Since we are debating the question as to whether it is permissible or appropriate for Dave Hyles' victims to file a lawsuit after 40 years, I just want to make this observation. Victims of sexual or spiritual abuse, or financial ripoffs, or any other type of abuse, are going to find out that, in the typical authoritarian IFB church, there is no possible way for them to deal with it without being accused of "Not handling it right." If they complain or file a lawsuit immediately, they will be told that they "Didn't handle it right." If they wait 40 years, and then complain and file a lawsuit after spending years in unsuccessful efforts to settle the matter in a more amicable manner, they still be told that they "They didn't handle it right." No matter how they go about trying to right the wrong, they will be condemned, vilified, demonized, simonized and martinized for "not handling it right" because, of course, the only way to handle it right it to say nothing and cover up for the abusing Mannagod and his church.
When victims of abuse or molestation do get the courage to speak up, they can expect to be accused of plotting to destroy the ministry and the Mannagod, and to destroy fundamentalism. They will be told that they are just bitter, they need to just forgive and forget and get over it and move on, they will be told that they are going to hell. If they try to join another IFB church, they may be told that they must go back to the abusive church and "get things right with the Mannagod."
Of course, the Mannagod who committed the abuse has no need to get things right with anyone, or to answer to anyone, and he does not have to be concerned about hellfire - like Dave Hyles, who has been pronounced to be gloriously forgiven by God, and is worthy to receive standing ovations, to be back in the ministry and collect money from people, and to have books published with Bob Gray's endorsement. My guess is that very few people at First Baptist of Hammond or their network of Hyles-worshipping churches are agonizing over the question of whether Dave Hyles or his congregation "handled things right." God has forgiven Dave, but his victims will never be forgiven. That's how it works in all too many IFB churches, and perhaps that helps to explain why the movement is in decline - people don't want to waste their time huffing and puffing on the guilt-trip treadmill of a church where no matter what they do, they will be told that they "didn't handle it right."
Being an IFB preacher means never having to say you're sorry. But that doesn't apply to the laymen-serfs in the pews. When the Mannagod says "Serfs Up!" then they have to jump.
