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Longtime director of Apologetics Press fired
.: posted Sunday, July 03, 2005 ::: by .:webmaster:. ::: EmailThis! »

By Bobby Ross Jr.
The Christian Chronicle
June 21, 2005

Apologetics Press, the Montgomery, Ala.-based church organization that has waged a quarter-century battle against atheism and the theory of evolution, has fired its longtime director, Bert Thompson, amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Interim executive director Dave Miller said the organization, which has a $1 million annual budget, intends to proceed “undaunted by Satan.”

“We are deeply grateful for Dr. Thompson's longstanding warfare against the sinister doctrine of evolution, with his eloquent affirmation of the biblical account of Creation,” Miller wrote in an open letter to Apologetics Press supporters.

“Truth is truth, even if those who defend it eventually succumb to personal sin,” Miller wrote.

In a separate letter, elders of the Palm Beach Lakes church, West Palm Beach, Fla., urged friends of Apologetics Press to stand behind the organization. That congregation had overseen Thompson and Apologetics Press for 18 months and will maintain an advisory role.

“We implore you to increase your financial and moral support to A.P. for the next two years then make an evaluation,” the elders wrote. “We are confident the Lord will bring unparalleled results through the new leadership, its renewed focus and its amazingly talented staff.”

The board of Apologetics Press fired Thompson, 55, its executive director for 26 years, at a May 24 meeting.

Among those who attended were his wife, Rhonda, elders from supporting congregations and his minister, Frank Chesser of the Panama Street church, Montgomery. Chesser declined an interview request.

Miller said the confrontation followed an investigation by Apologetics Press staff members and other interested individuals.

“We didn't lay anything out on the table,” Miller said, referring to specific instances of wrongdoing. “We just said, 'We now have knowledge of multiple incidents involving a number of individuals.'”

At that time, Thompson confessed his sins and asked for forgiveness, according to those present. At his church the next night, he responded to the invitation and again asked for forgiveness.

CHURCH MEMBER SAYS HE'S A VICTIM

A 36-year-old church member, who grew up in Alabama, said he was among alleged victims who gave statements to the investigators.

The member, who preferred not to be identified publicly, told the Chronicle that Thompson started sending him cards and letters when he was 13, then pressed him to go out to dinner after he turned 16, the legal age of consent in Alabama.

At the meal, Thompson invited the teen to go home with him and watch a movie, the member said. Thompson's family was not home, and the member said Thompson lured him to a bedroom, disrobed and touched him inappropriately. The member said he later met two other young men who told of similar experiences with Thompson.

The member voiced concerns that church leaders who gathered evidence against Thompson wanted to keep the accusations quiet.

He said one minister told him, “He didn't molest Methodists. He didn't molest Baptists. He didn't molest atheists. And we intend to keep it in the church.” (The minister who allegedly made that statement declined to comment.)

But the member said the accusations needed to be made public to allow more victims to come forward.

“We don't know if he just molested church of Christ kids,” he said. “This guy was all over the country.”

In an “Open Letter to the Brotherhood” dated May 25, Thompson wrote, “For some time now, I have been struggling with some personal sins in my life, and as a result it was obvious ... that I no longer was the best choice to lead the work forward for the next quarter of a century.”

When contacted by the Chronicle about the firing, Thompson referred all questions to Apologetics Press. “That's something between them and me, and it's a very personal matter,” he said, and declined to comment further.

Rhonda Thompson, his wife of 33 years, said the couple is divorcing. “You can safely say we're devastated,” she said.

But she said she remains supportive of Apologetics Press, describing its work as “vital to the church, and I beg the brotherhood to continue to support it.”

GRAND JURY DECLINED TO BRING CHARGES

The recently uncovered accusations were not the first. A year and a half ago, no charges were brought after a grand jury in Montgomery County heard accusations of inappropriate sexual contact by Thompson with a 17-year-old boy, Miller said.

While that case ended with no legal action, the Eastern Meadows church, Montgomery, withdrew as the overseeing congregation for Apologetics Press. The Thompsons, the Millers and three other families associated with Apologetics Press left that congregation, Miller said.

But the Eastern Meadows church continued to contribute “a fairly large sum of money” to Apologetics Press, Miller said.

“We had information about the allegations,” said Ted Norton, an Eastern Meadows elder. “We were not in a position to know whether they were true or not. We as individuals had our own personal feelings, but we did not have evidence so to speak.”

To many, Thompson was the face of Apologetics Press - the outspoken creationist who delighted in sparring with those with whom he disagreed.

The Abilene Christian University alumnus made national news in the mid-1980s when he accused ACU biology professors of teaching evolution and making light of the Genesis account of creation.

The professors were exonerated after a three-month investigation by ACU.

Another focus of Thompson's books and attacks was John Clayton, a Dowagiac, Mich., church member and former atheist who leads “Does God Exist?” seminars across the nation.

CLAYTON SAYS CRISIS CALLS FOR PRAYER

Thompson took issue with Clayton's views on creation and accused him of advocating “theistic evolution,” since Clayton suggests the earth cannot dogmatically be said to be 6,000 years old.

