life anyway, even if they are your family or "friends."
For true strength and success, we must come together as a nation and treat our fellow Americans respectfully, in spite of our differences.
Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of The Magna Sententia Weblog
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society