Haggard prematurely leaves rehab, New Life Church says

By Kevin Flynn, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 6, 2008 at 7:32 a.m.
Updated February 6, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.

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Ted Haggard

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February 6, 2008

9:24 a.m.

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Spencer writes:

So they couldn't cure his gayness? LOL
February 6, 2008

9:41 a.m.

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DenverVol writes:

Oh no! They couldn't turn a gay man into a hetero. Imagine that! Nice try though. I'm sure they gave it all they could.
February 6, 2008

9:48 a.m.

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Retread writes:

They wouldn't let him pick out the hims.......
February 6, 2008

9:52 a.m.

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plotz writes:

It may have been that his therapist's or whatever were trying to get him to admit to things that may or may not have happened. Like the meth use...the "man" who said that Haggard used Meth is really without meaning. I could say that my neighbor, friends, or whoever used a drug. It means nothing without some hard evidence. Therapist's who treat "sexual misconduct" issues like to dig up all sorts of dirt...real or imagined. One it looks good on future papers and or seminars down the road(the juicier, the better)and two, it may have been a condition for Haggard to get back into the ministry of some sort. More than likely, he got out because it was becoming a endless process. Lastly, to illustrate how therapist's and their ilk do their "work"...a friend of mine went to various examinations for a physical disability...one of the people he had to see was a shrink. He joked with the shrink about having a dream about being a fish and waking up and not sure if he was a fish or not(he reads Kafka)...he told me that the shrink was writing everything down fast...sent him off and guess what in addition to getting physical disability status, he got a pyschological one as well. The point is the shrink took him at his word, never did any tests or examinations more. I suspect Haggard saw this whole process as phony and got out.
February 6, 2008

11:29 a.m.

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jay writes:

whatever...too bad his faith based bigotry won't let him live his life as a normal gay man...
February 6, 2008

11:36 a.m.

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Jeff writes:

plotz: "It means nothing without some hard evidence."

-Oh no you didn't!
February 6, 2008

11:42 a.m.

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grammargirl writes:

Yes, these kinds of therapy are sometimes too difficult for people to complete because they tend to question every aspect of the person. Some people either can't do this, or feel as if it's too much, or both. Also, a few gay experiences don't make a person gay. Gay men should know, if they don't already, that the decision is his. It could be absolutely true for him that Ted Haggard just wanted to experiment. By and large, we don't accept this in our society after a certain age, and, in his chosen group of friends and family, this type of experimentation is entirely unacceptable. I'd venture that many, if not most, homosexuals think that most experimentation is ok, regardless of age. Within his community, however, forgiveness is the healing model, not therapy.
February 6, 2008

11:47 a.m.

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anya writes:

He probably decided that therapy wasn't going to work, so he just decided to Pray the Gay Away.

It's fascinating how Christians will destroy a persons career and life and then just wallow in gleefully watching how low he can fall as he goes down. In what possible way is Haggard's leaving rehab something for New Life Church to cheerfully announce to its flock (as in fleeced), and for that matter, in what possible way is it information worth prominent placement The Rocky Mountain News?
February 6, 2008

11:47 a.m.

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mytwosense writes:

Grammargirl: "Within his community, however, forgiveness is the healing model, not therapy."

Kind of hard to tell it is considering they basically ran him and his family out of Colorado Springs. If New Life church was the "community" they really claim to be, he would have found in them a sanctuary. Instead, they basically threw him out of the fold.

At any rate, I feel incredibly sorry for this man and his family that such a humiliating, highly personal experience is being played out like this in the glaring kleiglights of the media.
February 6, 2008

11:56 a.m.

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me2 writes:

I would love it if all gay people, the ones still in the closet, turned purple for one day. But only if they are anti-gay in public. Bet the New Life Church would have its share (10- 13%) of purple people in it.

So much for choice. That is an urban myth started by people who were lucky enough to be straight.
February 6, 2008

12:02 p.m.

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ldandeg writes:

You can't put yourself in such a high profile position and then make bad personal choices and not expect to have it played out in public. So no, we don't feel badly for him. He made his choices, so now he's having to pay the price. We do, however, feel badly for his family.
February 6, 2008

12:03 p.m.

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Oh_Wise_One writes:

jay- your religious bigotry shines. You go girl.
February 6, 2008

12:20 p.m.

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AC writes:

Maybe he had to get out of the program before today, Ass Wednesday.
February 6, 2008

12:22 p.m.

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mytwosense writes:

Idandeg, actually in a more civil and respectful world, he WOULD be able to expect such a thing. But we don't live in that world yet. And if you truly feel bad for his family, then don't be part of the peeping tom public and press gawking into what should be a private family matter.
February 6, 2008

12:31 p.m.