“I would have nothing to say about it - except that we need to pray for everyone involved, especially the many people who put their faith in Bert and will be seriously damaged by what has happened,” Clayton said of Thompson's firing.

Last year, Apologetics Press published two articles making a biblical case against homosexuality and listing the authors as Brad Harrub, Thompson and Miller. Both articles remain on the organization's Web site, but references to Thompson as an author have been deleted.

“I think we just decided to remove those because of the hypocrisy,” said Miller, indicating that he and Harrub had written 98 percent of the original articles.

Phil Sanders, minister of the Concord Road church, Brentwood, Tenn., said Thompson's work blessed thousands.

“I will still place a measure of confidence in what he has written,” Sanders said, “but I am deeply disappointed that he has permitted this sin to enslave him.”

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20 Comments:

Anonymous wrote:

The chronicle should not have posted an article as such. True or not, it has done much harm to the church of Christ. There will a lot of people to answer for this at the judgement. Hope ya'll are happy for the damage caused. You said you were Christians?

AH
Texas

posted: December 28, 2005

Dave8 wrote:

"At that time, Thompson confessed his sins and asked for forgiveness, according to those present. At his church the next night, he responded to the invitation and again asked for forgiveness."

How does a church fire/remove any member for a sinful act? They believe "everyone" is a sinner..., what makes one sinner worse than the next... isn't the task of looking into someones' heart/soul the Christian god's job...

Its obvious, that the christian dogma is so fallacious, that any christian can do anything to "anyone else" and be forgiven, but as soon as they commit some sin against their "own" religious people, then it becomes unpardonable, and requiring justice... and the hypocrisy rolls on...

posted: December 28, 2005

Andrew wrote:

What do you mean?

posted: December 28, 2005

Onanite wrote:

AH from Texas said:

The chronicle should not have posted an article as such. True or not, it has done much harm to the church of Christ. There will a lot of people to answer for this at the judgement. Hope ya'll are happy for the damage caused. You said you were Christians?

The "damage" was caused by Thompson. He was the pervert looking to have sex with kids, all the while leading the typical Christian life.

So who do you suggest will "answer for this?" As expected, you are standing up for the pervert who committed the crime. If there were a god, it would be punishing the pervert right? {snicker)

Christians are just amazing to me.

Onanite

posted: December 28, 2005

Andrew wrote:

you seem to full of anger...typical. As of discussing issues such as these, there is nothing wrong with them of themselves. Christians aren't perfect.

As of the actions of sexual perversion...indeed they need to handled legally. Personally, I have children and do not tolerate such behavior. I do believe that these issues only do harm to the Christian name. Are you a Christian? I assume not.

My point was this: The issue should be handled, but of whaat benefit does it do the Kingdom by hurting the rest of us. Since you are a non-Christian, you don't care. That's okay, you have thhat right. If I came accross arrogant, let me apologize.

posted: December 28, 2005

Dave8 wrote:

I suppose you may be referring to my comment; if that is the case then...

Christian lore has been passed to recognize "all" mankind as "sinful" at "birth", from the "sin" of adam... there is no "hierarchy" of "sinful" acts, save one...

Mark 3:22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” (28) So Jesus . . . spoke to them . . . (28) I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. (29) But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” (30) He said this because they were saying, “He has an evil spirit.”

Therefore, committing murder is no more sinful than stealing, in regard to the "act" of "sin", as a matter of fact... christianity teaches that the only way to save a persons' "sinful" nature, is to accept jesus, but that... doesn't remove a persons' "sinful" nature... even after baptism, and all of the hallelujah's, its still "expected" that the "saved" will continue to commit sinful acts...

Since that is the christian belief, then... and we are not "capable" of preventing ourselves from committin "sinful" acts... furthermore, if a Christian were to ignore their belief system, and state that we should be held accountable, even though we have no "ability" to prevent our "sinful" natures, there is no "measure" for "sinful" acts, i.e., murder is sin, and so is stealing, however, there is nothing that states one is worse than the other, and therefore, punishment logically has to be the same for both sins...

Now, I find it hypocritical that a church, who founds its philosophy on biblical scripture, punishes a member of their own church, when at the same time, they state that we are all "sinful" and unable to stop "sinning"... why not just get up in the pulpit every sunday and start handing out punishment equally to the entire congregation, as they would all probably admit to committing to at least "one" sin for the week, and sin is all the same, and so should punishment... remember, in a church, they are "all" saved because they "all" were saved through jesus... no more, no less should be the punishment for all sins committed... if the church punishes one member, they need to punish "all" members... equally...

What this church is engagin in, is an act of "business" law, not spiritual law, however, in theory, these business people, in charge of the church, are theoretically spiritual also... it appears, business takes precedence over spirituality, in that church... which, is hypocritical, and actions speak louder than words...

