A House Divided
Pat Robertson spoke out about the earthquake in Haiti recently
I am probably a glutton for punishment. You should see my e-mail. I wanted to just let this drop, but the Lord wouldn’t allow it.
I had an entire column almost prepared another subject.But I said something to my dictation software, and the entire column disappeared. I couldn’t find it in the clipboard and it was just gone.
This is the topic I got steered back to. So we will go from here.
Most of the comments made in defense of Rev. Robertson seemed to ignore what he said in favor of closing ranks with Pat Robertson just because he is a Christian.
Somehow that doesn’t ring true to me. This isn’t a case of Christians presenting a divided front of the world.
Of course Christians are divided! If we weren’t divided, we wouldn’t have so many denominations.
We don’t agree on methods of baptism, we don’t agree on the timing of the Rapture, we don’t agree on the doctrine of eternal security; when you get right down to it, we don’t agree on much of anything.
Ecumenism is a word that’s used when Christians do close ranks to present a united front to the world.
It would be different if the story about the Haitians selling their soul to the devil were true. As I recall from the statement, that is exactly what Rev. Robertson said; “true story”.
But by every authoritative account, the ‘devil’s covenant’ story is not true.
WorldNetDaily reported of a distinguished Haitian Christian minister and scientist who researched rumors about Haiti’s 18th-century independence movement. According to his research, the entire story is nothing more than an uncorroborated rumor.
Jean R. Gelin, who is a minister in Haiti who holds a PhD, wrote a series of articles in 2005 regarding Haiti’s history and the slave rebellion 200 years ago.
“Obviously, the idea that Haiti was dedicated to Satan prior to its independence is a very serious and profound statement with potentially grave consequences for its people in terms of how they are perceived by others or how the whole nation is understood outside its borders,” Galen wrote.
“One would agree that such a strong affirmation should be based on solid historical and Scriptural ground. But although the satanic pact idea is by far the most popular explanation for Haiti’s birth as a free nation, especially among Christian ministers and some Haitian church leaders, it is nothing more than a fantastic opinion that ultimately dissipates upon close examination.”
Why would I believe a Haitian scholar over Pat Robertson on a matter of Haitian history? Because it is a matter of history.
When it comes to history, logic dictates that the best source for accuracy would be a person who has made a lifetime study of the topic at hand.
Because Pat Robertson is an authority on the Bible, it does not automatically follow that he is an authority on the history of Haiti simply because it involves a religious element. Adding to Dr. Gelin’s credibility is the fact that he published his research five years before Rev. Robertson put it on the front page.
Finally, the claim that what Rev. Robertson said was being wisted by the media doesn’t hold up, since what he said is what he said. I heard it myself.
Assessment:
My commentary was not intended as a critique of Rev. Robertson’s ministry or the good that it is done over the course of many decades. My commentary was aimed at putting some distance between his comments and what I believe as a Christian minister.
I didn’t think that Pat Robertson was mean-spirited in his comment. Just unthinking and ultimately, irresponsible. And since it gives ammunition to those who paint Christianity as a hateful religion, I can’t pretend it is doctrinally correct in order to shield Rev. Robertson from his critics.
I certainly don’t believe that God struck Haiti with an earthquake because a handful of Haitians allegedly sold their souls to the devil 220 years ago. Many of my critics have tried to defend Robertson’s statement on Biblical grounds — always using the Old Testament — as if the New Testament were suddenly irrelevant.
What’s next? Justifying stoning on Old Testament grounds?
Trying to make a comparison between Haiti and ancient Israel suggests God also has a special covenant with Haiti that somehow Haiti abrogated.
When God sent judgment upon Israel, he likened it to Israel having committed adultery. Israel is often referred to as the ‘spouse of God’. Haiti holds no such status. When God drowned the Pharoh’s soldiers who were pursuing the children that Israel during the Exodus, it was to prevent them from overtaking Israel — in violation of His plan and His promise.
In this instance, the alleged covenant between the devil and the Haitians was supposed to have been in return for the devil’s help in freeing Haiti from slavery.
If the earthquake were the result of a curse on Haiti, it then follows that it was the devil that helped the Haitians to throw off their shackles and overcome slavery. That was, as Pat Robertson said, “the deal.” Jesus was once accused of casting out devils in Satan’s name.
“But He, knowing their thoughts, saith unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? Because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.” (Luke 11:17-18)
There’s no comparison here. If Haiti were judged as a nation last week for this alleged act 200 years ago by a handful of Haitians, then America should not have survived the 20th century.
America is the wellspring and birthplace of pornography. America is the world’s number one market for drugs like cocaine and heroin. America is the only country in the world still debating the meaning of the word ‘marriage’. America has aborted some 65 million babies, according to some estimates, since Roe V. Wade.
Now, one might argue that America’s decline is a judgment from God — and it would be hard to argue with that assessment.
