Taylor Bergland posted a well-documented story
of sexual harassment in Charisma
magazine (6 November, 2019) that has circulated widely in Christian (Christianity
Today, Christian
Post) and general news (Washington
Post, People)
sources. The focus is on the sexual behavior of a Christian comedian, John
Crist.
That a popular Christian would be exposed
for sexual misconduct is nothing new. From time to time clergy and other high-profile
Christian folks make the news for some type of sexual misconduct. We learn of
their apologies after reading the lurid details. Then they usually disappear
from view. Of course, the headline person and those closely connected, may live
with pain and suffering for years.
Is there anything worth considering from
the perspective of the psychology of religion? I think so. Several features of
the story fit with my thoughts in A
House Divided. And there’s some nuances as well. I recommend
reading the Charisma story.
9 Lessons from the Charisma Crist Story
1. Technological pathways.
The technology use in the story reveals a shift in the way sexual predators work in sacred sex scandals. A
young woman is working on a podcast project and wants to speak with Crist. The predator uses Snapchat to pursue
his quest. Parents, pastors, and parishioners do well to stay up on
technological pathways to illicit intimacy.
2. Drugs.
Old methods persist. Crist
tries the booze approach and the young woman shares the fruity vodka. Alcohol
is becoming more popular amongst young Christians after it was demonized by the
ultra-conservatives in evangelicalism. Drugs and sex have a
long history of association from Genesis to Charisma. (BTW, alcohol is a drug so the common expression alcohol and drugs is redundant.)
3. Christian Idols.
A young woman
reports her respect for Crist using the telling term idolized. She
travels a distance to meet him as if on a pilgrimage. Indeed, conservative
Christians are schooled to respect people in authority. Crist isn’t an
authority like clergy, but he is a leader and became like an idol. Sometime in
history, protestants were upset about the saintly figures in Catholic churches. The sanctimonious
said "Saints were idols." But there’s something about humans that elevate
religious leaders to idol status. Parishioners beware. Leaders have the same basic human nature as followers. Spirituality ought to make a difference, but the spiritual factor isn't always obvious.
4. Sex addict.
Crist discloses he’s
a sex addict to Kate and in his public statement. Labels are an odd thing
in psychology. Some labels help patients obtain insurance covered treatment for
their conditions. But the term sex addict is more like a folk
concept. It’s hard to know if everyone means the same thing by the term. Labels
like sex addict externalize problems as if they were diseases or some overpowering
entity that victimizes an unsuspecting person who needs medical help rather than participation in life-altering behavioral change. Surely the sexual desire of young people is strong. That’s human
nature. And some people have stronger desires than do others. Fortunately, most people have inhibitions and do not harm other people. But others will need boundaries for life, or until their sexual desire dissipates. I won't quibble with those who believe God can deliver sexual predators from pursuing new victims or exorcise some sexual demon (see deliverance from evil spirits). Believe whatever, but at least keep predators away from potential victims.
5. Spiritual struggles.
There’s a
lot of research on spiritual
struggles. A leader in this line of research is Julie Exline of
Case Western Reserve University. The Charisma author notes Kate’s struggle with
“what it means to be Christian after being so disgustingly let down by a role model I considered a man of God.”Another woman refers to shame and feeling stupid. Some recover their faith and others don’t. The article tells of women who left Christianity. Perhaps the fallout will go on for years. Spiritual struggles are real and painful. I hope more Christians recognize the problem of spiritual struggles and find ways to support those who are struggling. Struggles aren't always about sex. Sometimes Christians feel God let them down. And that faith is not powerful enough to redeem people. Spirituality takes a hit when spiritual leaders hurt others and cover up for their friends out of misplaced loyalty.
6. Disgust.
In the quote above, Kate
uses the word disgusting. Disgust is indeed a common feeling linked to unwanted
sexual advances. And disgust can impair healthy sexual functioning for so many.
Disgust makes so much sense for people raised in purity culture. And disgust can spread to nearby people and things by association. Disgust with a male leader can spread to men, sexual activity, or settings like church.
7. Character matters.
Sex stories sell
products. But Charisma offers three reasons why they published the story. They
appear to have genuinely considered the Christian ethics of the matter. It’s
worth reading the article to understand their perspective. Leaders who book Crist
“need to know the person.” People like Crist who link Christianity to “their
public persona… should be held to a higher standard.” And “the body of Christ
must police itself and has an obligation to protect the innocent and vulnerable
among us.”
My take is that the character of leaders matters to the people at
Charisma. My question is how flexible Charisma and their readers will be when it
comes to politicians, pop stars, and others who mix prayer, a scripture quote,
or a faith message with their power or wealth gathering behavior? I like their focus on
protection of the vulnerable. Let's not forget that. And let's be wary of pop stars and others in the spotlight whose light shines brightly until they fall. Christian character isn't built in an overnight conversion. The newly born again need to grow up. They need to be tested. Perhaps I've lived too long. I just get a little concerned when Christian stars flame out and cause distress in their followers.
8. Forgiveness.
It isn’t surprising
that someone would bring up forgiveness. I detected some caution in the article. At
least some people seem to understand that forgiveness does not necessarily entail restoration
to one’s career. It’s hard to know when a person has truly changed so they are
no longer at risk for abusing others. Too many clergy and other leaders have been able to re-offend. For more on forgiveness see Psychology
of Forgiveness.
9. Apology.
The expected apology
appears in the article. But what constitutes an effective apology? Did Crist get
advice on what to say or was his response evidence of a deep regret linked to repentance?
There are ways to make an effective apology (e.g., see “6
ways to make an effective apology”). How long should we wait to be sure a
repentant person has changed forever? The answers to these difficult questions
require considerable wisdom and discernment. Repentance is another one of those things that demand evidence that there has been change.
Reflections
The article is a timely reminder that Christian leaders may be guilty of sexual harassment thus, all churches and Christian organizations must have policies about sexual harassment. When someone like Crist comes into a Christian venue, they need to sign a commitment to honor all policies, including prohibitions against sexual harassment.
It is refreshing to read an article by a conservative source that focuses on the predator and the harm he has done. We have to be done with victim-blaming. And the author appears to have made a serious attempt obtaining credible reports. Of course, Crist's confession helps with the credibility. Accusing people of misbehavior--especially sexual misconduct--is a serious charge that can ruin a life whether true or false.
Related posts
Sexual harassment, Apologies, and Forgiveness
Psychology of Hurricane Harvey and the metoo flood
Sexual Assault and Allegation Research
Psychology of Sexual Harassment
Forgive? Yes. Reconcile? Maybe.
Connections
Publications (many free downloads)
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