Christian theologian steps down due to Ashley Madison hack

Cathy Lynn Grossman | Religion News Service

The Ashley Madison hack — the public release of emails of wannabe adulterers — has now ensnared a theologian with a famous name in some Christian circles.

Robert Craig Sproul Jr., best known by his first initials, today stepped up to face his sorrow — and teach a lesson in God's grace in the process.

He may be the beginning of a wave. LifeWay Research executive director and Christianity Today blogger Ed Stetzer speculated that hundreds of pastors, deacons and more might be shoved into the shaming spotlight for connecting to Ashley Madison, the hook-up site specializing in folks seeking extra-marital affairs.

It's not yet known how many church leaders are — or will soon be — publicly branded with the scarlet letter like Nathaniel Hawthorne's heroine bearing an "A" on her gown.

Stetzer advised them to"get right with God," their families and their churches.

And this is what R.C. Sproul Jr., has done.

According a faculty biography, he's the father of eight children, a rector of theology and chair of philosophy and theology at Reformation Bible College. He's also a teaching fellow for Ligonier Ministries, an outreach ministry.

It was founded by Robert Charles Sproul, his father, who is also chancellor of Reformation College. Sproul Jr.'s college biography also describes him as delighting in teaching "the fullness and the glory of the gospel truth that Jesus changes everything."

Or rather, he was a professor. He was a fellow. He alerted both institutions and, in accordance with church discipline, is now suspended from both roles.

Unlike other Christians, who maintain all of us are born into sin, his sin — or rather prospective thought about maybe sinning — was outed. And yet, R.C. Sproul Jr., is still teaching a Christian lesson.

On Monday he posted an essay titled "Judgment and Grace" on his blog.

"In August 2014, in a moment of weakness, pain, and from an unhealthy curiosity, I visited Ashley Madison. My goal was not to gather research for critical commentary, but to fan the flames of my imagination. There I found two gracious judgments. First, I felt the grace of fear. Second, I felt the grace of shame. I was there long enough to leave an old email address. And within minutes I left, never to return. I did not sign up for their service or interact with any clients. I have always remained faithful to my wife even after her passing."