Josh Duggar worked for the Family Research Council for nearly two years before resigning in May. Yesterday afternoon, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar released a statement from Josh, in which he explains that he has been unfaithful to Anna Duggar, his wife of almost seven years.
In an earlier version of the statement, Josh revealed that his actions were the result of a secret pornography addiction.
In response to Josh's confession, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins posted the following statement to the FRC website.
Last night we learned from online reports about allegations
concerning Josh Duggar and then read his confession today. We are grieved
by Josh’s conduct and the devastating impact of his pornography addiction and
marital unfaithfulness. Our hearts hurt for his family, and all those
affected by Josh’s actions. His deceitful behavior harms his family, his
friends, his former coworkers, and the cause he has publicly espoused. Those of
us who advocate for family values in the public square are held to a higher
standard, and Josh’s failures serve as a painful reminder of the destructive
effects of not living with integrity. We are praying for the family.
I know that this is a very difficult time for all those involved; however I also know we are all sinners saved by God's grace and we make mistakes- thank you for being honest now and admitting things- we forgive you and are praying for you and all involved
ReplyDeleteYes, we are called to pray for the family!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNo one win here...Before you could excuse his actions away as being a minor,but this put a different flavor on it...shame on you Josh for doing this to your wife and kids and your family....We pray that there is a lot of healing here and forgiving....but you have left a bad taste in the mouths of people the stood by you...
ReplyDeleteThis is what I could not get into words - thank you
DeleteI think Josh should get the help he really needs. I feel with help Josh can hopefully overcome this and make his marriage work. I still loved watching the Duggars!
ReplyDeleteJames 1:22-26
ReplyDelete22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
This saddens me a great deal. I am so sorry this has happened to the family and I pray that Josh gets the help he so desperately needs.
Joyce Anglin Miller
Only difference between him and everyone else is he got caught. we all have that same exact sin nature in us, some do a better job of turning from it. some have been fortunate enough to not be subjected to the temptation. but those among you without sin go ahead and throw that rock...I'm not defending him he should be held accountable. but I am saying most men have skeletons in the closet that they do not want to be exposed. he has an opportunity to build testimony, I pray that he has a true heart of repentance and that he is surrounded by people that can eventually forgive him.
ReplyDeleteits sad that josh has brought so much shame but isnt it time that we let this go for anna and the babies sake?it is destroying what was a happy time for her,doing what she wanted and planned for her life to be, and dont do this to his children, they are all innocent in this,yes they are young but much more in tune than you think,let it go for goodness sake,let them decompress, let them heal now, the press has gone to far with no accountablity.
ReplyDeleteI just read this from Kathie Lee..pull the wagons together and circle up! Please do that Duggar family! Nothing can maker us stop loving you! If Josh was my own brother, i would just pray harder for him, cuz Satan has a foothold and it needs to be crushed! Praying for all of you! Especially Annas broken heart! May the Lord encircle her and the kids with Himself! Time for all the family to help her! <3 Rom 8:28
ReplyDeleteI just read this from Kathie Lee..pull the wagons together and circle up! Please do that Duggar family! Nothing can maker us stop loving you! If Josh was my own brother, i would just pray harder for him, cuz Satan has a foothold and it needs to be crushed! Praying for all of you! Especially Annas broken heart! May the Lord encircle her and the kids with Himself! Time for all the family to help her! <3 Rom 8:28
ReplyDeleteI have something to say" STOP TALKING TO THE MEDIA AND LIVE LIFE FOR GOD, STOP JUST STOP, U DUGGARS ARE A GOOD FAMILY, WHAT EVER IN UR OWN PERSONAL BUSINESS SHOULD STAY UR BUSINESS, HELP JOSH RECOVER DO NOT COMDEMENED HIM, LET JOSH BE HANDLED BY THE LORD ABOVE AND STAY. LOW FOR A WHILE! WE ARE ALL SINNERS, SO JOSH IS NOT ALONE, KIRK FRANKLIN (GOSPEL SINGER) HIMSELF ADMITTED HIS UNFAITHFULNESS AND HE WAS FORGIVEN, SO WE CAN FORGIVE JOSH! AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!
