Pot, Pot, this is Kettle...

Radio transmission from Kettle: “Pot, Pot, this is Kettle, over.”

Pot: “Kettle, this is Pot, go ahead, over.”

Kettle: “Pot, you’re black. Over.”

Pot: ?

Ok, sometimes I have to read the whole article more than once because fact can be so much stranger than fiction. It reminds me of when someone says something so hypocritical and everyone in the room knows it. We all look around at the absolute absurdity of the moment until someone finally breaks the silence. If it’s me, I might actually quote Val Kilmer from Tombstone, “My hypocrisy knows no bounds.”

Today’s headline in Fox News is what prompted my blog title, Hillary Clinton’s foundation, the same foundation that is accused of mismanaging millions in Haiti relief funds, will be keeping over $250,000 in donations made by Harvey Weinstein. That’s the same Clinton who called President Donald Trump a rapist and misogynist. But let’s not make this whole blog about a former Secretary of State – that may have prompted the title, but not the blog itself.

The infighting in Hollywood over who knew and who didn’t, who spoke up and who remained silent and why, who acted and who “covered their 6” is better than any scripted drama that’s come out of Tinsel Town in decades. What will they title Harvey Weinstein and his fall from grace when the script is finished? The cockroaches are coming out of the woodwork on this one.

First off, let me say an individual in this country is innocent until proven guilty. Sometimes that trial happens in the court of public opinion long before anyone has the chance to touch on the facts, like with Weinstein. Sometimes current facts don’t even matter if history is spattered with bad choices or a person’s “friends” are of equally questionable character. As for Weinstein, it’s been reported his contract allowed him to repay his company for reputational damage and court costs defending his actions rather than be accountable for those actions. It’s also been reported he has settled sexual harassment lawsuits with no fewer than 8 women in the last 20 years. My mom used to say “People judge you by the company you keep.” That’s all the court of public opinion.

But what do we, as Christians, do regarding the whole mess? What is the proper attitude towards Weinstein and his alleged victims? For the victims, my very unpopular opinion is mixed with emotions. I mean, if Weinstein’s reputation was so prolifically known throughout Hollywood – one of its worst kept secrets according to Barbara Walters – then the victims who benefitted from Weinstein’s attentions, whose careers were advanced by meeting with him, don’t they share at least some in the blame. I mean, if I’m invited to a bar with friends and the sign on the door says “2-drink minimum” and I enter anyway, don’t I hold some of the blame for the ticket that comes later? Like I said, unpopular, so I’ll leave that hang here in the air for a bit.

As for Weinstein himself, I’m reminded of a little lady who was on trial for adultery. Like Weinstein she was caught in the act and had a very public persona as an adulterer. When she was brought into trial her crimes weren’t questioned. It’s similar to Weinstein’s company in that his alleged crimes aren’t in question, but the actions of his company and “friends” now that the secret is beyond Hollywood’s border are in question.

Jesus’ response to the accusations was classic. “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7, NIV) His treatment of the woman is consistent. In Matthew 7 Jesus also commanded “You hypocrite! First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matt 7:5, NIV)

You see, Jesus didn’t question the crime. He didn’t have to. Rather, he focused on fixing the woman’s heart and setting her on a righteous path. “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you…then neither do I condemn you…Go now and leave your life of sin.” (v. 10-11, NIV)

So we as Christians have a very simple challenge and a very simple answer when confronted with situations like Weinstein. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. It’s not about being innocent, nor is it about being easy on crime and forgetting victims’ rights. It’s about being right with God first before attempting to judge another’s actions. It’s about introspection and repentance. It’s about removing the plank of sin from your own life before trying to "fix" another's life. It's about not being Kettle.

Pot: “Understood, Kettle. Over and out.”