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jay writes:

owo...as much as you'd like it to be so...being intolerant of bigots does not make one a bigot...nice try

I also disparage members of the KKK...does that make me a racist?

not so much
February 6, 2008

12:37 p.m.

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drew writes:

"And if you truly feel bad for his family, then don't be part of the peeping tom public and press gawking into what should be a private family matter."

Funny how evangelists like Haggard make it their business to get into people's bedrooms & personal lives all the time - but when they become the subject, then apparently it's a "private family matter."

If these people weren't as self righteous in their condemnation of others - perhaps others would be more civil, respectful & forgiving towards them.
February 6, 2008

12:42 p.m.

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American100 writes:

The most offensive thing to me is the anti-gay mentality in that church and some others.

Being gay is not a sin, nor is it a crime.

My father is married to one of those nice Christian ladies who feel the urge to judge evryone elses behavior while holding the bible over your head.

Those types are enough to turn one off to religion, but I don't blame God for her holier than thou behavior.

Haggard would win a lot of support if he just comes clean.
February 6, 2008

12:44 p.m.

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mytwosense writes:

Drew, why should we sink down to that judgmental level, though? I also think if, in general, the gay community and supporters of gay rights had shown more compassion to this man, it would have strengthened their (our, that is, as I am definitely a supporter of equal rights for gays) message.
February 6, 2008

12:58 p.m.

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drew writes:

mytwosense,

I agree that it would be nice if there was more compassion all around.

My point is simply that, given evengelicals' ongoing intrusion into people's private lives - and their relentless vitriol towards gays - it's no wonder that Haggard has not been treated kindly.
February 6, 2008

1:38 p.m.

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rickg19611 writes:

It's pretty funny watching all the hatred spewed against Christians.... especially since those spewing the hatred are claiming they're doing so because of Christian "intolerance". Guess that is an ok form of intolerance being practiced, since the target are those bad, bad, bad Christians that don't believe what the haters believe.

Pot. Kettle. Black.
February 6, 2008

2:16 p.m.

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rickg19611 writes:

Charles B.... try reading the thread. If still unsure, read repeatedly until you see all of the comments. If you still don't get it, try reading the comments with an OPEN mind.

Pot. Kettle. Black.
February 6, 2008

2:27 p.m.

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HolierThanThou writes:

Oh no! He's lost his preaching privileges! Now he might be stuck living like the rest of us poor heathen. The horror! The dread! The agony of it all! Ted Haggard might now have to get a:

JOB!
February 6, 2008

2:33 p.m.

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jacka writes:

Christians turn the other cheek. Ted has abdicated.
February 6, 2008

2:42 p.m.

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nonayerbsns writes:

Rickg19611:

Pot Kettle Black???? Are you serious? While it may be true that some people are questioning the church's decisions re: haggard, that doesn't mean they are 'spewing' hate. we make decisions every day, based on hard evidence of fact and opinion. It just so happens to be the way humans work. For instance: did you have sausage for breakfast this morning? I didn't. I don't like sausage. I am not filled with hate just because I don't like sausage. I think it a fine addition to your breakfast, ifn' that's what you want. I don't. I don't eat any meat. Not for breakfast, not for dinner... not ever. I would gladly sit down at a good restaurant with a meat eater and not indulge in the dead animal entree'. Does that mean I am full of hate? Sheesharooneybob. Yer pretty darn silly there, bud.
February 6, 2008

2:47 p.m.

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blackjackshellac writes:

You never know, he may be much less of a bigot now that he's out of the drivers seat. Most of these guys are in it for the cash and power. The rest of us can just sit back and wait for them to come crashing down, although it's never as satisfying as one might hope.
February 6, 2008

2:58 p.m.

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drew writes:

"It's pretty funny watching all the hatred spewed against Christians.."

Oh, boo-hoo, poor put-upon Christians are being persecuted again! Evangelicals like Haggard, Robertson, Dobson, etc can spew venom against liberals, homosexuals & the usual targets month after month - and if anyone so much as questions them, we have people like rickg wringing his hands & playing the "persecution" card.

If you can dish it out then be prepared to take it, rickyg19611.
February 6, 2008

4:56 p.m.

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rickg19611 writes:

This is the funniest thread of the day!!!

One goof claimed that his "daddy is married to one of those nice Christian ladies who feels the urge to judge other people's behavior". Guess using the word MOTHER or STEPMOTHER was too complex for the poster. Then the biggest irony of all. The poster was JUDGING the behavior of his mother/stepmother when he was criticizing her for "judging other people's behavior". Oops. Pot. Kettle. Black.

