John Smoltz Divorce

[HamletsChoice]

For those who don't know him John Smoltz is a future hall of fame pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. I live in Atlanta and John's Christian testimony and work both in Atlanta and across the U.S. is very well known. Smoltz is also a member of the PCA.

Smoltz is a very public figure with a very public Christian testimony. He has actively spoke out against gay marraige in the past.

Smoltz has just announced he is getting a divorce after 16 years of marriage. He will not give any reasons for the divorce. As a member of the PCA I'm sure he knows divorce is unbiblical except for infidelity by the spouce.

The divorce has hurt his Christian testimony for Christian kids and parents in the Atlanta community who follow him as well as others across America. I have also seen a lot of gay bashing from gay's in various on-line blogs who are delighted to see Smoltz fall for his past anti-gay biblical comments.

I think a Christian public figure like Smoltz, whose public confession of faith in Christ and life's testimony has been an example and witness to so many millions, owes the public an explanation for the reason for his divorce to "clear the air." Otherwise he appears to be a hypocrite as the gay bashing accuses of him. I think a simple "on biblical grounds" would do it to demonstrate he is not taking the Lord's name in vain.

What do you all think?

 

[calmcoolandelected]

For those who don't know him John Smoltz is a future hall of fame pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. I live in Atlanta and John's Christian testimony and work both in Atlanta and across the U.S. is very well known. Smoltz is also a member of the PCA.

Smoltz is a very public figure with a very public Christian testimony. He has actively spoke out against gay marraige in the past.

Smoltz has just announced he is getting a divorce after 16 years of marriage. He will not give any reasons for the divorce. As a member of the PCA I'm sure he knows divorce is unbiblical except for infidelity by the spouce.

The divorce has hurt his Christian testimony for Christian kids and parents in the Atlanta community who follow him as well as others across America. I have also seen a lot of gay bashing from gay's in various on-line blogs who are delighted to see Smoltz fall for his past anti-gay biblical comments.

I think a Christian public figure like Smoltz, whose public confession of faith in Christ and life's testimony has been an example and witness to so many millions, owes the public an explanation for the reason for his divorce to "clear the air." Otherwise he appears to be a hypocrite as the gay bashing accuses of him. I think a simple "on biblical grounds" would do it to demonstrate he is not taking the Lord's name in vain.

What do you all think?

Here are a couple of things off the top of my head.

1. Public figures have to deal with things differently from those not in the spotlight.

2. Maybe he has given an explanation to the congregation of which he is a member, just not the press.

3. Has his Session given their blessing? Is he following Biblical principles (hoping for future reconcilliation?)

4. What if his wife left him for whatever undisclosed reason and all his attempts at reconcilliation were in vain? Maybe it is his wife that is seeking the divorce.

I knew someone who was in this situation. There was no infidelity, the wife decided that she did not want to be a pastor's wife. This man spent years trying to reconcile. She would have none of it. She eventually divorced him and remarried. What was he to do?

HC, I am not making excuses. You are correct in that as long as there is no explanation there is speculation.

FWIW, CC&E

 

[xapis]

This is the first I've heard about this. First and foremost, I think he needs our prayers. It's his choice as to whether or not to make these matters of his private life public. And I think we need to hold any "judgment" until more info is released to the public.

I have a feeling the whole "gay bashing" thing is the farthest thing from his mind right now.

 

[Starcradle]

It saddens me to hear of this news. Although I have watched Smoltz pitch against my favored team on more than several occasions, I was unaware of his Christian testimony, or any other details regarding his personal life.

I shall be praying for him.

 

[cubanito]

Here are a couple of things off the top of my head.

1. Public figures have to deal with things differently from those not in the spotlight.

2. Maybe he has given an explanation to the congregation of which he is a member, just not the press.

3. Has his Session given their blessing? Is he following Biblical principles (hoping for future reconcilliation?)

4. What if his wife left him for whatever undisclosed reason and all his attempts at reconcilliation were in vain? Maybe it is his wife that is seeking the divorce.

I knew someone who was in this situation. There was no infidelity, the wife decided that she did not want to be a pastor's wife. This man spent years trying to reconcile. She would have none of it. She eventually divorced him and remarried. What was he to do?

HC, I am not making excuses. You are correct in that as long as there is no explanation there is speculation.

FWIW, CC&E

in addition, sometimes saying something is subject to libel, and attracts a "feeding frenzy" of media speculation.

His local Church should handle this matter, or refer up the chain if the divorce is improper.

One thing is certain, in a divorce there is at least one party at fault.

JR