I imagine any Bible Belt dweller or current or former evangelical, can list the bonkers, darkly hilarious, or painful moments when a preacher crossed the boundaries of their role and vocation into proclaiming cruelty and bigotry, particularly during the preaching moment (some of these were featured on my Instagram this week). Preachers and teachers occupy a powerful role in the life of the community. For one, they offer a public discourse that is almost never publicly challenged. The nature of preaching is that the preacher says their piece then everyone goes home. More than this, preachers are offering their interpretation of a Scripture passage then offering their perspective of what the congregation should do with it. Even in traditions or personal convictions that do not regard the Bible as inerrant or infallible, most Christians at the very least view the Bible as holy. A certain reverence is given to the person who publicly lay hands upon it, gives voice to it.
When Pastors Abuse from the Pulpit
When Pastors Abuse from the Pulpit
When Pastors Abuse from the Pulpit
I imagine any Bible Belt dweller or current or former evangelical, can list the bonkers, darkly hilarious, or painful moments when a preacher crossed the boundaries of their role and vocation into proclaiming cruelty and bigotry, particularly during the preaching moment (some of these were featured on my Instagram this week). Preachers and teachers occupy a powerful role in the life of the community. For one, they offer a public discourse that is almost never publicly challenged. The nature of preaching is that the preacher says their piece then everyone goes home. More than this, preachers are offering their interpretation of a Scripture passage then offering their perspective of what the congregation should do with it. Even in traditions or personal convictions that do not regard the Bible as inerrant or infallible, most Christians at the very least view the Bible as holy. A certain reverence is given to the person who publicly lay hands upon it, gives voice to it.