Ed Brayton is a freelance writer and speaker. He is the co-founder and president of 
Stop me if you've heard this one before:
A minister at one of Texas' largest megachurches was arrested this week after driving his wife's car 200 miles for a planned liaison with a 13-year-old girl he met on the Internet.Greeting Rev. Joe Barron, minister to married adults at the 26,000-member Prestonwood Baptist Church, near Dallas, when he arrived Thursday, with a package of condoms on the car seat, were members of the Bryan, Texas, police force.
And the members of a certain church in Colorado reply: "Hey, at least it was a girl."
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Comments
The only thing here that surprises me is that the WorldNetDaily reported it without claiming that it was a case of persecution against Christians.
Posted by: Chuck C | May 21, 2008 10:09 AM
...and it's only Wednesday. What will they come up with on Thursday?
Posted by: Winnebago | May 21, 2008 10:14 AM
Posted by: Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD | May 21, 2008 10:30 AM
No doubt he was planning to bend her over and pretend it was a young boy. -DJ
Apologies for the crudeness but really. Sheesh.
Posted by: DingoJAck | May 21, 2008 10:42 AM
As Bill Maher said- Big church there is always child fuck'in going on or something to that effect.
At least this pervert was stopped.
Why does anyone ever listen to a 'man of the cloth' as an authority on anything. It really is bizarre.
Posted by: JimC | May 21, 2008 11:16 AM
The reason, JimC, is because members of the clergy have taken it upon themselves to agree to a set of moral regulations above and beyond the laws of their country.
I have been fortunate enough to know a number of clergy who were the kindest, most honest people I have ever met. They took on their job because they felt that they could have an impact on the way people acted and behaved in a truly positive way.
It kills me to then read stories like this almost every single week. I just hope that the next generation of priests/ministers/rabbis/imams is not a group of consciously-sexually-repressed-peders because they've seen that religion is a good way to trick young kids. Remember - it's not all negative!
Posted by: Isaac | May 21, 2008 11:57 AM
That is a load of BS. 'They' have done nothing of the sort and their morality is not any different than anyone elses hence my comment that they are no more an authority than anyone else.
Are they all bad folks of course not but clearly they are no different and should be treated as such.
Posted by: JimC | May 21, 2008 12:54 PM
I can't wait to see this on "To Catch a Predator".
Seriously, does this guy not watch TV?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Catch_a_Predator
Posted by: Deepsix | May 21, 2008 2:25 PM
Isaac, you have left off one other aspect of the clergy: they present themselves as authorities on morality. You write that they, "agree to a set of moral regulations above and beyond the laws of their country". We'll let the assumption that they exist in a single country go. A set of moral regulations is not the same as THE ONLY set of moral regulations, not is it equivalent to the BEST set of moral regulations. I could make a good argument that safe, consensual sex for the sake of sex is a better, moral regulation than no sex at all, or that sex is not sin. I could argue that living in a loving relationship and being homosexual is not a sin, but a better moral choice than denouncing the sexuality of others. You could disagree with me but that wouldn't make you right, nor would appealing to "a set of moral regulations" that is based on an ancient text.
Assuming you know lots of clergy who are great people, I ask, do you know any number of atheists who also live moral lives? If so, have you considered that the clergy live their lives based on a reward/punishment system, while the atheist lives his moral life based on the idea that it is simply the right thing to do?
I reject your special pleading for the moral authority of clergy as being the reason they are given respect by their flocks. I believe it is because, like you, their flocks can not consider the a moral world that does not strictly follow their beliefs, that there is "A" set of moral regulations that reward the believer if followed, and punish those who don't. And I reject that as well.
Posted by: B8ovin | May 21, 2008 2:35 PM
There always has been and always will be bad apples in every form of religion. There are bad apples without religion. The issue about morals is that everyone has their own view. The Bible is and has been the basis for the majority of laws and acceptable behaviors since time began.
It is not The Bibles fault that men (and women) are wicked. It is the men and women themselves that base their behaviors on what they deem as acceptable. When people cast off restraint or self control they perish. In other words when people are left to their own devices they self destruct themselves and those around them.
It does all go back to Adam and Eve...one act of sin and we are still dealing with it today. I am Thankful that Christ came and paid the ultimate price and even though I am not perfect, He still loved me enough to die for me! He lived His life as a perfect example of what I should be doing everyday.
Posted by: David | May 21, 2008 4:39 PM
****The Bible is and has been the basis for the majority of laws and acceptable behaviors since time began.***
Really? So which part of the bible were the Greeks and Romans using? Or the Egyptians, Sumerians, Chinese, Japanese, etc? What part of the bible was Confucius reading? Or Epicurus?