Another poster couldn't see where the previous posts were and kept asking others to read them for him. Ah... maybe he should wait for the book to come out. This clicking and scrolling appears to be an advanced skill for him!

Another nut claimed that Christians "intrude into people's private lives". Of course, the poster apparently didn't realize that he was posting on a thread about Haggard's PRIVATE LIFE! Oops. Hypocrisy alert!

With opponents like these, those who call themselves Christians can rest assured. Christianity will continue to grow in size and influence when it's more vociferous opponents can't even figure out what the words MOTHER or STEPMOTHER mean!
February 6, 2008

5:02 p.m.

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jay writes:

still waiting on ANY examples to back up your positions rick...
February 6, 2008

5:07 p.m.

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American100 writes:

Rick - she's not my mother or step mother, she is simply my father's 4th wife, forget he was married to someone else when they met.

You're awfully hostile POT KETTLE BLACK Rickie Baby
February 6, 2008

5:09 p.m.

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AKuser writes:

Great points Ricky. White, male, Christians are easily the most discriminated against folks in this country. Way to stand up for this horribly discriminated against group. I wish more good Christians could learn to utilize hatred like you Ricky to keep spreading the good word.
February 6, 2008

5:23 p.m.

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Mikefreed924 writes:

LOL...according to Rick anyone who questions the way some Christians operate "opposes" Chrstianity. What a bunch of baloney!
February 6, 2008

5:37 p.m.

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rickg19611 writes:

Titan... yeah....sure looks like those are Republicans demonstrating that good ole "hypocrisy" in condemning Christians.

American... wow. Sounds like your real issues are not with Ted Haggard or Christians. Sounds like a bad case of "displaced anger".

AKuser.... White male Christians? Not sure what you're talking about, since none of the posters ever mentioned anything about the gender or skin color of Christians. Last time I heard, the majority of people in the world that call themselves Christians are female, and non-white, so perhaps you posted on the wrong thread. That seemed to be a common error among those who attack Christians for merely thinking differently than the bigot crowd.

Jay.... don't tell me that illiteracy has spread like a virus from Chuck. Remember... reading is fundamental.... at least to those who WANT to learn.
February 6, 2008

5:40 p.m.

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American100 writes:

Rick you sound like one of those bible thumping "holier than thou" Christians. Run don't walk to the nearest de-briefing cult counselors.
February 6, 2008

5:43 p.m.

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malis writes:

rickg, just want to let you know I'm in 99.9% agreement with your theology. That is, I believe there's insufficient evidence to support the existence of 1,000 different gods and religions. You believe there's insufficient evidence to support the existence of 999. Why would you think I hate you? I don't hate the other 999 either.

Please accept my sincere best wishes that you somehow manage to increase your understanding that last one-tenth of one percent. I'll cheerfully accept your best wishes that I receive evidence that would let me believe that your 1 of 1000 gods proves true, however unlikely I think that may be.
February 6, 2008

5:47 p.m.

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orillinifan writes:

What about the meth?
February 6, 2008

5:49 p.m.

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rickg19611 writes:

American..... for someone who admits their family is involved in polygamy, I'm not sure you should be offering advice on people's religious beliefs. Especially since you don't even seem to realize that I'm not a Christian.
February 6, 2008

5:53 p.m.

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rickg19611 writes:

malis.... you shouldn't jump to conclusions about my religious beliefs? I'm not Christian. Merely an observer who sees a bunch of hypocrites attacking Christians (who have nothing to do with the actions of Ted Haggard), and ironically using hypocritical comments to do it. And someone willing to call the low IQ crowd out on their hypocrisy.
February 6, 2008

6:03 p.m.

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malis writes:

Ah rick, my apologies...so you're in it only to stand up for those poor defenseless Christians who somehow never manage to get in a word of their own? You're right, they probably are unable to offer the sort of reasoned logical defense you somehow manage.

Or, possibly, you simple enjoy the sport of gratuitous insult?

Folks, I rarely make it here but I happened to follow an interesting thread on a letter to the editor yesterday. rickg was there in full-throated roar offering the same set of insults (including calling folks who disagreed with him, "the low IQ crowd.")

His wording shows he has no interest in presenting any argument that might involve thinking...instead he's just throwing up graffiti to impress the members of his tribe. He has no interest in any sort of meaningful, two-way communication...it's probably just better to ignore him...let him scream into the silence.
February 6, 2008

6:11 p.m.

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rickg19611 writes:

Malis.... your bad... for a poster who JUMPED to the WRONG conclusion, perhaps you should reconsider your inaccurate posting. Otherwise, you might reveal your shortcomings.
February 6, 2008

6:40 p.m.

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Chadley25 writes:

Any church that has to "issue statements" and have armed guards at its worship services leaves a lot to be desired, IMO.

