An Amazing Transformation

These past few days, I've watched an amazing transformation - a transformation catalyzed by a topic gaining more and more attention.  Last Thursday, Pastor Ted Haggard of the New Life church was accused of having an extra-marital gay affair.  He initially denied this affair and later, in writing, agreed that many of the accusations had indeed occurred. 
Ted Haggard is a font of inspiration to many thousands of people - they have over time, learned from him and loved him and his preachings.  This latest event will typically have his followers reacting in one of two ways - they will retain their love for their pastor and realize that could not apply the same prejudice to him that that have applied to other gay or bisexual persons.  This will lead them to begin to remove their prejudices against homosexuals in general.  The other way the followers may react is to retain their prejudices and now shun the pastor himself - even as they had followed him less than a week ago.  If their devotion to him and his church had been true, I expect that this outcome is less likely. 
In fact, in a news interview with a parishioner this past weekend - she was crying after the service and stating that she was sorry for the prejudice she had felt towards the gay community and was re-evaluating her feelings towards all gays.  This is an amazing transformation.  I can't think of a better way to begin a transformation of people's value system than this.  

There is no reason to hate anyone - not gays, not Arabs, not Jews, not Shiites, not Muslims, not Americans - no one.  Hating a particular group is bigotry and must be avoided.