01/07/2006

Robertson's Outrageous Remarks Deserve Condemnation

"The world remains puzzled as to why Robertson continues to get a free pass for comments that often times are anything but Christian" -- Jason T. Christy, CEO, Christy Media, Publisher of The Church Report

MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Jason T. Christy, CEO, Christy Media, Publisher of The Church Report, is available for comment and releases the following statement in response to Pat Robertson's comments on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon:

As Prime Minister Ariel Sharon lies in a hospital fighting for his life and perhaps for the future peace of Israel, Pat Robertson boldly exclaimed that Sharon's stroke was punishment from God " for dividing God's land." Robertson, continued his comments, aired on his television program, the 700 Club, by saying that Sharon " was dividing God's land and I would say woe until any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course to appease the EU, the United Nations or the United States." For years, Christians have widely regarded Robertson as a preacher who is often misquoted or misunderstood. As one who has been in the Christian media for over 14 years, I would suggest to you that when Robertson opens his mouth, Christians should hold their collective breath. For many years, Pat Robertson has been excused for his repugnant comments by Conservatives, by Christians and by followers of his television ministry. While we (Christians) have been busy excusing him, the rest of the world remains puzzled as to why Robertson continues to get a free pass for comments that often times are anything but Christian. It is my opinion that we need to stop issuing apologies, stop offering excuses and start letting Robertson know that his inflammatory, ill timed remarks are not acceptable. Robertson has been in the public eye for many years and clearly understands that when you make public comments they will be scrutinized. Therefore, I do not accept any explanation that any of his comments are misquoted or misunderstood, if this the case, then perhaps retirement from public life maybe a better option.

As evidence of Robertson's misguided comments, I have compiled a few comments for you to consider. These comments should serve as a wake up call to everyone that even pastors deserve criticism when remarks are not made with the goal of building up the Kingdom.

"You know, I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it. It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war ... We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with." -- Rev. Pat Robertson, calling for the assassination

"I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God, you just rejected him from your city. And don't wonder why he hasn't helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I'm not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. And if that's the case, don't ask for his help because he might not be there." --Rev. Pat Robertson, after the city of Dover, Pennsylvania voted to boot the current school board, which instituted an intelligent design policy that led to a federal trial

In fairness to Rev. Robertson, he has done good works, has brought people to church, has spread the Gospel, however, these good works do not give him permission to make outrageous remarks.