08-14-2014, 08:22 PM
Say a pastor believes, worships, and devotes his life to God and his religion. He follows all of the rules and/or commandments strictly. He is, by definition, devout and he is pious.
Many in his community regard him to be a "godly person", a good person.
However, at age 50, he is no longer able to control his urges to molest children, though he still believes in God and is religiously devout and pious. Is he still a godly person at age 50? Was he ever a godly person? Is he still a good person? Was he ever a good person?
If he's viewed now as ungodly and bad by his congregation -- based on his conduct rather than his religious beliefs and devotion -- can he repent and ask forgiveness and again become godly and good in the eyes of his congregation?
I'd guess if you asked 20 people of the same faith (or different faiths) that there would be a variety of different answers, but that's just a guess. I'd be interested in the answers and reasoning, in any case.
Many in his community regard him to be a "godly person", a good person.
However, at age 50, he is no longer able to control his urges to molest children, though he still believes in God and is religiously devout and pious. Is he still a godly person at age 50? Was he ever a godly person? Is he still a good person? Was he ever a good person?
If he's viewed now as ungodly and bad by his congregation -- based on his conduct rather than his religious beliefs and devotion -- can he repent and ask forgiveness and again become godly and good in the eyes of his congregation?
I'd guess if you asked 20 people of the same faith (or different faiths) that there would be a variety of different answers, but that's just a guess. I'd be interested in the answers and reasoning, in any case.