Or, it is evidence of the pettiness of many christians - the only army in the world that attacks its wounded and proclaims any perceived weakness at the top of its lungs for the enemy to hear...
Can you imagine the nation of Israel trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem...instead of working with a sword at the ready, they would shout to the enemy 'hey...my neighbor here hasn't finished his wall...it isn't strong right here...it may look ok, but there is no strength to it'.
Maybe when we see a weakness (or a perceived weakness), we should 'cover' it - not to hide it or pretend it doesn't exist - but to stand in the gap. There is already an 'accuser of the brethren', he doesn't need our help...
re: “Or, it is evidence of the pettiness of many christians - the only army in the world that attacks its wounded and proclaims any perceived weakness at the top of its lungs for the enemy to hear...”
Yes, I have seen and heard what you speak of in your statement, and, I have seen Christian Brothers and Sisters spew venom and hatred toward each other over theological disagreements.
However, while I believe that Christians are to express their disagreements (within the church) with respect and out of a concern for the wayward brother or sister (as the Bible clearly teaches) - does that mean we do not respectfully rebuke a Christian brother when there is a perceived huge, theological error - especially when that brother is a pastor or priest?
The problem with your suggestion of “covering it up” or “standing in the gap” within the church body rather than in full view of the public is that Pastor Hillsong made his statement in the public arena - for all to hear.
That’s why he appropriately made his clarification in public as well.
Again, I agree that our rebukes should not be spoken with anger and demeaning, hateful language - but the rebuke, the correction MUST be given or we demonstrate that we really don’t care about the person in error, or worse, the error itself.