Pat Robertson is saying that God punished babies in Northridge for the sins of people they didn't know. I am frankly sick of that nonsense. I think when God gives divine retribution, he is powerful enough to be a bit more discriminating. Apartment dwellers who looked through the rubble for their husbands and children do not to need to hear Falwell and Robertson tell them that God is punishing the entire region, and Oh well.
It was not God that created this tragedy. God mourns for his lost children. It was false Gods, lack of human decency in the followers of these barbarians such as Bin Laden that created this tragedy.
Falwell, on the other hand, I have great respect for and I think he frequently gets a bum rap. It is difficult, however, to defend a soundbite like that. I believe he was saying something different than the way it is being reported.
Everyone is guilty of a poor choice of words now and then. The timing is unfortunate. Falwell does have a right to define sin according to the Bible and to preach against it. It's tough when Planned Parenthood watches the 700 Club looking for soundbites and then engages the full force of the liberal media to spread distortions of ones intended meaning.
They should just turn off the 700 Club. If they are so concerned about gays being offended then don't spread the words. I doubt many gays watch the 700 Club and would have never known.