Today, Jack Schaap was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his crime. I wrote about this issue when it happened, and recently the lurid details were unveiled by the prosecuting attorney. (More here and here.)
Linda Murphrey, daughter of Jack Hyles — the former pastor of First Baptist Hammond, at one time the self-proclaimed largest church in the world — has written an open letter to the church at this time, knowing Schaap’s sentencing was scheduled for today. Schaap is her brother-in-law, and Linda grew up on the inside of the ministry, and in the very home of, the most powerful man in fundamentalism in the 1970s and 80s. Her letter includes an apology and an admission of the secret double life that Hyles lived, and Schaap perpetuated.
For anyone who knows something of the history of First Baptist of Hammond, and Jack Hyles, this letter is quite amazing to read. It is written with such grace and humility, fervor and love, and above all, honesty. I encourage you to read it and pray for the future of First Baptist of Hammond. The current leadership there has a vested interest to deny the truth of Linda’s letter. This wing of fundamentalism cannot admit that Hyles was phony. So much of their very ethos is tied to his persona — at least it would seem. But I pray that many who have been shaken by these events can find grace and help in her first-hand testimony. May her final words come true:
Hopefully this is a new beginning for the thousands of walking wounded. Hopefully the end of an era has arrived. And hopefully the baton has finally been destroyed.
As you move forward, may you find complete healing from all that has hurt you. May you find peace from the turmoil caused by the abuse of religion. May you abandon man-worship and forsake the venomous spirit of fundamentalism.
And may you completely undo the God of Jack Hyles, embark on a personal journey to discover who God really is and experience a joyful life living in complete freedom and truth. [link to Linda’s letter]
I attended Tennessee Temple University. My friend was the daughter of Bill Pennell. You can understand why I sense the freaky similarity of her and Linda’s stories. The theme that always runs through IFB history.
I was at TTU when Cliff Robinson was busted for his decade long tryst w/ Dorothy…. Lee Roberson’s secretary. It was disgusting how they expected the students and church member to swallow the flagrant lie that all of a sudden, Cliff was disappearing because God was calling him into “Evangelistic Outreach”…. total BS!!
My hope is that you and others like Linda Murphrey will continue to expose what I have known for years. Yes, I too left the church, and have tried to share my experience w/ those still caught up in the insanity. May you have ten-fold success!!
BA
chicago, IL
Dear IFB Floggers:
It should also be reported that King David has slept with another man’s wife, and worse, he had the man killed to satisfy his lustful desires going forward. Let’s burn that baton, as well. He will never amount to anything, and we should all eschew his pious words foisted upon us. There needs to be a time of healing in Israel.
But for the grace of God …….
It’s always fun to see who is willing to cast the first stone, isn’t it? Linda should be ashamed of her “open” letter.
Wow! Somebody drank the Cool Aid!! You are comparing Jack Hyles, Cliff Robinson, and Bill Pennell to King David… Really?
The KING of BAPTISTS aka: LORD HYLES would never admit he was a boastful and pompous pig! He cast out anyone who questioned him from the KINGDOM of Hammond… so he ain’t quite the rehabilitated man of God that King David finally matured to be.
At least David fell into despair when he saw the results of his ways. At least he regretted to his death the cost of his own son. At least he admitted his ego ruled his world. Then he got right sized.
David Hyles?…. you gotta be kidding! That slut of a man had daddy to ship him from church to church to keep the secret of his lecherous ways hidden. And God only knows how much holy Hyles seed he sowed from sea to shining sea!
There is a theme here Rick…. Those of us who’ve left can see it plainly. So can the outside world… puking as they peer into the sick souls of hypocrites who would build criminal kingdoms on the backs of decent people who were taught to trust their pastor. “Herr Pastor!! Sent from God!”
The Hyles Hooligans and the whole disgusting twist on Christ’s ministry that every IFBC represents needs to be exposed for what they actually are…. some ego-maniacal shyster’s crowning achievement.
It’s nothing less than Baptist Cult. Jonestown, Hammond, Chattanooga, Columbus, … they all have leaders with unquestionable power. Funny…. I thought only Jesus was supposed to have that. Guess Jesus didn’t count on Jack Hyles stealing THE show!
BA
Chicago
THIS JUST IN: Saint Augustine admits to having multiple mistresses, even while working in the Church at Milan as a young presbyter!!!!! When approached by his own mother with an opportunity to clean up his act and marry a young girl offered by her parents if only he would wait two years until she turned 14, he just couldn’t do it. The hormones got the best of young Augustine and he found another whore. Have you guys actually READ “The Confessions of Augustine?” The title might have given you a clue. I agree with Linda on at least this point. We should all be careful of the “heros” we think to follow.
None of us should have taken our eyes off of Jesus in the first place.
Rick –
Where in “The Confessions” can I read about Augustine being a presbyter at Milan? What years was he a presbyter there? When was he ordained?