Q: Why do so many American politicians—from Bill Clinton to Mark Sanford—use religious language when they make public confessions of marital infidelity? Are they truly penitent or just pandering? How can we tell the difference?

In times of crisis or trouble, even the otherwise apathetic seem inclined to take shelter in religion. For most of us, of course, returning to our religious roots—or rekindling our commitment to God—is a private act. But for public figures, religion happens in front of a camera—and it’s disseminated in a mass of sound bites and video clips.

Considering our media-saturated culture, viewers and constituents naturally wonder what it is they’re seeing in these hyper-public confessionals. Is it sincerity? Or is it a stunt contrived solely to evoke a viewer’s sympathy?

In fact, I think there’s an even deeper question that needs addressing. Perhaps it’s not so much that we wonder about these individuals’ sincerity. Perhaps what we really wonder is whether someone who’s given him or herself over to lust and infidelity can ever really change.

As a Christian Scientist, I take seriously the need to expose and heal sin. But in doing so, I also take seriously Jesus’ example.

When Jesus went to be the guest of Zacchaeus—a corrupt tax collector—he faced criticism from those who saw Zacchaeus as unworthy, as a sinner. But instead of condemning him, Jesus took a different approach. He didn’t ignore the sin; but he must have seen something worthy, something redeemable, something good in Zacchaeus. What came next was transformation. As a result of his interaction with Jesus, Zacchaeus not only repented—he promised to right the wrongs he’d committed—and he became a different man. Generous and good-hearted. Redeemed.

As a Christian Scientist I’ve seen this kind of transformation several times. It takes a special Christlike humility to realize the wrong that must be rectified but without condemning oneself in the process. This cannot be accomplished naively or from just a wistful hopefulness. It takes great strength, courage and complete honesty to transform one’s character. And I can say from the perspective of one who has prayed for others going through this struggle that there is nothing as beautiful as witnessing a person’s redemption and the change of life that follows that redemption.

Of course, this is never easy. The power of God is real and can and does touch each of our hearts—impelling us to be better. But as I’ve prayed with individuals struggling with infidelity and other forms of sin, I’ve seen the deep wrestling—the warfare with ourselves, you might call it—that healing sin sometimes requires. But these individuals’ lives have also shown me that healing is possible.

Hopefully we can forgo cynicism and condemnation, and look beyond the headlines to the heart. If we do, we may see examples of how the love of God transforms and allows people to forever leave behind old behaviors and to contribute to society in meaningful and productive ways.

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