Given those examples, then most preachers have lied at one point or another.
Unfortunately it is very difficult to call a preacher on lying whether for Jesus or otherwise.
It is almost viewed as sacrilegious to accuse a preacher of lying, even if there is proof in black and white.
Which is why I think emotions or loyalty, concerning Percy's comment in
Message 139, play a part in why political and religious are not ousted for lying, but the scientist is.
A scientist works with data. If he falsifies the data, all scientists can see. It's all about the data.
Religion and politics are about perception, emotion, loyalty. People get attached to the people for whatever reason.
I can have evidence on paper that a preacher has lied and is stealing. I can take that information to the elders to no avail. I can take the information to the district office, to no avail. They weigh the offense against the good they feel the preacher has accomplished or how much the preacher has done for them. But they never fix the problem.
I've seen churches split, because a group of members see the problem with the preacher and the rest don't. Eventually after no agreeable resolution those who see the problem leave.
So I feel that people do speak out, but emotions determine the outcome and not necessarily facts.
Edited by purpledawn, : Subtitle
"Peshat is what I say and derash is what you say." --Nehama Leibowitz
™ Version 4.2
