What Does Forgiveness Look Like for Christians Who Repent of Heretical Views?

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It’s not often that a prominent figure admits he was wrong about a hot button cultural issue, but that’s exactly what author and podcaster Malcolm Gladwell did recently. On “The Real Science of Sport Podcast,” Gladwell confessed that, when moderating a panel back in 2022, he’d been “cowed” into agreeing that men should be allowed to compete in women’s sports.  

Though he knew at the time that it made no sense to claim men have no advantage over women in sports, Gladwell remained silent. He now thinks that 90% of the audience then knew this truth, but only 5% were brave enough to say so. Today, he said he thinks the social pressure has changed: 

If we did a replay of that exact panel, … it runs in exactly the opposite direction. It would be near unanimity in the room that trans-athletes have no place in the female category. I don’t think there’s any question. … The reason I’m ashamed of my performance at that panel is because I share your position 100%. And I was cowed. … In a dishonest way, … I let a lot of howlers pass without comment. 

It was when a trans advocate sitting on the panel said, “You have to let us win,” that Gladwell realized what the whole conversation was truly about: 

The trans movement, they’re not asking for a place at the table, they’re not asking to be treated with respect and dignity. What they’re asking is for no one to question their considerable physiological advantage they bring to the sport. … When I heard that, I was like, “This is nuts!” And yet, I didn’t say anything. 

Gladwell’s admission is the latest chapter in the “vibe shift” about transgender ideology. He certainly wasn’t the only one cowed, but that someone of his prominence and influence could be intimidated shows how powerful social pressure can be and the consequences of remaining silent. To paraphrase Francis Schaeffer, people often catch their ideas like they catch a cold. From trans ideology to antisemitism, a primary way that evil spreads is when thoughtful and intelligent people refuse to speak out. 

Gladwell will not be the last prominent influencer to backpedal on this issue. How should the rest of us respond when someone admits error? This is a question that not only applies to celebrities, but also to neighbors, friends, family members, even fellow Christians.  

A similar question faced the early church after the “Great Persecution” ended in 311. Survivors were confronted with Christian leaders who had buckled under the pressure of persecution and denied Christ. This became known as the Donatist Controversy. 

While some called for mercy and forgiveness, others argued that Christian leaders could be restored only after time and acts of penitence. Those who claimed there could be no restoration after such a betrayal became known as the Donatists. The debate led to one of the first large scale splits of the Church. In the end, Christians chose mercy, not to coddle sin but to prioritize the message of grace. 

Of course, the question about Christians who repent of heretical views is far different than of celebrities. However, a culture captive to a Critical Theory mood and driven by the pursuit of social media “gotcha” moments has no categories for mercy or forgiveness. Only Christianity provides the framework for forgiveness. From the mothers of slain Amish school girls to the members of Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston to Erika Kirk at her husband’s memorial service, forgiveness is a way that the Church has stood out.  

Forgiveness does not mean we should be foolish. Strong accountability and a spirit of forgiveness are not mutually exclusive options. Public failings often demand public rebukes, removal from office, even handing the guilty over to proper authorities. We need not accept half-apologies, and we should never accept putting victims at risk of further harm.  

And yet, grace and forgiveness are central features, not just of the Christian faith but also of the Christian conception of reality. Just as Jesus held together both mercy and forgiveness with a firm and unwavering opposition to sin, we must also. The Church was founded by people such as Peter the betrayer, Simon the terrorist, and Matthew the exploiter. Our history is the history of the fallen and forgiven, those who can cry out with the author of “Amazing Grace,” “I am a great sinner, … Christ is a great Savior!”

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John Stonestreet is President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and radio host of BreakPoint, a daily national radio program providing thought-provoking commentaries on current events and life issues from a biblical worldview. John holds degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL) and Bryan College (TN), and is the co-author of Making Sense of Your World: A Biblical Worldview.

The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of CrosswalkHeadlines.

BreakPoint is a program of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. BreakPoint commentaries offer incisive content people can't find anywhere else; content that cuts through the fog of relativism and the news cycle with truth and compassion. Founded by Chuck Colson (1931 – 2012) in 1991 as a daily radio broadcast, BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on today's news and trends. Today, you can get it in written and a variety of audio formats: on the web, the radio, or your favorite podcast app on the go.