Posted on 01/14/2006 12:47:44 PM PST by SmithL
Israel is reconsidering its decision to break off contacts with Pat Robertson over the construction of a Christian heritage park, after the US evangelist apologized for saying Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's massive stroke was divine retribution, a spokesman said Saturday.
Israel and Robertson had been close to finalizing a deal to build the multimillion dollar tourist attraction when the broadcaster said last week that Sharon had been punished by God for pulling Israel out of the Gaza Strip in September. The comments prompted Israel to call off talks with Robertson over the deal.
Robertson issued an apology, which Israel accepted on Friday.
"In light of the apology and his expression of sorrow over Sharon's health, we will reconsider our decision," said Ido Hartuv, a spokesman for Israeli Tourism Minister Avraham Hirchson.
Israel's relations with the evangelical Christian community remain strong, Hartuv said. "We really love them," he said.
The day after Sharon's stroke, Robertson suggested he was being punished for pulling Israel out of the Gaza Strip last summer. The pullout was seen by many evangelical groups as a retreat from biblical prophecy of Jewish sovereignty over the Holy Land.
"God considers this land to be his," Robertson said on his TV program "The 700 Club." "You read the Bible and he says 'This is my land,' and for any prime minister of Israel who decides he is going to carve it up and give it away, God says, 'No, this is mine."'
In a letter of apology sent to Sharon's family, Robertson said his remarks had been "inappropriate and insensitive" and asked for forgiveness.
Israel hopes to attract 1 million pilgrims every year to the park, which will be built near the Sea of Galilee close to sites where Christians believe Jesus preached and performed miracles.
Under the emerging agreement, Robertson would lead a group of Christians from around the world to build a broadcast center, an open-air chapel and an auditorium for re-enacting Jesus' journeys in the area. The groundbreaking is slated to begin early this year.
Only in America would anyone send Pat Robertson money.
"Only in America would anyone send Pat Robertson money."
I disagree with Pat on this issue as well quite a few others... Some things are clear about Pat - he is a good man who loves his country, tries to help others and he is at times, painfully human.
I sent a friend the borders of Israel as outlined in Numbers 34. (Actually, Israel's biblical claim to the Gaza Strip is weak to non-existent -- hmm...wouldn't PFAW and ADL have gone haywire if Robertson had said THAT!)
Israel's claim to the West Bank is solid -- and I have heard Muslims on TV say that they accept the Old Testament.
My friend responded that Jesus rendered most of the Old Testament void.
I said that was one interpretation.
Of course the other objection is that the modern-day Israel is a totally different entity from the Israel of Biblical times.
Robertson is a money grubbing nut who makes all Christians look like fanatics and fools.
---My friend responded that Jesus rendered most of the Old Testament void.---
All those parts where the Jews get anything?
He'd be more comfortable with the Mullahs.
Follow the money boys, you'll never be wrong.
So Robertson aplogized? Why? .........Follow the dots ($$$$).
What a sham he is.
FMCDH(BITS)
Elmer Gantry is alive and well...and not just in this clown.
FMCDH(BITS)
This is good news indeed. Does anyone know how I can invest money into this project?
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