Comments

If ever a man needed to by "shushed!" it was Pat Robertson!!! Is it possible we can blame senility? How sad people look at this man and think they see a reflection of Christians.

I understand and believe that God may use a disaster (man-made or natural) to bring people to repentance. But what I don't understand with people like Pat Robertson is how they think they know God's will and plan for the future. Even Jesus said that some disasters are just disasters. So why does Pat Robertson seem to want to blame either God or Satan for every one? And why does he and others only seem to blame the disasters on their favorite sins. What about greed, oppression of the poor and widows, etc.?

I agree completely with Pat. We are all praying hard for Haiti and sending all the humanitarian aid that we can give. We personally support a Haitian orphan and our church is just about to go on a missions trip to that devastated island. It's terrible that Haiti opened the door to the devil through a witch doctor 200 years ago, but it's a fact, and there are always horrible consequences when we "sell our souls" by turning away from God.

Wow. That was really, really just... wrong!

It appesrs that Rev. Robertson has his facts wrong. The Haitian rebellion began during the First French Revolution. Napaleon I tried to reconquer Haiti without success despite his general's duplicity.

He is, however, right about the desperate poverty of the Haitian portion of the Island, although his picture of the prosperity of the Dominican Republic seems overdrawn.

World Vision has 370 people on the field. Let's pray for them.

This man suffers what must be a dangerously debilitating mental illness. He vomits this sort of venom with a smile on his face, and his hand out for the poor deluded fools who buy his drivel to send more donations. If this is the image that the rest of the world has of Christian America, it is no wonder that they revile us.

Yes, Diane, this is the image of Christianity that the world has of American Christians. And why shouldn't they? Robertson, Swaggart, Falwell, and the rest of these mental deficients are the only ones speaking with any noticable volume, and they've got the millions of dollars they bilk out of their followers to buy themselves more influence than they whould have.

No wonder they took over the Republican Party.

If they don;t speak for you, then speak up. Silence usually equals assent in the public forums.

I agree with Pat Robertson. He isn't saying anything derogatory about the people of HAITI. He is speaking only the facts - what went down with the people making a pact with the 'enemy' or the devil. If anyone knows anything about Christianity - God - the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual realm, then you would understand what he is trying to say. If you choose to follow God, then you, your family, your house, your life will come under God's covering ie. you will be protected against the "enemy" and his army of demons. If you choose to follow the devil voluntarily, then of course you will not come under God's covering. God gave us FREE will, to do what we choose to do, and He can instruct us, but it's up to us in the end what we choose to do .....and WHO to follow. It talks about what we are fighting against in the book of Ephesians in the Bible.

Ephesians 6:10-18

The Armor of God

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

God did not cause this disaster. Gravity and shifting global plates did. How dare anyone blame the people, who are the poorest in our side of the world, for this devastation. In my Bible, Jesus would have been with the orphans, the sick and the prisoners - with the victims. Not, as this yutz indicates, directing the earth to move under their feet in some sort of righteous tyranny. Tyranny is a distinctly human vice. Christ is always, always with the victims of disaster and poverty - not over them causing harm. Robertson is not a man of God but a preacher of pain and self righteousness. There is not crucified Christ in his religion. He really, really needs to quit speaking on behalf of we Christians who really try to bear the name of Christ into the world.

That's right, God didn't cause this disaster. But when you study the word ie. HIS word - the Bible, you will see that He doesn't protect those who "choose" to go the opposite way. It's like a Father whose son constantly chooses to run away from home - exercising his own free will. How can his Father protect him from all the nasty people and things lurking out there in the world? The people of Haiti being God's sons and daughers + their pact with the devil....God their righteous Father cannot protect them because they've chosen to go somewhere their Father told them not to because of the dangers.

Pat Robertson is only saying what many Christians don't have the guts to say.