ReplyDeleteI agree totally with your statement. Yesterday I found myself wondering why this stuff keeps coming into the lime light. It's personal family business. We don't need to, or want to know this stuff. It all needs to be handled in the confines of their family. This is not a media event. You're right. They need to lay low, and let this all blow over.
DeleteWas it "personal family business" with the Clinton's? I bet most people here had no problem bashing them yet preach forgiveness and "leave them alone" when it comes to the Duggars.
DeleteThey didn't choose for either of these stories to be public. The media found out and published them, and then the Duggars had no choice but to respond.
DeleteI am sorry to hear this new news, it is obvious that josh needs some treatment. I believe that this news, and the previous things that josh did should have been kept private. I think that people that are religious are taught by the church that if they confess to there sins then god will still alow them into heaven .I am sure that god would have wanted josh to tell anna not the whole world some things do not have to be told publicly . He may or may not get not get into heaven he will not really know till the end of his days.it just makes me really upset that the church teachs to confess your sins and all will be forgiven. Now that this new confession came out it will effect. His whol3 familys lives,, which is the sad part
ReplyDeleteAll is forgiven once and for all at the cross. It's not by our works lest any man should boast. Sin no matter what " size" is still the same before God. The question isn't whether or not he gets into heaven, it is is he even saved at all and we should be praying for his salvation, for him to fall before his Maker and repent. He has a long road ahead, but by God's grace, he will receive what we all receive when we choose to make Jesus the Lord of our hearts; unmerited grace and salvation.
DeleteThis is where the rubber meets the road. If Josh is a Christian, he can ask for and receive forgiveness from God and hopefully, from others he has hurt with his actions. We must remember that Satan is a master of deception and that pornography is one of the strong tools in his toolbox of evil. Those who have not been affected by pornography, do not realize the extent of damage that it can do. It is an addiction that, unless dealt with early on, can progress to depths that the victim never knew existed. I am praying that Josh will receive the forgiveness he needs to be able to recover from this addiction and make amends to those he has hurt.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for the Duggar family. Jim Bob & Michelle, their kids, and for Anna & her children. Josh has subjected them all to such scandal and ridicule. I have defended him & them often on other posts - against many others who vilified the whole family with vicious posts. Josh was a boy during his first mistakes, which allowed for healing & regaining trust. Now he is a man - there is no excuse. He knew that his 'addiction' was subjecting his family & the FRC to extensive criticism. Josh also knew that help was available with absolute confidentiality, thru secular or Christian counseling. I don't know how long it will take the Duggars to forgive again, but I know they will pray and try; because the Lord tells us to forgive. But it is up to Josh to PROVE he is trustworthy and regain Anna's trust. His children will hear of this scandal all of their lives - he MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for that too, and expect to ask their forgiveness one day. I hope Anna receives all the comfort and security (funds too, whatever she needs) from the Duggar family, even if she chooses to separate from Josh. Her needs come first! I still believe the Duggars are good, decent people. Josh has problems - but if he really wants to change, he is blessed with the right family to help him. My love & support goes out to Anna, her kids, and the Duggars & in-laws.
ReplyDeleteSpot on! AMEN to that. Well put!
DeleteVery well worded indeed.
DeleteI am so sorry your family is going through this. Only god can judge in the end. Our family is praying for yours and will continue to for as long as needed. We love your family and we are especially praying for Anna and the children through this rough time.
ReplyDeletePraying for the family, especially Anna.
ReplyDeleteI too am praying for Josh, Anna and their children and both sides of their families. The devil is a liar and I am praying that beauty can come from the ashes of this terrible blow to this sweet married couple. we must remember that there is not one of us that are with out sin in our lives, so instead of judging Josh , we must all rally around the Duggar Family and prayerfully support them. This marriage can be saved if Josh and Anna are willing to do the work. I am praying for them to seek God's PERFECT will. These precious little children of theirs are watching! Oh' and I also feel that The show 19 Kids and Counting should have never been canceled by TLC! Why would they punish all for the sin of one? Back to my first statement we are all sinners saved by grace, so lets just let GOD do the judging and allow the people to choose what or who they want to watch!
