Posted on 01/14/2010 1:17:00 PM PST by ZGuy
It is excruciating to see the images of human suffering emanating from Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. Prayers and practical compassionate care is truly needed.
But sometimes things are said in the midst of crises that exacerbate the already raw feelings of grieving people. So then what's all the fuss about Pat Robertson's remarks?
I first knew something was up while driving yesterday. I heard two national conservative talk radio personalities make some disparaging remarks about Pat Robertson, who, by the way, is one of the reasons they even have jobs. Pat was one of the most important leaders of a resurgent conservative movement.
When I got home I immediately looked up what Pat said and I was overwhelmed. But not by what Robertson had said, rather by the hype and hysteria of those who took an expression of genuine concern and hope for Haiti's future and used it to bash Pat.
Last week it was Fox News analyst Brett Hume's turn to be attacked because he dared to compassionately urge Tiger Woods to turn to Christianity and find forgiveness and redemption. Now it's Pat Robertson's turn.
Perhaps what we have here is a simple failure to communicate, but then again, what Pat said was not complicated. Or is it that there is so much contempt against Pat Robertson and /or what he represents, that no benefit of the doubt is to be afforded him? Or is there something else in play.
What exactly did Pat say that was so terribly egregious?
First he retold a very familiar story about the history of Haiti about a pact that was made by its revolutionary leaders. In exchange for help in throwing out the French Haiti would serve satan. Some have disputed this ever happened. But what is indisputable is Haiti's history ever since then has been one of incredible suffering.
To use Pat's words, Haiti's history was, "cursed, desperately poor." Then Pat went on to describe the incredible economic disparity between Haiti, which sits on one side of the Island of Hispaniola, and the Dominican Republic on the other side. So was Pat using "cursed" literally or metaphorically?
The modern cynic chaffs at any suggestion that there may be a connection between historical realities and unseen spiritual influences, or as the Bible calls it God's "blessing or cursing." Although most people are very comfortable with the notion that God blesses people, we are not at all comforted with the terrifying prospect that Almighty God might also curse.
The overwhelming majority of Americans believe in God and /or moral causality. Eastern religions call it Karma, but Christians call it God's Providence. I wonder if the reason that so many hate Pat is because he expressed what many Americans don't want to face- the moral and spiritual dimension of our lives.
As long as everything is going well we live as if we are never going to die. Then crisis hits and death slaps us in the face. Rather than humbling ourselves and searching our hearts like the Pilgrims did, we lash out at God and anyone who dares insinuate Him into our lives.
What the Robertson bashers left out is that finally, and with great compassion and concern in his voice, Pat said, "They need to have, and we need to pray for them, a great turning to God and out of this tragedy I am optimistic that some good thing may come, but right now we are helping the suffering people and the suffering is unimaginable."
Agree or disagree with what Pat said, it was well within the bounds of historic Christian theology. Maybe that's the real problem after all.
Man is offended by the fact that he is not God. They resent God's Providence. A simple reading of the Bible shows how God uses natural disasters to further his purposes. Earthquakes, floods, famine, locusts, etc. they're all there, but man hates it. Rather than humbly acknowledging that God's ways are not our ways, man rails against and accuses God. The last thing they will do is cry out for his mercy in Jesus Christ.
So Pat is an easy target. But before you judge him perhaps you ought to know that the whole time he was making these comments they had the number on their screen for their viewers to give to their humanitarian relief organization Operation Blessing. OB has already been at work in Haiti long before the earthquake.
Operation Blessing has touched the lives of more than 209.3 million people in 105 countries and all 50 states, providing goods and services valued at more than $1.7 billion. So, once you have surpassed that, then you will be in a better place to judge Pat Robertson. In the meantime, let's do what Pat is doing and bless the poor people of Haiti.
Regardless of anyone’s opinion towards Mr. Robertson, in light of Scripture:
WHEN A NATION ADOPTS WITCHCRAFT AS A NATIONAL RELIGION, DON’T EXPECT IT TO END WELL.
