While I don’t like to revel in people’s misfortunes, I admit to feeling a tiny bit of satisfaction that Ted Haggard has been caught showing the very human tendencies that he calls sins.

Because Haggard was so active in the political arena, the accusations against him have political ramifications. I’ve seen interviews with the man, including his infamous dust-up with Richard Dawkins, heard his claims that he speaks personally with President Bush on matters of religion and morality, and read about his track record on trying to prevent gay marriage. By being caught practicing that which he definitely does not preach, he may weaken the cause of the so-called evangelical movement. This, ironically, may be the most Christian thing he has ever done.

The accusations of drug use and hiring a gay escort haven’t been proven; even if they are, they’re generally regarded as minor offenses if anything. Again, more irony: the fact that he may enjoy gay sex is not that big a deal to many people, but was made into a greater sin in the public eye by Ted Haggard and people just like him.

[tags]ted haggard, gay marriage[/tags]