He's Not Getting a Pat on the Back

Published January 14, 2006

IN THEORY

He's Not Getting a Pat on the Back

Q: Jewish leaders and critics of the religious right have criticized religious broadcaster Pat Robertson for his Jan. 5 remarks suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's recent stroke had something to do with God's ill-will for Sharon's deal with the Palestinians to pull out of Gaza. What do you think of such remarks, and as people of faith, has this been a topic of discussion within your congregations? If so, how do you deal with it?

A: This is what gives religion a bad name. Of course, in the context of the Middle East, Robertson is in line with all the other distorted views of the divine. But looking at it from the orthodox camp, he and his teachings have always been out of line with the essence of Christianity because of the hatred it spews. In the body of faith, he is neither "religious" nor "right."

The second part of the question is critical: What are we - the religious community - saying about this? It's easy to dismiss Robertson's message, but you can't dismiss the people who watch and support the propagation of his twisted message. A few weeks ago, it was his warning to Philadelphians because of the court verdict on Intelligent Design. Before that, it was a case against the gays whose lifestyle whipped-up hurricane Katrina. And the list goes on.

This weekend we celebrate the life and accomplishments of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of his most poignant messages comes in a letter sent from Birmingham jail in which he remembers clergy who have lost positions and favor because of their alliance with justice. At the same time, he sharply criticized the Christian church for its complacency and non-action in the face of injustice. This can serve as a message and challenge to all people of faith today.

At our church and youth center we are actively working toward exposing the types of myths that will have God favoring one person over another. We bear witness to the Good News that we are all children of God. The consequences of ignoring the hatred or remaining silent are devastating. In the words of Dr. King, "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people."

Fr. Vazken Movsesian

Armenian Church Youth Ministries