But that shouldn’t stop Christians from being compasionate to all Haitians.
I agree. Vodoo/Santeria is a horribly debilitating practice. Wherever it is practiced evil and sorrow result.
Some say that Fidel is a high priest of Santeria.
You should watch the video to see what was actually said before you make such pronouncements.
Watching the video it's pretty clear that Robertson DID NOT SAY "The earthquake happened because God is punishing them".
That just didn't happen and for you to claim that it did right in the face of the evidence is strongly suggestive of the idea that you are both a troll and damned for eternity.
Right?!
You do know your status if I'm not wrong ~ Jesus was able to address the demons by their own names. I'm not Jesus so I can't do it, but I do recognize the problem.
That's probably not the way Robertson addressed the question, but many others have.
Do you have a problem with homosexual Jihadis becoming martyrs?
I go only by what Jesus allowed to be recorded by the Disciples. Do you really expect any real Christians to make up emotions and words for Jesus?
Uh, you didn’t watch the tape to see what was said did you? Robertson, in fact, praised DR in the context of one of the expressions you and your little friends are ridiculing.
You may be thinking of the Amish ~ a different group entirely.
They don't ask. They don't tell. And they don't particularly like you.
It's time to put shamen behind us and move on ~
There's a saying in Haiti: "10% Protestant, 90% Catholic, 100% Voodoo."
Conversation I had with a young man down there. His mother was a voodoo witch doctor. "So, she became a Christian, but I told her, mom, something's not right. You're still doing voodoo aren't you? She told me she was and we took her bag of stuff to the local mission and burned it and the priest cast out the demons and she's better now."
I asked him what was the bag of stuff. He said it was a charcoal bag of her voodoo stuff. A charcoal bag is about three feet in circumference and five feet long. I asked him what was in it. He told me "bones." I asked where she got them. "From people."
LOL! I nevir make misteaks!
I wonder if the reason that so many hate Pat is because he expressed what many Americans don't want to face- the moral and spiritual dimension of our lives.
I don't necessarily question the truth of what he said, but I wonder if this is really what God would have him say at this time. Uh, seems like God might want to somehow warn them prior to something like this. But the timing of this feels like rubbing salt into a wound - maybe somewhat callous. Speaking the truth in love. We need to pray for Haiti and if God gives us insight and understanding, may we rely on the Lord and his wisdom with what we do with what He shows us.
“Haiti has voodoo. America has atheism, paganism, abortion, promiscuity, illegitimacy, homosexuality, covetousness, and every other sin one can name, including voodoo in places like Miami.
As Jefferson said, “Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.” “
I see Katrina as judgement, as well as 9/11 and also putting a malevolent bozo in charge of our country. All judgement on America.
You may want to pray for the people of Haiti, and contribute to Pat Robertson’s Operation Blessin’s disaster fund for Haiti. Just call 1-800-759-0700 with your method of payment, and God bless you.
Why would I bother to listen to a man who si FACTUALLY wrong and then tries to pin this on battle between good and evil. It is as bad as Oral Roberts and his 900 foot Jesus.
Unlike the Zero in office, who has never had a real job and wears $2000 suits and takes poor people’s money. Heck, he takes everyone’s money - whether you want to give it or not. If anyone h as ever read Pat Robertson’s biography, you’d understand, he lives modestly. He came from very humble beginnings when he finished law school.
Just because someone is Catholic doesn’t mean they aren’t involved in voodoo. The majority of them vote DemoRat which supports abortion and the homosexual lifestyle. While there are very good Catholics, who live their faith, there are many who are, unfortunately, very liberal.
Make sure you never read the Mahabarat (the great Indian epic) because it’s basically about the war between good and evil, and you’d have no interest.
Pat Robertson should be muzzled and hogtied. He’s “a swaggering, overbearing, tin-plated, dictator with delusions of godhood”...just sayin’
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.