by Tom Wacaster
Several
years ago there appeared an article in the Houston Chronicle that still serves
as a stark reminder that things are not always as they seem. The report told of
a man who was "laid back," "friendly," and very
"knowledgeable." These were a few of the epitaphs used by surprised
individuals as they sought for words to describe Jerry Allen Whittredge, a
"wanna-be" insider in NASA, CIA, and who knows where else his
dreamings might have taken him. By falsely claiming to be an astronaut, this
48-year old Galveston man gained access into NASA's most secure area. He was so
convincing that he was granted a tour of Marshall Space Center and access to
Mission Control and was permitted to sit at the console during a shuttle
mission. Mr. Whittredge is now in custody as authorities try to sort out why
and how this man was able to deceive so many. The bottom line is: SOMEONE
FORGOT TO CHECK HIS CREDENTIALS. As a result, a phony gained access to
otherwise restricted areas, NASA officials have 'egg on their face,' and
government security is under close scrutiny. IF NASA ran her business like some
our brethren would have us run the church when it comes to exposing and dealing
with men like Whittredge, here is what might have happened. At first 'light' of
Mr. Whittredge's activities, someone would have asked, "Well, have you
gone to Mr. Whittredge yourself? Have you personally discussed your grievance
with him? If not, then we find no grounds to take your accusations
seriously." Who cares that the man traveled the country in his mobile
home, maintained a web page touting his bogus but believable identity, and
continued to gain access into important areas of government circles. According
to this way of thinking, until you personally track the man down, get him to
sit down and answer your questions, you have no right to restrict his access to
sensitive governmental areas. Any question regarding his qualifications might
just label you as some sort of a vile and vicious trouble maker. When presented
with overwhelming evidence that the man was, and is, a phony, those in high
places would remind you that Mr. Whittredge is really very nice, "laid
back," and quite "knowledgeable." "Why-y-y, have you ever
listened to this man speak?" someone might respond. "He is so good,
and speaks with such sincerity and deep down love for NASA and the
government." Yes sir, with that kind of personality, the man should be
given the benefit of the doubt and allowed continued access to these sensitive
areas of government. But somewhere along the line a concerned official raises a
most serious question. "Has anyone checked the man's credentials?"
"Credentials? What are you, some sort of a legalist? You radical
knucklehead, can't you see that this man is sincere? And besides that, what
constitutes legitimate credentials? That is nothing more than your
interpretation of NASA's code and qualifications list." Well, I think you
get the picture by now. We are happy to report that Mr. Whittredge is now under
arrest. Any harm he might have done has been effectively rendered null and
void. His "mouth has been shut," and his influence curtailed. I just
wish I could say the same thing about the false teachers who roam our land
wrecking havoc on the Lord's church from coast to coast and beyond. Perhaps we
ought to take a lesson from the government's reaction to this "bogus
astronaut" and pursue the same course of action concerning false teachers
that are troubling the Lord's church.