Jim Bakker

If an English teacher instructs his or her class in an improper use of grammar, does that mean that all teachers and the English language itself are inherently to blame? A thinking person would say no.

Why, then, is the Christian faith held responsible whenever one of its teachers improperly uses or ignores true Christian teachings?

Jim Bakker’s actions were wrong, no doubt about it. He took the simple leadership guidelines found in the Bible and twisted them selfishly for personal gain and power. But Jim Bakker’s actions were the sole responsibility of Jim Bakker, and that fact seems to get lost in the shuffle all too often.

Two letters to The Times (Oct. 20) both made the unjust assertions that Bakker’s actions are representative of, and inseparable from, Christianity and all of its leaders.

Bakker, on his own accord, strayed from the true Christian doctrines that he so easily professed. And to the two letter writers I would say: I understand that you and your families feel hurt by his actions, but don’t blame the theology for the sins of a single apostate teacher.

RUSSELL HOUSE

Downey