But if so, it is still a judgment for what America is doing now, not for what was done 200 years ago. And in fulfillment of prophecy (2nd Timothy 3:1-7) in accordance with the outline given by Scripture.
The visitation of the sins of the father upon the children unto the third and fourth generation is not a Christian concept. That is part of the law of Moses. (Exodus 20:5) Jesus died to fulfill the Law of Moses and to free us from its shackles. Since we are not under the law of Moses, we have no business judging others according to the law of Moses. Judgment upon the world for sin during the Age of Grace is held in reserve until the Tribulation Period after the Rapture.
If Rev. Robertson is crediting the devil with causing the Haitian earthquake, then this is a case of the devil bringing judgment against his own — for swearing allegiance to him! That makes no sense. If Robertson is not crediting the devil, then he is blaming God. The Bible says that not a single sparrow can fall from heaven without God being aware of it and permitting it.
There is no doubt that God was aware of the Haitian earthquake, and there is no doubt in my mind that it in some way fits with the Plan of God. Indeed, it must. But I don’t know what that plan is. And neither does Rev. Robertson.
Rev. Robertson has an obligation as a minister of God when teaching to teach, not to muse about things that he has no more knowledge of and does anyone else. Because Rev. Robertson is such a high profile and respected teacher, his words are immediately accepted by the world as representative of the Christian community.
If the Christian community closes ranks when they know — or should know better — then the world has every reason to believe that Christians agree with Rev. Robertson.
I have much respect for Rev. Robertson as anyone does. I’ve watched the 700 club for years and years.I am not piling on with the media in an effort to make Rev. Robertson look bad. I would much prefer to sing his praises.
Instead, I am explaining why I don’t believe that what he said is representative of what I believe Christianity teaches. I believe that what he said makes Christianity look every bit as hateful as the case the world is building against it says it is. To remain silent is to suggest that somehow I agree that 200,000 innocents were killed as a consequence of Divine judgment — a judgment rendered 200 years after the crime.
And that I accept it as evidence of God’s justice.
I do not agree. And the Lord won’t let me remain silent. In this particular case, I wish that He would. I don’t want to be perceived as being disrespectful of Rev. Robertson or the mighty works the Lord has done through him. But I promised the Lord, (and each of you) that I would tell it like it is.
It is not intended as a reflection on Rev. Pat Robertson, his life or his life’s work. But his comments are being used to paint my Lord in an unfavorable light by the enemy, regardless of how they were intended.
Somebody has to say something! I wish it wasn’t me.
Archives of past issues of The Omega Letter Intelligence Digest plus many other Omega Letter member features can be found at: www.omegaletter.com
- Post by Jack Kinsella of The Omega Letter
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Let go already! Why don’t you crucify the guy!
-Steve Labuschagne (re-posted from Facebook)
Isn’t this horse dead? Why is it still being beaten? Get over it, and move on.
-Donald Jolliff (re-posted from Facebook)
I have a question – why is the ‘pact with the devil’ idea so prevalent in the minds of some Christians – I have heard this from more local believers and couldn’t see it.
- Gayle Larabie (re-posted from Facebook)
I haven’t heard an apology as of yet…but it makes me really wonder if he’s reading his Bible.. his heart seems so harsh…and your tongue speaks what is in your heart…..Something is missing here….
- Parris Lane (re-posted from Facebook)
I loved the blog and no it did not crucify Robertson. I am a student pastor and you would cringe at the response of two of my peers and even one instructor. Yes others were knowing and loving. Said there are many Catholic Christians filled with the Holy Spirit living there. Some have friends serving the needs of these impoverished people. This is a time for true Christians of any denomination to be loving and filling the spiritual needs of those devastated by this tragedy. Christ would have fed the hungry, healed the sick and injured, and forgave their sins. Earthquakes of 7.0 or better have gone from 5000 in 1990 to 30,000 in 2005. This drastic change is unprecedented in the history of recorded seizmic events, and also fulfillment of Biblical prophesy. When earthquakes are worldwide, do you think ALL people won’t be affected sooner or later?The difference between God Righteousness which is being forgiven of all sins and the ability to stand blameless in the presence of God and self righteousness which is self forgiveness even when the actions are inappropriate is clear.
- Jeanne Sorrell (re-posted from Facebook)
if what Pat said was true, America would be nothing but a landing strip…I think it reflects the overwhelming fact that Jesus is coming back VERY SOON, and He promised that earthquakes would be one of the major signs…Matthew 24:7.
- Carol J. Dennis (re-posted from Facebook)
The devil and non-Christians must be laughing to watch how so-called Christians fight with one another over what someone “did or didn’t say” and “did or didn’t mean”. I thought we Christians are supposed to be brothers and sisters in the Lord. This surely means that as with our natural family, we don’t fight in public but protect each other. Let’s stop this once and for all. I don’t care whether Pat Robinson apologises or not. I don’t care about what he said or didn’t say. What I do care about is the way that we “Christians” are willing to tear each other to pieces in public when anyone says or does something they don’t like. We should heed Matthew 18:15!