Well, here we are: this is not a christian way to speak. Always there are people who take the love out of God. Instead of taking this tragic moment into a healing word, this is what is said. It's sad. Really sad. Some people think they know God. Be humble. God is something else then us human. We only know that God ask us to help people who are in need. Don't waste your time with empty words, don't act like people who know everything. Jesus whiped out the temple because of people who acted that way. Help, talk later and talk with more sense

One only has to look at the moral of the Book of Job to realize that disasters happen for many reasons. In any given disaster, the results could be a result of sin, but more likely, it's because of factors we cannot possibly comprehend. Should we search for the theological in disasters? Of course. Various prophecies in the Bible are being fulfilled in our days. But should we assume that all disasters (or any given one) are a direct result of that people's sins? That just makes an ass of you and me. We should remember that God is sovereign and He's got a lot going on.

I never watch the 700 club (or much TV), but I can't believe there was no thinking person on that show to challenge his platitudes. At least Job's friends had Job to correct them. I agree with the person who said that such broad-brush statements terribly misrepresent the living Jesus and the people who follow him.

Pat Robertson makes me dislike Jesus.

CBN posted a press release about the statement:
http://www.cbn.com/about/pressrelease_patrobertson_haiti.aspx

However, the issue remains that, on the heels of a disaster, such bold statements are best left to the historians. Give it some time to cool down, and for your care to show, before you rush in with judgements. Otherwise, it kind of looks like you are running the Crusades all over again.

Actually, yes, Pat Robertson did blame the people of Haiti. In addition to having the facts of the Haitian Revolution wrong, he implied that the Haitian people were somehow better off under the French, when they were slaves!! A pact with the devil? Seriously? How does Pat Robertson know that Haitian people have "gone the wrong way," as one reader above implied? We should all be grieving for the loss of life. Honestly, it's comments like this that make it hard for me to be a Christian. Thanks Pat Robertson, for making my own faith more difficult. People, let's pony up some cash and donate it to a non-profit without political agendas, to get medical care, water, and food to these people. That's what I just did. And when we've done that, we should pray -- without inflicting judgment on a population that was already poverty-stricken (and has suffered a long history of exploitation by the West).

Here you go:

CBN.com – VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., January 13, 2010 --On today’s The 700 Club, during a segment about the devastation, suffering and humanitarian effort that is needed in Haiti, Dr. Robertson also spoke about Haiti’s history. His comments were based on the widely-discussed 1791 slave rebellion led by Boukman Dutty at Bois Caiman, where the slaves allegedly made a famous pact with the devil in exchange for victory over the French. This history, combined with the horrible state of the country, has led countless scholars and religious figures over the centuries to believe the country is cursed. Dr. Robertson never stated that the earthquake was God’s wrath. If you watch the entire video segment, Dr. Robertson’s compassion for the people of Haiti is clear. He called for prayer for them. His humanitarian arm has been working to help thousands of people in Haiti over the last year, and they are currently launching a major relief and recovery effort to help the victims of this disaster. They have sent a shipment of millions of dollars worth of medications that is now in Haiti, and their disaster team leaders are expected to arrive tomorrow and begin operations to ease the suffering.

Chris Roslan
Spokesman for CBN

I see most people berating Pat Robertson airing their opinions but not using the word of God ie. the Bible to back up their opinions! Isn't that what we're supposed to do as children of God - to go back to the WORD for wisdom and understanding? We can't use our "worldly" opinions backed by emotions. The truth is in the WORD. Prophecies relating to world disasters etc etc are all stated in the bible and in Revelations.

Pat Robertson has lost the connection with the people, and anly doing it for the money.
The more you give the better prayer you will be receiving.
This type of people make me want to say that im not a christian.
Please help Haiti and give money to the red cross not CBN and all those hungry money false christians.

I'm not sure if the earthquake happened as a punishment, it might be other reasons. But the rest of Robertson's statement is correct. Vodoo, witchcraft, sorcery and devil worship has a stronghold in Haiti. Many in Haiti, Instead of productive work, take to black magic as an answer to their ills. The culture is pervaded by these things. Even at a higher level than central America and Mexico. Last year they had four major hurricanes hit them in one month. one must start to wonder... I'm not going to laugh at Robertson, he has every right to raise the issue, but he shouldn't just appear so convinced that his suggestion is the right relationship. But then again he is old and old people are often less PC...

What a goofball!

I see nothing in scripture that supports the notion of God as a terrorist. The Christian world should stand up in unison to deny these hurtful remarks.

