Shepherd's Pre-Christian Life Included Abusive Relationships, Abortions

I wouldn't recommend 'laying hands' on Barbara Walters, regardless of reason. She's tougher than she looks.

(I know what its supposed to mean, but isn't that a creepy phrase?)

Is this the young lady who, I believe, stated on air that "Christians were [historically] before everybody."? The context was apparently that she thought Christianity was the oldest culture or at least oldest religion on earth. Yikes. She actually argued about it. Is she a professional journalist? If so, does she have a college degree? If so, did she flunk ALL of her history/civ courses? Does she belong to a church? If so, what do they teach there? Good Grief. This is my beef with certain Christian denominations who may be not educating their congregations correctly on exactly where Christianity came from and where it fits in the continuum of human history.

Do not get me wrong. Gotta admire her achievements in turning her life around and for giving credit to the religious faith she believes saved her to do so. Speaking up for the truth as one sees it is courageous. However, as a teacher I always flinch when I see folks who should know better displaying ignorance. Anyone who claims a paid position as a public commentator should know her facts before she speaks.

It seems that many of the previous posters have issues that Beliefnet clearly has not been able to help. I thought this was a website that fostered "inspiration, spirituality and faith" - not blatant hate mongering, racism, close-mindedness, judgementalness, and contempt for anyone whose life (or lifestyle) is not in agreement with your own. CALM DOWN PEOPLE!!!

Sherri Shepard made a "joke" about the practice of "laying hands" on an individual that is a common practice in many of the "Charismatic Christian" faiths (Pentecostal, COGIC, Southern Baptist, Holiness, etc.)that is supposed to imbibe you with the "Holy Spirit", cast down demons/strongholds, etc. The joke did not come off on paper as she stated it in person to the interviewer. Please remember, Sherri was, and still is, a comedian first. Since the joke did not come off well, she apologized to Barbara Walters - who not only completely accepted the apology, but dismissed the criticizem concerning the joke and made a joke of her own in response. By the way, I never received the impression that Sherri somehow asserts "that others are fundamentally wrong in their beliefs and need to change." The show she commentates on is called, "The View". I believe she is just giving hers, as do all of the co-hosts.

Kudos to Sherri for discussing, for many, many women, her deeply personal, life changing and devisive decision to have an abortion. I am sure her openess and truthfullness on the subject has not only set her free of the guilt, condemnation, and shame she has placed on herself, but has set many, many other women who have had to make this gut wrenching decision (oftentimes all alone) on the path to freedom also.

Concerning her "turnaround" by way of Christianity, I thought that is what Christianity was all about. From what I've heard and read, God/Christ habitually and decidedly used many individuals who were considered morally, characteristically, intellectually and physically deficient in some way to carry out his works/miracles/edicts/messages. Sherri is a flawed individual (as are we all) who is using her "testimony" to share the message of Christ's boundless love and infinite power to change things for the better.

HUH? What has got into you people? Insulting each other, trashing each other's beliefs and deities! Get a grip, please!

I agree with Lulya on some of her thoughts about the girls on "The View". I myself have skeletons in my closet. Whoopi and Joy are okay. Sherri was okay until this revelation came out about her lifestyle. I now know that all on the show are not as they portray themselves. Let me not get started on Elizabeth and Barbara. One face nice other face not so nice. Elizabeth acting christian and yet so unconservative. Barbara I watched when I was younger (Today Show and Evening News) and thought that she represented something good about female television reporters, but when her book came out, she became flawed also when she started bragging on her affair with a married man. I tried to watch this show every day but now, no thank you. The issue of the N-word was unfortunate for my race. I wish it would stay buried. I know the Bible says to love one another, but how can we when news agents let come out of their mouth the words,"hate his guts or hate her"? Thank You

Very nice.