ReplyDeleteThe show was canceled because all the advertisers pulled out. Maybe everyone could pool their money to keep it on the air
DeleteVERY disappointed in all that is being exposed as I loved watching the show
ReplyDeleteAgree with this statement.
ReplyDeleteWe have ALL sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
ReplyDeleteJosh you had better go for christian counselling and pray that you truly make a change. My heart breaks for all the people that you have harmed in your selfish needs. Take a good look around and see that you are a very lucky man to have someone that will stand beside you through thick and thin. Now you need to make the change to become a better man before you lose everything. You are lucky to not be in my church you would have been shunned for sure!
ReplyDelete@AnonymousAmen!
ReplyDeletei enjoyed ur tv show , i loved watching all the children on the show grow up , i'm sad it had to come to this,people make bad choices in life , i'll pray for u guys.
ReplyDeletei enjoyed ur tv show , i loved watching all the children on the show grow up , i'm sad it had to come to this,people make bad choices in life , i'll pray for u guys.
ReplyDeleteNot that I condone Josh's actions, but we are all born sinners in need of the Savior's saving grace. Apart from His grace, this could have been anyone of us! Josh, please look to the Lord for help, lean hard..HARD on Him and He will direct your path! Seek the help you need, and accept the forgiveness of your family and friends, and move forward. Do not hold onto the guilt, no matter what anyone says here or in your life. God is your judge, you answer to Him so answer to Him! You have a private life with Anna and your children, if she has chosen to forgive and stay with you, then it's your job to look to the Lord for healing and wellness in Him, so that you and Anna will move forward in His blessing. God bless you and keep you Josh! We will pray for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteWell said, Monica. It's never too late for Josh to get the help he needs and heal himself and his marriage. My heart aches for Anna.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to this dear sweet family. What should be a joyous occasion for Anna has turned out to be a very sad and hurtful time. As I have stated before on a post a while back, Satan is really testing the entire Duggar family. Jim Bob and Michelle, Josh's parents, are dealing with all sorts of emotions at this time. Just remember we are lifting you up in prayer daily and I know Jesus will give you comfort and guidance on how to deal with all that's been going on. Dear precious Anna, you are a wonderful ,Godly mother to your four beautiful children, I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time. This is a test from God and there will be some good that comes it. We may never know what that good is, but God does. Prayers are going up on your behalf for peace, And to the entire Duggar family, my family loves each and every one of you, even though we have never met. As I pray for all of you, I ask that you let me carry some of your burdens to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May God Bless each and everyone of the Duggar family, especially Josh, Anna, Mackenzie, Michael, Marcus, and baby Meredith. Prayers going up constantly for all of you!
ReplyDeleteWe need to forgive because God forgives us. My weakness is defending forgiveness to non believers. When Christians in the public eye fall I have trouble explaining it. We are leading others to Christ we asking them to trust. Praying for one of my favorite families.
ReplyDeleteOur pastor spoke once on the effects of addictions to pornagraphy. He said the Indians, when they wanted to catch a wolf would put razor blades in a piece of meat and freeze it. And put it out for the wolf to eat. The wolf was attracted to the smell of the meat and would start licking it. The more he licked, the more his tongue was cut by the razors. But he would taste the blood and lick more and more and more until he bled to death. Pornography is the same way. We think it "feels good" but all the while it is destroying our souls. It destroys it from the inside out
ReplyDeleteJosh....this too shall pass....You have been blessed with a beautiful family, remember who you are....many families have been affected by pornography , renew your mind through Him....return to your first love....work on that relationship with your wife...Pray for His peace...NOTW....No one is perfect only God....strive to be perfect....May you and your family find Peace in your journey back home...+++
ReplyDeleteYou forget that we are born with a fallen nature. We are not angels.
ReplyDeleteAll have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.
Our Lord appeared to the adulterous women first after His resurrection. He made her clean, after he cast out 7 evil spirits.
We should not be surprised that we have sinned but that we have stood for so long.
Our Lord said, "I have come not for the righteous but the unrighteous, for those who need a Savior." He is the Divine Physician and he can heal and restore.