Business and spirituality don't mix, and is why U.S. law, states that there will not be a state sponsored spiritual movement... However, such is the hypocrisy of churches, as "every" one I attended, had board members, and was run like a business... to the point, that the hiring of clergy was done through an interview process, where degrees and salaries were discussed, etc... If you would like more cases of hypocrisy, let me know, I have plenty of examples... Does anyone know a church that doesn't conduct itself as a business?

posted: December 28, 2005

Andrew wrote:

I just read your profile....i uinderstand now!

posted: December 28, 2005

Dave8 wrote:

Andrew, whose profile did you read?

posted: December 28, 2005

Andrew wrote:

Sorry, Dave8. I was refering to onatite's comment.

posted: December 28, 2005

Dave8 wrote:

No, problem, just wanted to make sure, I didn't have a profile out there in the ether world I wasn't aware of... take care...

posted: December 28, 2005

Anonymous wrote:

REGARDING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: A wise man once said, "If you've thought it you've done it". But them we nailed HIM for it. But truth is, we've all done it, and a little of that salt on this debate would certainly season it with some grace, I'd hope. In the off chance that Bert should read this; "Bert, may God richly bless you and bring you home to LIFE." And may others who speak on this do so without logs, or stones.

posted: May 10, 2006

Anonymous wrote:

I am personally familliar with a young man that Mr Thompson pursued for quite some time. Children can be hesitant to come forward, and this case is not unique. Mr Thompson needs serious help, and no doubt his fine wife and family deserve a tremendous amount of encouragement. No man can erase the past, and in making decisions that effect others we should take steps to close the door on future abuses. Still, the Lord's example enables us to be wise, and to forgive.

posted: July 27, 2006

Anonymous wrote:

A member of the church is to abide by the laws of the land. Bert Thompson has injured the church more than he has helped it. God doesn't need for anyone to prove that his word is true, in regards to the creation and salvation. Bert Thompson molesting the boys is in direct opposition to God's law. Bert Thompson should be prosecuted by the law of the land.

posted: August 07, 2006

Daniel P. O'Reilly wrote:

Mr. Thompson has confessed his sin and asked for forgiveness. God will forgive him and it is up to the various members of the congregation, his family, his victims, etc. as to whether or not they will forgive him. They may forgive him and choose to prosecute him (nothing wrong with that). Also, as a leader and rep of the church of Christ, he is held to a high standard and cannot be allowed to continue in that role. Firing was correct and appropriate. Dan

posted: August 11, 2006

Anonymous wrote:

He repented when? 20 years ago, so filled with remorse and desiring to seek help? NO.

Another case of only when caught am I ready to repent.

Are we to blink when it is a member of the church that is guilty of this horrendous crime? I guess we can't slam Sodom and Gomorrah when the men were demanding for the men to come out to the street, can we?

posted: September 17, 2006

Jason wrote:

We can forgive him, but he has not paid a price for this in prison which he must, just like all pedophiles. He broke the laws of the land and terrified many boys.

My brother-in-law is one of his victims. I never knew this until this story broke and my mother-in-law told me about it. Mr. Thompson has a severe problem and needs to not EVER be around children again.

Also, there is a difference between occassional sin because you are weak and tempted and what he did, actively persuing sex with boys and seducing them in a predatory fashion.

posted: September 22, 2006

Pete wrote:

Yes, Christians can be forgiven for sins if they truly repent! One person asked why he should be released from duty if he did repent. Well he should be released because he has lost his influence for good. How would anyone look up to him with respect. It's a sad day in the church and outsiders will use this in an accusatory way. But look at any religious group and you will find a few black sheep. If we really believe we must press on and keep up faith no matter what we face.(I Cor. 10:13) Pete Lubbock, Texas

posted: November 07, 2006

Anonymous wrote:

The question that always goes unanswered for me in cases like these is why the person who professes to be a Christian does not pray fervently to God to help him overcome these things and present it before the Church before they are caught. Why do they not ask forgiveness from the people they have harmed and from God before they are caught? I am not sure it is asking for true forgiveness if getting caught is what brings you forward. There must be a change of heart and not a forced confession.

posted: November 21, 2006

boomSLANG wrote:

Yes, Christians can be forgiven for sins if they truly repent!

Yes, only members of the exclusive "Club Christo" are forgiven by it's Chairman of the Board, Jebus---non-members can't repent or pay dues, because, well, because they're not members.

....::dumdee dumdee dumm::...

HEY!... wait just a god-danged minute!...I can't become a member unless I truly repent, but I can't truly repent because I'm not a member! D'oh!....who made up this bullshit initiation, anyway? LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep your membership..... eternal shuffleboard sounds like a blast! lol

posted: November 21, 2006

Anonymous wrote:

I personally knew Bert and thought the world of him. When I heard the news I was shocked as were many other people.Everyone makes mistakes-even so-called "christians". None of us are perfect. What he did is terrible but I feel that if you are a true christian you will not judge and forgive. After all, God says not to judge people,Right? Let's all do what christians SHOULD do and pray that he gets help and pray for his family. He has a sickness and with our help and God's he can and will recover. He has to live with the guilt for the rest of his life. Bert and his family need all the support they can get and us as christians should be willing to help and forgive.That's what christians should do.God has forgiven him so we should too.

posted: January 26, 2007

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