Thanks to the ever hopeful Zalm for pointing out, in a comment on an earlier post, that James Dobson has opted out of Ted Haggard’s counseling team.
Here’s why…
“Emotionally and spiritually, I wanted to be of help _ but the reality is I don’t have the time to devote to such a critical responsibility,”
That sounds kinda familiar. Now, where did I hear something like that before? OH, YEAH, I KNOW!
16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.'”
That, Mr. Dobson, is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 14. I mention this because you may have forgotten. You received the same invitation, a summons to the kingdom of God (which is the subject of that parable) and you turned it down because you don’t have time. Do you think the other two members of the team have the time? Probably not. But that’s not your real reason is it Mr. Dobson. Maybe it’s because you’re not really a pastor, but take it from me, that shouldn’t stop you.
I suspect something else. I suspect that it has something to do with a discomfort you might be having with the true meaning of a key theological concept: grace. Of course, I could be wrong. You might really be too preoccupied to help a brother in need.
Technorati Tags: james dobson, ted haggard, graceless
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November 9, 2006 at 9:08 am
Jeff
We might also remind Dobson of the saying, “There, but for the Grace of God …”
Sadly, we are all prone to falling, and to endure the censure that accompanies that fall.
Fortunately, we are also all prone to forgiveness, and to endure the salvation that accompanies that forgiveness.
November 9, 2006 at 11:10 am
beth
See, and I look at this as someone who realizes the demands on their time and attempts to gracefully bow out of yet another committment that he doesn’t actually have the time to give everything that would be needed. Can anyone honestly say that counseling in that situation is not the next thing to full-time?
And really, who are we to judge? We’re not Dobson, we’re not in the know as to his schedule and I, at least, am not a licensed counselor, so I don’t know what would be required. If we want to talk about a lack of grace, maybe we should look at how people are responding to Dobson bowing out.
November 9, 2006 at 11:25 am
Jeff
Beth, if this were some soccer mom-or-dad, being asked to run yet another school carnival, I might agree with your point … all too often, we lose sight of – and energy for – the pursuit of what really matters, because we do TOO DARN MUCH …
But this is someone who – though he declines the title of ‘pastor’ – still presumes to guide and counsel millions of us through our troubles and our triumphs, on a daily basis … this is someone who has made a fortune, and established a huge, multi-media empire, in doing just what Haggard has asked him to do …
November 9, 2006 at 11:52 am
jvjannotti
Beth,
I must respectfully disagree with you. Dobson’s been very public over many, many years about the need for accountability, mentors, etc. He was very public in support of Haggard last week and has been officially asked by Haggard’s congregation (well, former congregation) to be a part of the team that helps Haggard heal. The only appropriate answer in this situation is “It would be an honor. I’ll make time!” You can say that this is just one person’s opinion and you would be right, but I’ve been on both ends of this type of situation before and really there is no reason to say “no.” This ministry of reconciliation is the calling. And you’re right, it’s full time.
As for his other duties, I’m sure they’re every bit as pressing as the duties of the other guys appointed to this ministry. Is Dobson’s schedule somehow more important or more full than the others’? Intentional or not, that’s one of the implications of his refusal.
On top of all this, Focus prides itself on ministering to pastors in just this type of situation (I should know, I have been the extremely grateful recipient of some of that help). Of course Dobson can’t make time personally for every fallen pastor out there, but he and Haggard have been very close colleagues for years now; it’s totally appropriate that he be one to take on this task.
Most importantly, Haggard himself was one of the people involved in the selection of the ministry team… in essence, that amounts to a personal request for Mr. Dobson’s assistance. If my closest colleague had said “I’m too busy” to me during my own dark walk, I would have been very much bereft indeed.
No, I think this is a polite but clear way for Dobson to distance himself from Haggard, probably for good. And as such I think that warrants both criticism and a reminder of his true calling, which is the same for him as for every other Christ follower, whether or not he or she is a pastor or licensed counselor or whatever.
I really am sorry to disagree with you, but I think this stinks. However, I would hasten to add that I also think God will use it for Haggard’s good. I think God would have used it for Dobson’s good too but as I said in the post, he said no to the kingdom invitation.