David Hayward: An Abusive Apology

A few people sent me a link to a post and cartoon by David Hayward of nakedpastor.com, and it really must be shared.  Here’s part of David’s bio:

David started a blog called nakedpastor in 2006, and initiated his public analysis of religion, religious community and spirituality through his writings, art and cartoons. Thousands of people are challenged and entertained by nakedpastor every day.

His art, cartoons, writings and book have found their way all around the world.

David lives with his wife Lisa on the beautiful Kennebecasis River near Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. They have 3 grown children close by.

iMonk of Internetmonk.com blog interviewed David and asked:

 What’s the view of the church and the Christian life that’s behind the cartoons?

 

I think it’s my understanding of the principalities and powers and how the church is susceptible to falling under that. I hope my cartoons unveil hypocrisy, deflate arrogance, uncover abuse, unmask manipulation, and expose exploitation. That’s lofty, but I suspect they behave as whistle-blowers on the principalities and powers that we are susceptible to. I believe one of the ways the principalities and powers claim dominion over the church is through visionary thinking that attempts to steer people in a certain direction. I question that. I believe in the church. I love the church. It’s is the body of Christ, the localized manifestation of his body in the world. Which explains why I am so intent on critiquing that which I think compromises that. And then some of my cartoons are just silly or poignant. Others they are just images from a warped mind that no one gets but me.

Art is an great way to emotionally connect with feelings.  I have seen some of David’s work and it has brought me to tears.  Can you imagine a cartoon bringing someone to tears?  David is keenly aware of spiritual abuse.  You’ll see what I mean:

Let’s deconstruct this “apology”:

1. He doesn’t apologize as a human being, a man with a heart, but as a pastor, already positioning himself in a superior role over his victim.
2. He plays the “authority” card, implying that he has the authority to do whatever he thinks is best for his people.
3. This is his church. Not hers. She really doesn’t have any rights or say.

Please read the rest of David’s article here.