These days, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar don’t talk about their son Josh much for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that his sexual indiscretions still haunt the family to the point that advertisers want nothing to do with their new reality show.
In a society that’s willing to forgive just about every sort of celebrity transgression (Case in point: Charlie Sheen still has a career.), Josh proved that their is a limit to what famous people can get away with, and his shocking misdeeds caused some of the most fervent Duggar fans to turn their backs on the family.
His family has talked about forgiving Josh, but they’ve also been open about the incredible amount of pain he’s caused and the fact that they may never be able to trust him again.
Knowing how his parents and many siblings feel about the troubled 28-year-old, many fans interpreted the following quote – posted on the Duggar’s Facebook page over the weekend – as a condemnation of Josh and his actions:
“Now I will say this to every sinner, though he should think himself to be the worst sinner who ever lived: cry to the Lord and seek Him while He may be found. A throne of grace is a place fitted for you. By simple faith, go to your Savior, for He is the throne of grace.”
The quote is from Charles Spurgeon, a 19th century Baptist preacher who’s such a favorite of the family that he inspired Jessa Duggar to name her son Spurgeon.
Obviously the post offers hope to “sinners,” but there’s a critical tone to it that’s led many to believe the Duggars aren’t satisfied with Josh’s atonement up to this point.
Of course, they’re probably more concerned about the fact that the public hasn’t forgotten about his misdeeds.
