| David Letterman 10-5-09 |
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Dear Friends,
On the other hand, this bizarre story is unsettling. We wonder: is there more than one victim here? Although Letterman told his story from the viewpoint of being an extortioner's victim, could the women also be victims of Letterman's inappropriate sexual behavior? Even if the workplace sex was consensual rather than coerced, David Letterman was clearly the boss, and there was an imbalance or even abuse of power inherent in the act. Almost all organizations today, including our churches, have sexual harassment policies, which demonstrate little tolerance for the abuse of power in relationships. Unfortunately, a company's culture and unspoken attitudes surrounding workplace relationships can overrule written policies. It's also no secret that Letterman, like all late night comedians, has made a great living by making fun of the moral and sexual escapades of politicians and celebrities. Now the tables are turned. How is it that our culture has allowed infidelity to be the object of humor? How have we encouraged comedians to disparage and, at times, even destroy the reputation of others, all in the name of entertainment? What does it say about our society that we enjoy getting our laughs from people who mess up? At a time when our nation is lamenting the demise of civil discourse and is experiencing increasing polarization around political, moral and religious issues, I am encouraged by the careful reflection that I have heard about the Letterman case. What might thoughtful conversation around sin, grace and judgment look like in our churches, schools, and businesses? How can people of faith speak to our culture? I propose that this week everyone in our churches carefully read and ponder John 8:1-11, a "little story" about a woman caught in adultery. Maybe you could even gather a few people together to discuss the scripture in light of the Letterman incident. Are you aware that the earliest, most reliable manuscripts of the New Testament do not include this story? St. Augustine gives us a hint by saying that this story was removed from the gospel because "some were of slight faith" and in order to "avoid scandal." The scandal is that Jesus seems to perhaps be condoning adultery here and is promoting a casual view of sexual relationships. The early Christian church had to be very strict in its discipline in order not to be corrupted by the world, and it seems as if the ease with which Jesus forgave the woman was difficult for the church to reconcile with its own severe punishment. Therefore, it appears that the early church just didn't include the story of the woman caught in adultery in its sacred writings. From all indications, the story was so gracious that the early Christians were afraid to tell it! It's not that they didn't believe it ever happened. They just thought it was too dangerous to repeat! As you read the scripture, consider these questions:
As you and I journey along the road toward the Christian perfection of which John Wesley spoke, we will continue to struggle with knowing whether to judge or not to judge, to show compassion or not to show compassion, to be hard-nosed or be merciful. We struggle with these stones. All I know is that the story of the woman caught in adultery was too gracious for the early church to even tell. All I know is that Jesus was too gracious for many people to believe in him. All I know is that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) All I know is that our God is a God of second chances, and if I haven't needed that second chance yet, someday I will. "Woman, there are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir." Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." Blessings, Laurie
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Leading from the Heart is the weekly blog of Rev. Laurie Haller, District Superintendent of the
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I liked this idea : It's also no secret that Letterman, like all late night comedians, has made a great living by making fun of the moral and sexual escapades of politicians and celebrities.
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