Ask any priest, the biggest sin in the confessional, is pornography. It is a rampant problem. This is not an isolated case, this is a problem in many, many homes and families. It is not talked about.
This is the sin and great temptation of our times.
Seek out a priest and get help.
Your family is loved by many. Stay strong! We will keep your family in our prayers and may God bless each and every one of you!
ReplyDeleteJust like the Psalmist David, he had MAJOR issues with lust and women. I am sure if he would had lived in our times same thing... addiction to porn, intercourse, and women. No matter how much we believe in and love Jesus - our sin nature can take over if we lose sight. I know, I am struggling with my own demons. Just know that it is NEVER too late... God is not done with ANY one of us he has a plan for until He says so. Duggar family... especially all the brothers and sisters... your older brother really disappointed and maybe even angered you but you have to move on not for his sake but for yours. God Bless and forgive us all... Long time fan from Fresno, CA
ReplyDelete@SpokaniteMom Unfortunately, while I do agree with you, they're a family who are already in the spotlight. They've put themselves there so now anything they do is going to be made public. I don't necessarily agree with it but... That said, I feel awful for Anna. How humiliating for her.
ReplyDeleteHow did what he did affect anyone outside his immediate family? Saying that is like kicking the man while he's already down. Nothing we have recently (or over the last several months) learned about Josh changes my love for this family or him. Just makes him look like a jerk. Bill Clinton had an affair and heck we still elected/kept him as president and it didn't effect his ability to do the job either! We are supposed to forgive, but honestly Josh has done nothing to affect me (or former coworkers friends or other fans) that I need to forgive him for. As long as he makes it right with his wife and immediately family that's all that matters. LEAVE THE DUGGARS ALONE!
ReplyDelete"Be not deceived God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows, that is what he will reap.".
ReplyDeleteI pray for all of the Duggars, as addiction is a disease that requires mind, body and soul to cure. It won't be easy and fortunately Josh has support from his wonderful family. We all make mistakes and we have all sinned. I have been a fan of this family from day one and remain a fan. I am praying the hard times are now behind them and healing can begin for them all. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better. SAY IT AGAIN: LEAVE THE DUGGARS ALONE!
ReplyDelete"Forgive us Our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" When this story 1st came to the public's eyes .. I thought .. the Duggar Family needs to take a sabbatical! God will make them "Whole" again .. there is no perfect family .... there is always "Hope"!
ReplyDeleteThis message is for the DUGGAR FAMILY. What you are going through reminds me of a song entitled, “Only a Test.”
ReplyDeleteIt's only a test that you're going through, it's gonna be over real soon.
Keep the faith; don't give up for it's only a test.
It's only a test that you're going through, it won't last always. Trials come just to make you strong, without a little bit of rain, it just won't grow. Be strong, keep the faith, don't give up, and realize it's only a test you're going through.
Keep the faith, don't give up, it's only a test.
No matter what you're going through, don't give up, it's only a test.
Hold on, be strong, it's only a test.
I would love to see all of you back on TLC and that includes Josh. Stop hiding and avoiding people and conversations. Hold you heads up and speak loudly for our Heavenly Father. If God forgave me for my sins, who am I not to forgive others for theirs. There is no big or small sin. Sin is sin and it all stinks in God’s nostrils. Know for a fact we all sin, because we are not perfect and man is of a sinful nature, whether we realize it or not. But as Christians, followers of Christ, we strive each and everyday for perfection; that is to be like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s not about the sin we commit, but the fact that we realize we’ve sinned, repent asking God to forgive us and return to him doing his will for our lives. When you all get your breakthrough, don’t forget to give God the praise glory and honor in all things.
Be Blessed,
Your Sister in Christ Jesus
The Duggars have chosen to become public figures by putting their lives on TV. The idea that this is personal family business is true but when they became very public figures that does not apply.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with his family I pray he has a complete recovery.
He needs to go to REAL rehab because the "praying it away" and "hard work" didn't work out too well last time...