Posted by: sabrina | May 21, 2008 5:45 PM
David says, "When people cast off restraint or self control they perish. In other words when people are left to their own devices they self destruct themselves and those around them."
That describes children-- maybe. But when fully functioning adult people are left to their own devices, do they cast off restraint or self-control? Do they self destruct or harm others? Only a very small percentage do that, and for those few, the Bible (readily available) doesn't seem to stop them, does it.
Where did David get this idea?
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 21, 2008 10:14 PM
Since time began? Which version of the Bible did Adam use? lol
Posted by: doctorgoo | May 21, 2008 10:26 PM
The version authorized by God and King James, of course. How else did it come to say 4004 BC, right there on the frontplate?
Posted by: kehrsam | May 21, 2008 10:44 PM
Good grief, seriously just good grief. That people actually think like this is equal parts scary and mind numbing.
Posted by: JimC | May 21, 2008 11:13 PM
The clergy has always had its bad apples (as does any other segment of society). Nevertheless it is always particularly disgusting when someone holds themselve up as a spiritual leader and then pulls a stunt like this. There is however a modicum of silver lining in a case the this. The bigger they are they harder they fall. This guy has completely ruined his life. He stands to lose everything that he holds dear.
Posted by: Cheddar | May 22, 2008 12:42 AM
I'm calling Poe's Law on that gibberish. But, sadly, what David is saying is just stupid enough to be real Christian sentiment. It could be intended seriously.
And, even worse, the fact that there aren't too many egregiously bad grammar or spelling errors in David's post suggests that the lowest common denominator must be very, very low. People like David vote, and people much dumber than David vote, too.
Posted by: Wes | May 22, 2008 12:54 AM
The Bible is the written Word of God. The Word of God made flesh is Jesus the Christ. Jesus the Christ is the Son of God. God is Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Therefore Adam & Eve did have the Bible, it was just in physical form as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The version was the purest, holiest form, not what man deems to be pure.
It is not the written word or logos that makes the difference in someones life. Only the Rhema, the Word that is alive. It only comes to life by a relationship...that relationship is with the only one to walk perfect among men. Jesus the Christ, The Son of God, The Word made flesh. Who gave Himself as a sacrifice for everyone's sin or shortcomings. Whether you believe it or not. If you believe it then you are on your way to Life and Life more abundantly in Christ...if not, He still is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, you just aren't able to build the relationship with Him and the word is just that, words
I am in no way excusing this man's action nor do I condone them. They are appalling, disgusting and unexcuseable! I am simply saying that this sort of thing takes place with people in all walks of life. Some are front page and some are not, although all should be. People preying upon people should be shouted from the roof tops. We must understand that our human nature is at conflict with the true purpose of our lives and thus the war for your soul begins.
To judge all ministers, clergy, christians based upon the actions of those bad apples is wrong. Just as it is wrong to judge a certain race, creed, nationality, gender, or orientation based on the actions of those that choose to twist, warp, pervert or prostitute what they (they: meaning the majority of that group) hold most dear for their own gain, glory, benefit or goals.
Posted by: David | May 22, 2008 3:35 PM
Ok, I'll judge you all on what you share: The Bible. It's full of death and immorality on the part of your god. The you worship who calls for his people to slaughter babies. Jesus who was silent on slavery, and womens' rights, and racism. Omnipotent enough to know 600 years of slavery of a race would happen, but didn't care enough to tell his people clearly to not do it. Real great chap.
Posted by: Dennis N | May 22, 2008 4:11 PM
So the First Third created the universe, but did it wrong so it killed all but 8 humans in The Flud.
And 2 thousand years later sent the Second Third to impregnate a virgin with the Third Third.
And the Third Third (who is the the First Third and also the the son of the First Third) was created to suffer a horrible death so that the First Third would not torture dead humans for Eternity because the First Third can't break his own rules.
And the Third Third ascended to Heaven(tm) to sit on the right hand of the First Third (which is himself) so he's sitting on his own right hand (which might be a sin).
Am I getting this theology stuff correct?
Posted by: khan | May 22, 2008 4:24 PM
khan, I don't which of the thirds sent you to write that to make my day brighter (because obviously, one of them had to, right...that whole no self will thing), but fucking thank you.
Posted by: Josh | May 22, 2008 4:29 PM
Posted by: Doug Little | May 22, 2008 5:11 PM
No one said anything about no self will...in fact we all have a free will. Which ultimately boils down to whether you are going to serve yourself or others. Not my will but your will be done Lord. The whole slavery, death, and acts of immorality was brought on by their own will, their will to not follow the commandments and precepts set down by God. They were warned many times over. However, just like us today they chose their way instead of The Way.
