Yesterday, as we learned of a human tragedy of stunning proportion unfolding in Haiti, Pat Robertson assumed God’s position and said that the earthquake Haiti was caused by an old ‘pact with the Devil’ made in the time when Haiti was was seeking freedom from French colonialism! I quote: "Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it. They were under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon III, or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the Devil. They said, we will serve you if you'll get us free from the French. True story. And so, the Devil said, okay it's a deal." – Pat Robertson, 700 Club, 1/3/2010
My opinion is that such a statement is idiotic, an absolute disgrace to the name of Christ Jesus, and completely out of line. It is true that Haiti is plagued with voodoo and spiritual darkness. That nation has huge social problems that contribute to keeping her people grinding poverty of the people. Those are facts. But, can we really know why the earthquake struck, apart from the geological science? Oh, and if God were to send earthquakes on every nation that made a pact with the Devil somewhere in their history, civilization would have ended centuries ago! Why didn’t Mr. Robertson point out the horrible sin of colonial nations who created Haiti by ripping Africans from their land and bringing them to be slaves in the Americas? Why didn’t he point out the racism that has been part of the reason that Haiti was unable to attract development in decades past? Why didn’t he point to the sin of the oppressive dictators who exploited the nation?
We want quick answers for suffering. We need to make a direct line between ‘cause and effect’ because it makes us feel more safe. If we can distance ourselves from those who suffer by finding a cause we also can avoid their fate. That’s not always a bad thing. I’m glad somebody figured out the science of infection by bacteria and viruses. I’m glad to know that I can practice good hygiene and significantly reduce my risk of sickness. But, when it comes to earthquakes, a little humility is in order.
Jesus’ own disciples were ready to judge some people who experienced tragedy, quick to assume that they ‘brought it on themselves.’ Hasn’t Mr. Robertson read Jesus’ words about judging others? "About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” (Luke 13:1-5, NLT) Jesus’ rebuke to his disciples was a reminder that we’re all under the judgment of God and that repentance was a necessity for everyone!
In a another passage, Jesus found a man born blind along the road. Here’s the story. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work." (John 9:2-4, NLT) And then Jesus healed him! By His example, we learn that it is not for us to decide the ‘why’ of suffering and tragedy. It is our calling to rush to such incidents with hands that soothe, bringing healing and turning sorrow into joy, darkness to light. God only knows why- really!
Haiti’s sorrow is an opportunity for us, not to pronounce judgment, but to weep, to give, and even for some of us to go and help.
"This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love." (1 John 3:16-18, The Message)
1 comment:
You know I was just thinking yesterday that some leader in the christian media was going to put his foot in his mouth about this issue and sure enough. Thanks for writing about it and pointing out the awful judgment on Robertson's part. I'm a christian and cringe when I hear about things like this from our so called christian leaders. I take comfort in knowing that wonderful christian people from christian organizations and more across the world will make their presence known in Haiti, and GOD'S GOODNESS will shine.
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