I understand that a lot of Christians are upset with Pat Robertson, and, in a sense, so am I. However, our response must be one of love, but we must also point out where we, Christians, go wrong. I do believe Pat is a Christian, and I do believe much of his theology is poor. I am perturbed that Pat would say these things about the Haitian people when they are down (I suppose, kicking them when they are down). But he’s not the first to claim a disaster is God’s judgment on an area. I have pointed out another time recently when Christians have made rash statements about God’s judgment. Regardless, Pat’s statement was foolish (and I mean this in a “lacking wisdom” way, not a “he’s an idiot” way).

First, Pat, such a statement is offensive to Christians in Haiti. I have met many Haitian Christians over my life, and I know of a few Christian organizations/churches in Haiti. I say this in a compassionate way, How do they feel about such a statement? Wouldn’t it hurt them, Pat, if they heard what you said?

Second, Pat, what is more offensive from a theological standpoint, is your contrast between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The thought process is, the Haitians are poor because of their pact with the Devil, but the Dominicans are prosperous and have “resorts” because they are not like the Haitians (does that make the Dominicans Christian? I don’t know). Once again, we’ve fallen into a consumeristic mentality and fallen for the myth of progress that says that progress is always good, and “good” manifests itself in technological advances and luxurious living. I understand that wealth and good land is part of what God gives, but it is not always the case.

I recently studied Luke 2 about Christ’s birth announcement to the shepherds. The shepherds were the marginalized, the poor, the outcasts. God decides to reveal his redemptive plan first to them, not the rich or powerful. In fact, the Gospel of Luke is very harsh on the rich. Jesus’ mission is wrapped around giving help to the poor (cf. Lk. 4:18). Mary’s song exclaims, “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty” (Lk. 1:53 NIV). It’s a theological downfall to say that those who have much have been favored by God and those who have little are not. I think Luke’s Gospel refutes your contrast, Pat.

Third, I forgive you, Pat. It has been hard for me, at times, to love people like you, but we are called to love other Christians. Please do not see this as a harsh critique on you but, rather, as a critique on bad theology and rash statements. Jesus calls us to forgiveness, not hatred; love, not anger; unity, not division. If you were to walk into my office today, I would try to point out where you went wrong, and I would work hard to end it with reconciliation and redemption. Sometimes, you have to get in another Christian’s face, but our solution must be one of love and forgiveness.

What are your thoughts on the situation with Pat Robertson?

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