First, I'd like to thank Alexandra Pelosi for this movie. I found it to be a very telling account of Ted Haggard's story, all in less than 45 minutes. I trust that other busy viewers like myself would really appreciate that part :) The Trials of Ted Haggard is the touching story of a man who has fallen from grace and ousted, judged and kicked while he was down by the Church that he himself founded.
I think this story can be appreciated by both religious and non-religious viewers. There are lessons for both. Understandably, religious viewers might be disturbed and offended by the fact that this movies takes Ted Haggard's point of view and some of the resulting implications. But then, there's plenty here that may offend non-religious viewers.
At the end, what I found most fascinating is the dichotomy of Ted's personality. As I watched, I asked myself, how can a man with so much charisma and leadership be so naive and trusting to think that his sins would be accepted. Did he not realize that as a leader with a very large following he had to live by higher standards than the average church member? Of course Church members would be offended and feel betrayed. At the same time, I felt like reaching out to Ted... letting him know that I can see all the good in him... that as a secular person, I can appreciate his accepting and generous nature without judging him on moral or religious grounds. For me, the story just says would this world be so much better if all of us were more like Ted Haggard; accepting, loving, a little too naïve...? Ted - In case you read this review... know that there are people out there who accept you as you are. Not necessarily because Jesus said so, but because we recognize that you have helped many people and being who you are is not designed to hurt anyone. Any true friend would continue to support you, especially at an hour of need.
I think this story can be appreciated by both religious and non-religious viewers. There are lessons for both. Understandably, religious viewers might be disturbed and offended by the fact that this movies takes Ted Haggard's point of view and some of the resulting implications. But then, there's plenty here that may offend non-religious viewers.
At the end, what I found most fascinating is the dichotomy of Ted's personality. As I watched, I asked myself, how can a man with so much charisma and leadership be so naive and trusting to think that his sins would be accepted. Did he not realize that as a leader with a very large following he had to live by higher standards than the average church member? Of course Church members would be offended and feel betrayed. At the same time, I felt like reaching out to Ted... letting him know that I can see all the good in him... that as a secular person, I can appreciate his accepting and generous nature without judging him on moral or religious grounds. For me, the story just says would this world be so much better if all of us were more like Ted Haggard; accepting, loving, a little too naïve...? Ted - In case you read this review... know that there are people out there who accept you as you are. Not necessarily because Jesus said so, but because we recognize that you have helped many people and being who you are is not designed to hurt anyone. Any true friend would continue to support you, especially at an hour of need.