Watch The Trials of Ted Haggard

The Trials of Ted Haggard is a 2009 documentary film directed by Alexandra Pelosi. The film follows the downfall of Ted Haggard, an American evangelical pastor and political activist who was caught up in a sex and drugs scandal in 2006. Before the scandal, Haggard was the founder and senior pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a prominent figure in the evangelical community. He was also a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage and an influential advisor to President George W. Bush.

The film begins with footage of Haggard's sermons and public appearances, showing him to be a charismatic and passionate speaker. It then delves into the details of the scandal, which began when a male escort named Mike Jones claimed that he had a three-year sexual relationship with Haggard and that Haggard had purchased methamphetamine from him.

The documentary includes interviews with Haggard himself, as well as his wife Gayle and several members of his congregation. Haggard initially denies the accusations, but later admits that he had a sexual relationship with Jones and purchased drugs from him.

The film also explores the reactions of the evangelical community to the scandal. Some church members express shock and disappointment, while others stand by Haggard and defend his character.

Throughout the film, Haggard and his family struggle to come to terms with the aftermath of the scandal. Haggard is eventually forced to resign from his position at the New Life Church, and he and his family move out of Colorado Springs.

The documentary concludes with Haggard and his family attempting to rebuild their lives. Haggard starts a new church in his home, and he and Gayle work on repairing their relationship. However, Haggard still struggles with his sexuality and his role in the scandal, and the film leaves open the question of whether he will ever fully recover from his fall from grace.

Overall, The Trials of Ted Haggard is a fascinating exploration of a complex and controversial figure. The film does an excellent job of showing the human side of Haggard and his family, while also examining the larger cultural and political implications of the scandal. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, politics, and scandal in America.

The Trials of Ted Haggard is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.