- Carolyn Labuschagne (re-posted from Facebook)
Robertson was mean-spirited? Excuse me? His “controversial” statement (which was nothing of the sort) was bookended by calls for prayers and aid for the Haitians. Listen, whether by making a deal with the devil or by practicing voodoo and mixing it with Christianity, the country absolutely was cursed and they – like everyone else in this sin-ridden world – deserved God’s wrath.
- Jason Hubred (re-posted from Facebook)
We NEED TO SHOW THEM LOVE AND STOP BEING STUPID AND FIRGHTING ABOUT WHO SAID WHAT OR ANY OF THAT CRAP!!. JUST PRAY THAT THIS WILL MAKE EVERYONE GET RIGHT WITH GOD AND GROW UP PEOPLE!!
- Dan Suffolk (re-posted from Facebook)
Well said Carolyn! We need to guard our tongues and be slow to speak. If Rev. Robertson said something that was questionable or out of character for a christian then we should approach him or a representative in his ministry to let him know and give him the opportunity to clarify himself.
I believe God uses terrible catastrophes like these as sobering reminders of our sinfulness and need for Him. We can see how our world can be turned upside down in a heartbeat. This was a direct hit on Haiti but the hearts and minds of the world grieve with the people of Haiti.
- Chris McCanna (re-posted from Facebook)
Has everyone overlooked the fact the the 700 club’s operation blessing is in Haiti, and had people in Haiti when the earth quake happened. Pat Robertson’s team has been trying to help the Haitians and their way of life for years. Whether or not the pact with the Devil is true or not. People have been trying to prove or disprove this story for years. Why waste the energy. The people of Haiti need to know the real Jesus. And the Catholic Church needs to teach that voodoo is against God instead of accepting its practice among the Haitians. Until they quit worshiping false Gods, they are cursed. The only way to the Father is through Christ. Have we forgot that God is in control, that he made the earthquake happen, it was by his design. We need to support the Christian relief efforts in Haiti with our prayers. Pray for the lost in Haiti, and that they will be saved.
- Todd Ford (re-posted from Facebook)
I think we all need to read our Bibles!!!!!!! When Jesus spoke-the people said-He speaks hard sayings!! In Deuteronomy 28 it says, “If you obey the Lord, all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, but if you disobey the Lord, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you!” BUT, IF WE CRY OUT TO HIM, HE WILL RESTORE TO US EVERYTHING THAT THE DEVIL HAS STOLEN.
- Charlotte Britt Bolyer (re-posted from Facebook)
That may be so charlotte, but there is also inevitability. If all US does exactly what it is supposed to do, in fact if the world does, there is no need for redemption. But unfortunately, the Bible already predicted the earth’s doom… it will not go well for our nation in general. It is time now to pray for the individuals in our nation to wake up to the truth about Messiah Yeshua. THIS is what needs to happen. The ONLY way to save the US is to pray for the individuals rather than coporately. God hardened pharoh’s heart in order to deliver HIS people and judge those in authority. I believe His plan is also in effect here as well. It won’t be long before it is manifest!
- Michelle Schickel (re-posted from Facebook)
I agree…it is time for people to wake up and see the TRUTH in this Nation. The anti-christ will rise right out of this nation because America is the Babylon of Revelation 18!
- Diane Sumler Gorman (re-posted from Facebook)
I don’t think Pat was being deliberately mean spirited. It was definitely an error in judgment. Every nation is polluted by sin. Abortion/murder, apostasy, idolatry. lies, corruption etc.Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. We must all concentrate on getting ourselves clean before God through repentance.
- Rose-Marie Clark (re-posted from Facebook)
Why is everyone so upset at Pat Robertson for expressing his opinion? That’s his right to say whatever he wants even if you don’t agree with it. And if you have a problem with his comment then don’t watch his show or support any organizations that he’s affiliated with it’s that simple. Jezz you people bitch about the dumbest shit.
- Ean Smith (re-posted from Facebook)
Bottom line “all judgment is left up to Jesus.”
Maybe Robertson is right and maybe He isn’t … but God will work because of this devastation and many will turn to Him as in any devastation …and others will not.
It’s all about your heart will you let Him be your strength or hold to the little illusion of power you suppose you hold with out Him.
Make a pact with anti-christ… yes consequences … but God will determine the heart.
Bottom line where is your heart and how will you respond?
“I come not to bring peace, but to bring a sword.” Matt 10:34 We are called out of family, friends anything IF it draws us from Him.
“Who is my mother and who is my brother but he who follows the will of my Father.” Jesus said.
Every thought spoken and unspoken every deed done or neglected every motive exposed. Nothing will be hidden … it is all transparent to God … and these devastations only indicate, as in His Word these things must happen … before His return and it is soon!
“Pray that you be found worthy to be called, DAILY.”