When we divisively attack our fellow believers, famous or not, we show the world that we really are the judgmental, unforgiving group the world has painted us to be. Is that really the image we want to transmit?
I contend that it’s not.
As a caveat, I want to point out that Crist is not a leader in a church, he is merely a Christian entertainer. His job is to be funny and maybe even critique certain parts of evangelical culture. Therefore, I don’t hold him to the standard I would a pastor or elder. Should comedians not receive the same grace as a plumber, mechanic, and so on?
Maybe I have more compassion for John B. because I saw him at his most vulnerable (and vice-versa) and I know what it’s like to struggle. It’s only by God’s grace I haven’t gone too far myself, but the possibility is always there. I’d be a liar if I said it’s impossible for me to do the same things any of these #metoo perpetrators have done.
So no, I will not shame a fellow believer, sex addict, and sinner. Because I am just like him. All of these internet warriors who are heaping up shame seem to be without sin, so I can only hope to be like them someday…
(yes, that was heavily sarcastic.)
But for the rest of us who are sinners, may we not build idols out of fellow fallen human beings. And may we remember to give grace out in the same way it was given to us.