It is funny how everyone is so quick to point out the bad...read further in the scriptures and you will see that God the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit have a lot to say about slavery, slaughtering of innocent life, women's rights and racism just to name a few. The problem is most folks hear one knuckle head preach something or say "God said" and they take that as fact instead of seeing what the actual Word of God says.
The problem with Theology is that it is man's study of what man thinks God is saying, or who God is. One can develope their own reality this way...which is what the man who this whole blog is about did.
God Loves You and Jesus died for you, I thank each of you for the comments made.
Posted by: David | May 22, 2008 5:12 PM
Well spoken, David, may God's blessing be upon you.
Posted by: kehrsam | May 22, 2008 5:21 PM
Actually because of the sin nature it is human nature to lie, steal, cheat, rape, plunder, pilage, commit adultery, fornicate, be idolatrous, etc...
However, that is due to sin. Sin means to miss the mark. What is the mark? The mark is to live for the purpose we were created. Yes, created. God knew us before we were ever in our mothers womb. He knows us, has a plan for us. However because of the nature to sin or go against what God has set forth we are seperated from that, seperated from Him.
The whole Salvation message is God redeeming us back to Him, if we so choose. Yep, back to the free will thing again.
Posted by: David | May 22, 2008 5:25 PM
Thank you Kehrsam!
Posted by: David | May 22, 2008 5:27 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24765324/from/ET/
Coincidence??? I think not!
Posted by: David | May 22, 2008 5:34 PM
Yes, coincidence. How many planes fly everyday? Jesus is plastered all over the country. Is there a place where you could land where there isn't religious crap everywhere? There's a church every 5 feet. Statistically, random things like this will happen. What a huge god you have, being limited to landing planes near kitsch signs. What happened to the pillars of fire and the global floods? He just getting tired in his old age?
Posted by: Dennis N | May 23, 2008 9:48 AM
No one said anything about no self will...in fact we all have a free will.
Well, David, you didn't say anything about free will here, but I wasn't referring to you. I have had deeply religious colleagues arguing that very point. That was what I was referencing.
Posted by: Josh | May 23, 2008 1:38 PM
This is just totally rubbish. There are passages allegedly from God telling you how to care for slavery and this has been well hashed out on this blog.
Women's rights? Good grief they are subordinate all the way through. You castigate others who 'point out the bad' while being selective yourself.
Many,,many knuckleheads. The difference from them saying God said and your and yours saying God said is exactly zero. Just because your personal morality is different doesn't make your theology so.
Thats exactly correct with the exception that the premise that God exists and is saying anything at all and a particular God at that is presumed. We all develop our own reality regardless of theological leanings.
Posted by: JimC | May 23, 2008 2:35 PM
You honestly believe that? You have no credibility after that comment.
Posted by: JimC | May 23, 2008 3:07 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24765324/from/ET/
Coincidence??? I think not!
You honestly believe that? You have no credibility after that comment.
Posted by: JimC | May 23, 2008 3:07 PM
Fortunately my life does not revolve around whether or not a total stranger thinks of me as credible.
Yes, coincidence. How many planes fly everyday? Jesus is plastered all over the country. Is there a place where you could land where there isn't religious crap everywhere? There's a church every 5 feet. Statistically, random things like this will happen. What a huge god you have, being limited to landing planes near kitsch signs. What happened to the pillars of fire and the global floods? He just getting tired in his old age?
Posted by: Dennis N | May 23, 2008 9:48 AM
There are millions of square miles where a plane could land or crash that are nowhere near what you call "Religious Crap" especially outside the good ole' USA. which is where this took place.
Even though you don't believe in Him or His Son that died for you He is still the creator of the Universe, the one and only that gave up His place to die for each of us, including you.
Choosing to read into His Word what you wish in order to accomplish your agenda does not make what you say true. Science is consistently proving The Word of God True time and time again.
As for women's rights and slavery you allegedly think you know something of those topics concerning the Bible, what about The Word Himself (Christ Jesus) telling the religious scribes, priest and Pharisees of his day and still today, that loving your neighbor as your self is the key to all of the commandments? Slavery and suppression of women is not carried out by True Believers in Christ Jesus but those who wish to dominate others for their own gain and good feelings.
Just like the closed minded comments from those here are not True Scientist, but more like mindless sheep following teachings that that have long been proven questionable at best.
Posted by: David | May 29, 2008 6:51 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHA
Posted by: paul | May 29, 2008 8:30 PM