Christians should stand up for Carrie Prejean

Things just don't get any easier for Carrie Prejean. Last week we learned of the existence of a so-called 'sex tape' which may or may not have forced her to settle her lawsuit against the Miss USA pageant. This week she got slammed for not betraying a confidential agreement by answering questions from Larry King. Then there came rumours that she lied about her age when she made the recording and that there might actually be even more recordings out there. Now on top of all that, it seems even some of her Christian supporters are sticking the knife in.

Let's hypothecate a little and say that Carrie did lie about her age in the recording and that she gave a misleading impression that there was only one such recording. Why would she do that? When we're in a tight spot we're all prone to making poor choices. Think how hard it must be if you know the world is watching your every word and that millions of people are just waiting for you to make a slip-up so they can tear you to pieces. Carrie had to deal with that. She had also become a poster child for the conservative movement, which had given her so much support. Isn't it natural that she wouldn't want to disappoint them or let them down in any way? What about her family, friends, church, publisher and all those who have drawn inspiration from her? Who wouldn't consider lying to protect them, no matter how misguided and wrong an act that may be?

None of this makes Carrie evil, a hypocrite, or less of a Christian. It simply makes her human.

Perhaps that's why some on the Christian right now appear to be turning against her. They turned her into an idol and her alledged lapses have knocked the crown they placed upon her head. They feel that they've been made to look bad for backing her and have turned away from her or, in some cases on her. What's striking about this is that it has nothing do with being a Christian, it's about politics and perception.

I think that the Christians out there who have turned on Carrie need to get back to basics. Have you forgotten about such things as love and forgiveness? Have you forgotten the words of Matthew 7:1? If Carrie lied then the Christian thing to do is forgive her and show her the love she needs to get back on track, not turn your backs on her. Being Christian means sticking by people, no matter how hard our faith in them is tested, because we only really advance as a species through love and compassion for eachother, not through damnation and abandonment.

I urge every Christian to go out there and stand up for Carrie, do something to defend her, show her she's loved no matter what. Post on Twitter or Facebook, comment on some blog posts, write an article, whatever. Carrie needs you, so quit complaining, step up and be a Christian!