And in the third line of the article, I'm pretty sure the word is "oversight," not "oversite," which isn't even a word as far as I know. Nice job, editors.
February 6, 2008

6:44 p.m.

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Escape writes:

Retread: Peel me off the floor.
February 6, 2008

7:26 p.m.

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snowbelly writes:

I want to sell tickets to this phlosopical ultimate fighting championship.And I am a quaker/buddhist with a capitalist bent.
February 6, 2008

9:16 p.m.

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jay writes:

ricky....still waiting....

....for any support at all for your position that being against bigotry and bigots make one a bigot....

still waiting
February 6, 2008

9:37 p.m.

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Shaupeen writes:

Let it go rickg. You're only proving them correct with each over-emotional, mean-spirited post. And when you're not spitting venom at people, well, you're just not funny. Actually, you're a lot like a really bad movie where people laugh at all the wrong parts. Let it go.
February 7, 2008

8:48 a.m.

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asudonimh writes:

It appears to me that rickg19611 feels too strongly about the subject to be merely a casual observer. Methinks rickg19611 is battling his own sexual-identity demons, and cannot quietly tolerate attacks on his peers. I could be wrong.
February 7, 2008

8:58 a.m.

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ThomasMc writes:

Haggard forfeited his right to privacy in the matter with his years of attacking gays from the pulpit.

Karma's a bitch. Even for "Christians."
February 7, 2008

9:22 a.m.

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nate writes:

so....he pulled out prematurely??
February 7, 2008

9:39 a.m.

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dengal0762 writes:

nate - omg! that is the funniest thing I have read so far today...kudos
February 7, 2008

9:43 a.m.

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alibe writes:

Maybe he met someone?
February 7, 2008

10:35 a.m.

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nate writes:

at least he's attending the appropriate church. Phoenix First Assembly of God. ummmm... F.A.G. ah, to be closeted christian. a fate worse than meth..i mean..death.
February 7, 2008

11:30 a.m.

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Marshdale writes:

Hypocracy, hypocracy, hypocracy
February 7, 2008

11:41 a.m.

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m4666 writes:

Ted Haggard and his family will be fine. He made mistakes which became public knowledge but he will survive this ordeal and actually be better off in a lot of ways. No one except Ted knows what actually happened. When he is ready to be honest with God about who he was and truly repent then God will begin to heal him. The rehab experience was probably so much of a shock and outrage to him that he couldn't stand being confined to it any longer. He expressed so much negativity towards the gay lifestyle that I'm sure being accused of being gay has been an eye opening experience for him. His wife and children are going through the same kind of realization. He has chosen to pick up the pieces of his life in a more private way which will include working at a JOB. What may surprise you is that being in ministry especially a high profile ministry is an intensely difficult JOB so working something 9 to 5 where he can go home and leave work behind will actually be a huge relief.

As a christian I can tell you that whenever you set yourself up as being a judge over others you will find yourself being judged by the same standards. The bible says so - Judge not lest ye be judged - so Ted already knows why he fell. He judged others and got ensnared in a judgement himself. If he humbles himself before God then God will release him from the judgement and restore him. This is how God is. He disciplines everyone whom he receives otherwise we would all be running around doing whatever we wanted to do. That's in the book of Hebrews.

If you are gay then you are still beloved of God. He died for your sins as well as the sins of all men. Are their Gays in evangelical churches? God I hope so because they are seeking to know and understand God's will for their lives. Adultery is forgiveable. Doesn't matter if your hetero or gay. It's not unforgiveable.
February 7, 2008

5:07 p.m.

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Jocko writes:

Now that is a good one or is it an oxymoron - "a normal gay man". Neither one of those words go together with 'gay' do they?

Practicing homosexuals have always been immoral and always will be immoral, just like adulters, liers, thieves, murders, polygamists, pediphiles and incesters(?) etc. They all go against the natural moral code.

How steep the slippery slope America is sliding down just like the greeks, romans, arabs, and sodomites when they started accepting homosexuality as being an 'acceptable lifestyle choice.' Unfortunately, the curse of homosexuality is the end result of previous amoral behavior in a society, not the cause. In all previous great societies, the prevalance of homosexuality acceptance presaged those societies fall from power and influence.
Woe unto America, Canada and Europe...
February 7, 2008

9:25 p.m.

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Shaupeen writes:

Wait a minute! Did someone just call someone else "Keith?" Keith is on here? Again? Which one is he?

Home › News › Local News

Haggard prematurely leaves rehab, New Life Church says

By Kevin Flynn, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 6, 2008 at 7:32 a.m.Updated February 6, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.

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Published February 6, 2008 at 7:32 a.m.
Updated February 6, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.