From sinner to saint, quite a transformation.

Tuliptree

He had it easy because of his connections. I think he’s manipulative and clever and saw a way to apparently redeem himself so he could get back into the gilded entitled life he’d always enjoyed. Look at the roles he’s had in the C of E . Hardly Profumo is he? Paula Vennels had a lay role in the C of E didn’t she?

I actually believe his background went against him.

He does not seem to living a gilded life anymore.

I don’t believe being a prison Chaplain is a glamorous role.

Paula Vennells was a lay preacher at the time of her deception there is a huge difference.

M0nica’s example of how people can change is a good one. St Paul did not ask for forgiveness for his wrong doing. He changed his way of life.

I don’t know if he was able to rebuild his relationships. I don’t know if any who were hurt by him can forgive him.

I don’t suppose JA has forgotten what he did, but that doesn’t mean he can’t decide to do better.

Some things happening today are unforgivable, but maybe John 8:7 is worth remembering.

He had it easy because of his connections. I think he’s manipulative and clever and saw a way to apparently redeem himself so he could get back into the gilded entitled life he’d always enjoyed. Look at the roles he’s had in the C of E . Hardly Profumo is he? Paula Vennels had a lay role in the C of E didn’t she?

Yes, I believe in redemption in it's broadest sense. I'm not religious but I certainly believe that humans have the capacity to change for the better and that no-one should be written off because of past behaviour.

What a nasty lot of responses. Yes, of course, people can behave really badly and realise later what they were and change.

Isn't the whole story of St Pauls conversion on the road to Damascus, just such a story? he was persecuting christians , had his conversion moment, and went on to lead them and die for his religion.

Being educated and articulate didn't stop Jonathan Aitken going to prison and serving time. I think that experience was his road to Damascus. He may well have faced up to what he did to his daughter and shown his sorrow and rebuilt his relationship with her. Since then he has tried to live a good life. Why shouldn't he.

“he broke my poor Carol’s heart”

Well it’s definitely easier if you’re well connected. If you’re educated and articulate it’s easier to convince people as well. I thought it was unforgivable how he got his young daughters to lie for him.

You can most certainly go from sinner to saved.

I dont call anyone a saint.
That is for Jesus to decide.

Is an Anglican priest a saint? ... not the ones I have known!