Pat Robertson

Post by **_JJR** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 1:27 pm

What do you all make of the ministry/political approach of Pat Robertson? I am constantly being forced to explain why Christianity is not just a system of hate and bigotry based on Pat's lastest quote. Is this just an example of an extremist lobbyist whose choices of words overshadow otherwise good intentions? Or should one continue make the effort to distinguish the political and theological views of Pat from those of mainstream Christians? Interestingly, he does have over 1 million viewers tuning in per day. I continue to be frequented with the task of defending the applicability of conservative Christianity in today's society with each new Robertson headline.

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:50 pm

It's very popular to bash Pat not only for secularists but for fellow Christians. He is an easy target,he is very visable and to outspoken. But he has been doing this for 40 years ,he has a great charity "Operation Blessing" and his show has a lot of testimonies that appeal to a certain percentage of people. Yes he makes dumb statements from time to time but i suspect the people who jump on him probably dislike Christianity anyway and he is an excuse for them to reject Christ. I personally admire his dedication although it's time to let his son have a much bigger role.

Post by **_Anonymous** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 11:22 pm

Its amazing with all the good he does helping less fortunate people,
when he makes an error people are throwing a stone....Personally,
I have called many times during a difficult time of my life for prayer
and God has graciously answered........No stones to throw here!

Post by **_Roger** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 11:36 pm

I respect Pat for his speaking out. Maybe everything he says is not perfect but He is not trying to win peoples favor by being political. When the citizens of Dover voted out the school board that wanted to include intellegent design in the school curriculum , the press distorted his statements. I respect him for telling them to call on "Darwin" if they needed help in a disaster.
When Isreal gave up the Gaza strip and Sharon had a stroke, Pat may have been wrong to link the two events but I agree with him in opposing Sharon's giving up Gaza. That was a mistake and Isreal will regret it.

Post by **_Anonymous** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:27 am

At one time Sharon was a man ALMOST like a Patton...He broke down
but after SO many years of battling he's tired! He gave up kinda like Chief Joseph

Post by **_Homer** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:56 am

I speak as a Christian and registered Republican. IMHO Christians are far too much involved in politics. I suspect many people see/hear some of the statements and actions, regarding politics, of those who claim the name of Christ and say to themselves "if that's what Christianity is like, I want no part of it". Many times I am tempted to write a letter to the editor about some political issue but am constrained by the fear that my witness to unbelievers who know me will be harmed. As James has informed us, words can do great damage.

It seems to me the early Christians pretty much had it right regarding issues of Church and state. I am convinced that abortion, for example, will only be ended when the hearts of the people are changed. We need to focus our efforts on that.

I'm not saying Christians should not speak up regarding wrong. The Church is to be the light of the world, but it needs to be done with kindness and love

Post by **_Roger** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:48 am

I believe we need to actively resist the drift towards social degradation and corruption in our country. I actively opposed gay marriage in Oregon and got as many people as I could to vote against and resist this horrid evil thing. The endless drift towards moral degradation in this country is an evil tide that must be resisted. How about this evil movie "Brokeback Mountain" about two gay cowboys that is now playing in the theaters. The sewage from hollywood never ceases. Jesus said "Have salt in yourselves". Do we just sit back and let the immoral element in our society just slowly erode the whole nation?

Post by **_schoel** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:02 am

Pat Robertson's comments regarding Israel are based off a faulty assumption (discussed in great length on the forum here).
The faulty assumption is that the nation/state of Israel, began in 1948, is God ordained and was prophesied about in the OT and NT, and the people who were living in that geographical area before 1948 were squatters on Jewish land.

If you believe this is the case, please ponder the following:
- Israel is mostly atheistic, with a very small portion (>1%) that actually follow Jesus as Messiah
- Over 30% of Palestinians are followers of Christ. This number has dwindled since 1948 due to western evangelical support for the nation/state of Israel.
- Has God ever promised land, blessings and protection to those who walk in rebellion to him?

I recommend the following book to gain a balance approach to the current political tug-of-war in that area. No favoritism is given to either side, but each side's errors and strengths are examined.

Whose Promised Land - Colin Chapman

ps. Can someone send it to Pat?

Post by **_Christopher** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:32 am

IMHO Christians are far too much involved in politics. I suspect many people see/hear some of the statements and actions, regarding politics, of those who claim the name of Christ and say to themselves "if that's what Christianity is like, I want no part of it".

I agree with you Homer. I don't think the unbelieving world, hostile to Christianity, listens to the rebuke of religious leaders that merely beat them over the head with a bible they don't believe in anyway.

I personally believe that voting is a good and responsible thing for believers to do. But Paul said: [brackets mine]

1 Cor 5:12-13
12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside [the church]? Do you not judge those who are inside [the church]? 13 But those who are outside [the church] God judges.
NKJV

It's also interesting that we don't see Jesus rising up against the state in His ministry, but instead He publicly spoke out against the religious leaders who misled the people with their hypocrasy. His kingdom is not of this world.

I think anyone who makes himself a public spokesperson for God is also subject to public scrutiny by others in the church.

If Pat, Jerry, or anyone else makes false statements using misinterpretations of bible passages, I think the church is right to correct them and call them to repentance.

Post by **_Roger** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:29 am

Christopher and others....I suggest you investigate the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Maybe you already have. As a minister in Nazi Germany he gave his life in an attempt to assassinate Adolph Hitler. I have no doubt that many believers enterred into the great effort to stop this satanic regime that caused the death of tens of millions. This may be an extreme point, but do we as believers just sit back and not make an active resistance to evil in this world?