As I read the Monday Austin American Statesman I came across an interesting article that really makes me question organized religion.

In case you’ve not seen the story, it’s about Minister Joe Barron, from a very large church in Dallas who drove nearly 200 miles to meet a 13-year-old girl supposedly for sex. The girl was fake. She was setup as part of a sting operation. For the past few months the minister and girl have exchanged messages about sex and other topics. The minister solicited her to meet in person. He was picked up last week.

My problem is not the article as a whole nor the actual alleged crime. I’m well aware what people are capable of be it a religions figure or your next door neighbor. What really upset me was a comment made in the article by Rev. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church. The same church where Minister Joe Barron was also employed. Upon reading this part of the story I almost feel sorry for the fallen minister.

The quote is

“you need to know that we are appalled and we are disgraced by this terrible action, an unacceptable action, by a minister on our staff.”

I consider myself a well rounded person in the area of general religion and faith. I’m under the impression that most faiths offer some resolution for things done wrong no matter what. Sure attempting to sleep with an underaged girl it dead wrong, no question. But so are many other things like adultery and stealing. The tone of the Reverend’s comment is such it makes me think he has totally written off Joe Barron as if he is never to be heard from again. I would expect to see a little more compassion and faith from the leader of the church flock.

Maybe is was just his words to the press to enforce that the church also thinks the act is wrong. Something like a moral cover. I’m sorry it just disgusts me.