ReplyDeletePrayers for Anna and the kids this is going to be a long road but with Gods help you can overcome it. Keep up the faith and know others are praying for you also. To Jim Bob and Michelle we can only do our best parenting doesn't come with an owners manual and sometimes no matter how hard we try thing go wrong. Prayers to you and your family May god bless you and help you get through these trying times. I so enjoyed watching your family and will miss them dearly
ReplyDeleteGod bless
I am so confused... was he unfaithful to Anna with another woman OR was he unfaithful by his pornography or both? Please clear things up for me!!!! Prayers to Anna, how awful she must feel ):
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS ALL OF YOU GOD WILL BE HIS JUDGE PEOPLE WHO TALK ARE COVERING UP FOR THEM SELVES YOUR FRIEND SHARON KLECKNER
ReplyDeleteHello Mr. and Mrs. Duggar,
ReplyDeleteI love you all so very much. You fell on my spirit today. I don’t know what you are struggling with today, but I want you to know that you have done nothing wrong in raising your children. Understand who you are and what God is doing in your lives. God has blessed you with a platform showing the world how to live victorious for him, how women can dress modestly and still be beautiful, how Christians can have fun and enjoy life without sacrificing their Christian values, and that it is okay to be different, look different, and talk different. You have raised your beautiful children in the public eye. Your family is no different than any other family. The only difference is what goes right or wrong is in the public eye and people want to judge. A big point is that you have shared God’s love to the world and Satan is very angry with you for that. He wants to destroy you, your family, your platform, and your testimony. He can’t and won’t if you stay focused on our heavenly father and continue doing his will. You have 19+ souls that you are pouring the love of God into, not to mention those who watched you on TLC, and are doing a very good job doing so. Who is angry? Not our heavenly father. Remember my sister and brother that when you are walking with satan you will never have any opposition, but it is when you are walling against him, you will feel his anger. No who is fighting against you and your family, it’s not God but the adversary satan.
Please tell Anna to go back home where she belongs and to pray for her husband. Take care of her beautiful children and home. Whatever he does and whatever the media says he did, to ignore it. Keep her eyes on God. “United you stand and divided you fall.” Tell her it is satan’s trick to get her to leave her husband. Tell her please stand firm on the word of God. Stand firm on the promises of God. Don’t yield to satan’s tricks and lies he is putting before her. What Anna has not realized is that God is molding and shaping Josh to be the man of God he wants him to be. All that is happening in Josh’s life God will turn to good for Josh so God will get the glory. Just hold on. Josh has been resisting God’s calling on his life, but God has ways of pulling us back into the fold. Tell her to stand by her man, keep the faith, and trust God to do what he does best and that is take care of his children. She cant’t see it now and satan doesn’t want her to see it, but he knows what God wants to do in Josh’s life and he is upset about it all.
Please tell your children not to be ashamed and walk around with their heads down. They should be jumping with joy that satan sees the good your family is doing in the world and is trying to destroy it. Tell them to give God glory honor and praise each and everyday for how he’s blessed your family and others through your family. Tell them not to be ashamed of what is being discussed in the media. Think about what is being discussed about your family in heaven. Tell them if anyone approaches them and wants to talk about the negative media coverage to flip the tables on them and begin talking about the goodness of God. Resist the devil and he will flee. Don’t give satan an inch. If you do, he will take a mile. Cut him down every time you can. Remind them it’s not about the people, but it’s about our Lord and Savor Jesus Christ and how he is using them for his glory. God has given your family a platform on which to lift him up. And even though you are not on TLC, you can still lift him you to the masses, because you have the world’s attention.
And one last thing before I close, teach everyone to pray every morning for God to give them the words to say whenever they are required to speak so they will say the right words and the words they say will be blessed an protected. And if satan uses those words to hurt and harm anyone, that they be turned back on him. AMEN.
Be Blessed,
Your Sister In Christ Jesus
HELLO DUGGAR FAMILY.
ReplyDeleteI was happy to hear you will be returning to television. Just a reminder, ignore the negative comments by those who do not understand God's plan for your lives and take advantage of the platform God is giving you to uplift his name.
Be Blessed,
Your Sister in Christ Jesus
Patricia