What this person is referring to is the all too painfully public deconstruction of the ministry and life of the one-time Assemblies of God (AoG) evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, whose decidedly unclerical visitations with prostitute Debra Murphree and others in the red light districts of Baton Rouge, Louisiana became public knowledge in the winter of 1988.

How many have taken the time to pray for him and the lives he and Donnie touch? We are quick to throw stones, yet, not quick to administer love and forgiveness. One individual's comments perfectly capture the sentiments of these well-meaning, yet deluded Christians:

These issues reveal that the subject is often riddled with emotional argumentation that often entirely obscures real consideration of the matter. In their rush to define how Christian mercy has been withheld from the fallen, they overlook several important matters about Swaggart's life example and ministry that always seem to escape their notice, things this article will strive to underscore. It is piteously asked by many who look at the sad career of Pentecostal evangelist Jimmy Swaggart as an example of how the church has 'shot our wounded' and generally been legalistic, unforgiving and unchristian. When thinking about the current state of the church when confronted with the moral failures of its leadership and the dire need for a legitimate response to it, one question continually comes up. Rafael Martinez, Director, Spiritwatch Ministries

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