Pat Robertson, just shut up!
We all have a relative that always says the inappropriate thing; an uncle who always shares his racist opinions; a cousin who discusses bodily functions during dinner; a sister who is always looking for a fight.
As Americans, we share a common relative who has a problem speaking before engaging his mind – the Rev. Pat Robertson.
Good ole’ Uncle Pat stepped in it again this week while commenting on the devastation in Haiti following a 7.0-magnitude earthquake. As the world watched in horror to see this tiny, desperately poor nation take another hit from Mother Nature, Robertson said this latest blow to the Haitians was part of a “curse” due to “a pact with the devil” made more than 200 years ago by their ancestors.
Rev. Pat Robertson. Photo from CBN.com.
This time, I’m publicly pushing back at Robertson because his comments are making it difficult for everyone who calls themselves a Christian, especially those who work in the ministry. His comments cast well-meaning, hard-working and caring pastors, priests and teachers into his cold-hearted, empty-minded light.
I’m a conservative Christian and I’m married to a Lutheran pastor. My husband spends his days ministering to the sick and imprisoned. He doesn’t have a television ministry or collect millions in donations to support his work. He holds his personal beliefs in his heart but is open to his patients and inmates beliefs, never judging them or giving them all God’s wrath without any of His love.
Robertson goes at his ministry a bit differently. He batters people with the law, pointing out all their flaws, without offering any of God’s grace. He blames all that is bad on God’s wrath without explaining God’s love. He paints a picture of vengeful God, as opposed to a picture of a loving Father. He hates the sin, but never seems to love the sinner.
I cringe every time Robertson opens his mouth on a world event. His comments reflect badly on the men and women who happen to share a title with Robertson. He speaks without thinking, adding nothing to the conversation and hurts those who are most in need, just to make a conservative political point.
I only have two requests: One that Robertson shuts up. And two, that those who hear his comments realize that he doesn’t represent those of us with faith and to judge us kindly.
good and add to the list of “Christian” idiots, the name Rush Limbaugh, who blathered that Obama’s gestures toward Haiti would be an excuse for the Democrats to buff the President’s image…light skinned or dark skinned. I write a weekly column for a hyper conservative “Christian” community in Iowa…trust me, they love the Robertson & Limbaughs of this world. i’d like to see more of this kind of commentary in TCD. Silence is dangerous, more so than the words of idiots.
If you haven’t seen it, here’s Haitian Ambassador to the U.S. Raymond Joseph’s response to Robertson’s verbal dreck:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPOj4wM7RLw
Thanks for the link, Erin. Judith – I hadn’t heard the Limbaugh comment first hand, but have heard about it. I listen to Rush and sometimes he takes his “political commentary” to far also. This is a time for compassion and love, not political or ideological points. Unfortunately, in the conservative church I belong to, I deal with these types all the time, but you can have strict religious beliefs and still not be a tool. I agree someone needs to say that and I’ll try my best to continue. Thanks!
Well said Patti Wenzel!
Also, don’t forget that Rush Limbaugh Is A Big Fat Idiot.
You who decided to make a very well thought-ought and expressed missive about Pat Robertson’s inability to hold his tongue in desperate situations, a springboard for your hatred of Rush Limbaugh, as well, are no better than Pat Robertson. And folks, let’s not forget that Tom Strini is himself apparently a big fat idiot. And Judith Ann Moriarity…if Limbaugh and Robertson are ‘Christian’ idiots, what kind of idiot are you? Sounds to me like a lot of ‘the pot calling the kettle black’ going on here. You people are just as disgusting as the ones you lambast.
Hi Paul.
Just quoting a famous book title, there.
It’s true that I’m completely cynical about these guys, though. I don’t believe for a second that Limbaugh and Robertson believe half of what they say. They’re in the noise-making business; they make noise, and their silly followers send them money. They’re running scams.
They are ruthless and vicious, and when they get called out they cry like babies.
Nope, don’t have much use for either one of them, or for their many imitators.
–Tom