The Waltons-'The Sinner'(John defends the preacher) Copyright Lorimar Productions

Copyright Lorimar Productions

[@basilmarasco1975]

One of the best episodes. John Walton always came through for someone in trouble, heroically.

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

This is perhaps my most favorite episode of The Waltons. It is a sermon into itself without going to church. It’s a shame TV programming has gotten away from it. As a society we are all the more poorer. The Walton’s always had great morals to the story from which to learn by and adapt into our own lifestyle.

[@queenieinthehouse2959]

Christianity is abt a relationship with Jesus not rules and regulations

[@doacarnage]

The final scene in this episode is quite moving and shows that fuddy duddy what true forgiveness is.

[@juliefournier2704]

John Ritter life gone to soon went on to 3 company man he was a awesome comedian & man

[@ethelhoose1196]

He also played Rev Fordwick in later episodes

[@feliciapillow5860]

John Ritter. Talent that has no words to describe. He is surely missed.

[@Juliaflo]

He would have been turning 75 this coming September. So greatly missed.

[@jarodcarnarvon5198]

Interesting to see John Ritter from 3 Company playing the Reverend on The Waltons in his earlier years. He did a great job acting in both roles on both shows.....

[@dnasty312]

This was also his dad's favorite show

[@jediprettyboy]

The judgmental lady was also the marine biologist that inspects the dead orca on the beach in Jaws 2.

[@lukasmiller486]

And Mayella in To Kill a Mockingbird. And a guest in Season 4 of Little House on the Prairie.

[@joannamcpeak7531]

This was a great episode. The sermon was powerful, and John Ritter excelled in this role.

[@elvicare35]

Just watched on MeTV, loved it and John Ritter!!!!!!!! It was frustrating that nobody, Grandpa, could figure out, come clean and 'splain the situation, you know, long lost relatives, the Baldwin sisters, tea, not Texas tea, or, well, spiked tea...hopefuly Grandpa 'splained things eventually!!!!

[@basilmarasco1975]

Grandpa took him out to the Baldwin ladies' home and got him stinking drunk! When the Reverend got back to the Walton home, he was clearly and definitely in a state of intoxication!

[@PaulLadd1]

This was a very powerful episode. I remember when it was first broadcast. The people singing "Just As I Am" and extending the hand of fellowship to the Reverend Fordwick is so moving.

[@jamestiscareno4387]

One of the very best episodes. Mr. John Ritter was a very fine actor indeed. God rest his soul. Will TV ever be as good as it once was ? Well, so far....nope.

[@lukasmiller486]

He did the voice of Clifford the Big Red Dog so it was funny to think of Clifford telling Cleo T Bone and Mac to repent of their sins. 😂

[@marywisniewski9883]

We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus said Go and sin no more.

[@robmoir7524]

as soon as The Waltons is over I want the t v off

[@kevinswales7003]

A re-play from "Spencer's Mountain where Henry Fonda does the same thing, where that reverend gets drunk.

[@PaulLadd1]

Earl Hamner, Jr. mentioned that in interviews over the years.

[@mindyteddybear]

I always felt bad for Matthew because grandpa or someone should've explained to him that the Baldwin ladies were not serving him fruit juice. he probably never tasted alcohol in his life and him getting drunk was not his fault.

[@timriggins70]

Someone should have explained it to the sisters too since they were too stupid to realize it

[@greg1474]

This would NEVER be allowed on television today. It is contains a story about Christian values, the bonds of the nuclear family, forgiveness, and acknowledgment of Almighty God.

[@basilmarasco1975]

Oh no, not again.

[@JohnParks-zc1pn]

Sadly many Christians have sold their souls to a New York conman.

[@lorijohnson1320]

Ralph Waite and John Ritter. Two tv legends. And that old woman scowling in the right side front row gives me the creeps!😂

[@phoenix4175]

The item to keep in mind we all have sinned. There is no way anyone can keep all 10 commandments. That is perfection. Only Jesus Christ was perfect and that is why he was the only one who could save the souls of people.

[@jayyoungblood8456]

That same song was sung while I got up and walked to the front.

[@BrianScottHarris]

Grandpa Walton, derping at 5:29...

[@marywisniewski9883]

Jesus said Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand and believe the gospel of Christ

[@marywisniewski9883]

Jesus said No one is good no not one God is good.

[@jeffrey7321]

Love this

[@SouthSideLadyWright]

This Waltons episode was puzzling. 17 yr old John-Boy who is aspiring writer asked his parents what is sin and they looked at each other and couldn't give him a direct answer. But grandma walks around the kitchen reading bible Scriptures and she can't answer John boy. And the Walton family attends a church rival where a woman preacher calls herself preaching the Word of God and she's 100% hypocrite with bitter and unforgiveness in her heart. John boy should been reading the Bible from the start especially he gonna be a writer. Actually the whole family should have bible study. And maybe poor little Elizabeth wouldn't be scared and having nightmares about Hell. Smh, I rather watch Little HOuse on the Prairie. At least the Ingalls family attends church and reads the Bible.

[@lukasmiller486]

I think the grandpa didn’t tell the pastor about the recipe on purpose because he was tired of his fire and brimstone act and wanted to show him up to take him down a peg or two.

[@stacystoltz8722]

Walton wow Godloveyou much Peace fully wow

[@loisxander6321]

)

[@sovereigngrace5358]

There is forgiveness for the sin of drunkenness ( and other sin) to those who have repented and believed on Christ. But there are Biblical qualifications to being a pastor as noted in 1 Timothy 3 that a bishop must be blameless, sober, not given to wine etc. It would not be Biblical for him to continue as a pastor.

[@veganconservative1109]

Blameless. Must be precious few Bishops then if even God's forgiveness is useless to wipe away a Bishop's sin.

[@michaelreyes8182]

Under the circumstances I would hardly call this man a drunkard. You did watch the whole show right. You and Miss Prism were made for each other.

[@cmtippens9209]

"...not GIVEN to much wine..." meaning giving himself over to wine. This man, like all men & women, made a mistake, confessed his sins before men as God commanded, and asked God for forgiveness. That's all God asks of us. There are many examples of people who Jesus forgave who went on to be great disciples. Perfection must be striven for but, we can never attain it. That is why we need His forgiveness.

[@daveb9342]

Wine is good. Very good. Only a fool believes it to be evil; for Anything can be taken in excess and become an idol. The pastor didn't do anything wrong.

[@finas12000]

@@michaelreyes8182 Exactly!