What a difference he could have made if he used this airtime to appeal for donations to actually help those in need. "I was hungry and you fed me...."

If God is sovereign, He either made it happen or let it happen. There isn't really a 3rd alternative. Whether He made it or let it happen, it is to His glory. I don't know whether these people are being punished for their sins or if God is allowing it for another reason, but if the people of Haiti have given themselves over to the devil (voodoo, witch craft etc.), would God not be justified?

I am saddened by those who seem to prefer a squishy Jesus to the real Jesus. Yes, he is a loving, graceful and merciful God, but he is also a just God who scolded the Pharisees (Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees) and he turned over the tables of the money changers because of their actions.

He said such things as: the gate is narrow and there will be few who pass through it; for I came to call the righteous and not the sinners; Whoever is not with me, is against me; Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell; And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth; Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?

Pat Robertson may very well be wrong in his assessment of Haiti, but I appreciate his boldness against what he believes is sin. I pray more of us would not discount the possibility of punishment for sin in return for some PC attitude. I have not heard the interview, but I also understand that he did ask for prayer for Haiti. It seems to be a fairly straight forward case of confession and repentance of sin.

I think Pat is old, and his mind is far away from being 'Wise'. This is definitely not the right time to say what he said. A very bad bad bad bad.....a million times image for Christians. I feel ashamed to have this person sort of represent a well respected Christian leader. I hope people in his organization can see clearly that he is getting old and he should retire to avoid making so many embarrassing comments. Allow ( or persuade) him to retire is doing him a favor, to save him so he can finish well in ministry!!!

I think it was Galileo that said,"As scarce as truth is ,the supply has always been in excess of demand ." In times of great human tragedy,its always easy to react from the (carnal)mind and not the Spirit .Please beloved pray for the suffering .Even those who are miles away from this tragedy. Let us seek the Lord and act in accord with Him .

what an arrogant fool. I think a lot of people are confused about what it means to be a Christian.... it is to follow Jesus. Yes, Jesus was angry at those who used the law to obscure the importance of a relationship with God (Pharisees). And, yes, Jesus was angry at those who abused the trust of the community (money changers). Perhaps he was angry because the individuals in these two examples were putting rules and greed between God and the people. What did Jesus teach us? To throw stones only if we are sinless ourselves. Pat, are you sinless? Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Pat, do you love the people of Haiti as much as you love yourself?

People who confuse the stories of the "wrath of God" of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) may have missed the message of Jesus, "I am the New Covenant." "I come to fulfill the law." The laws of the Hebrew Bible have been fulfilled and we are charged with two very simple new commandments. Love your God with all your heart. and Love your neighbor as yourself.

Arrogance is incredible self love. Pat, what have you done to help those in need in Haiti at this hour beyond praying for them? Have you dropped a few dollars into a donation box? Have you contacted the Red Cross to see how you can help? Have you offered to go down there yourself and help pull people from the wreckage (without a TV crew following you)? Are you willing to get your hands dirty helping your neighbor? Or do you really think the best way you can help them right now is by sitting in your comfortable home and telling the world that if only the Haitians of 200+ years ago hadn't sacrificed that pig in their attempts to be free from slavery there wouldn't have been an earthquake in 2010.

yep... yep.... great way to spread the love of God -- our commandment as part of the new covenant of Jesus Christ.

Frankly, Pat, I'm ashamed to be associated with you. I am an American. I am a Christian. I hope no one confuses the facts here and think you represent me.

This is the prayer attributed to Boukman Dutty in 1791, it is not a 'pact' to the devil, it is not a opening to a 'curse.'

"The god who created the earth; who created the sun that gives us light. The god who holds up the ocean; who makes the thunder roar. Our God who has ears to hear. You who are hidden in the clouds; who watch us from where you are. You see all that the white has made us suffer. The white man's god asks him to commit crimes. But the god within us wants to do good. Our god, who is so good, so just, He orders us to revenge our wrongs. It's He who will direct our arms and bring us the victory. It's He who will assist us. We all should throw away the image of the white men's god who is so pitiless. Listen to the voice for liberty that speaks in all our hearts."

Here is another translation from Written in Blood, (Heinl) in their book Written in Blood:

Good Lord who hath made the sun that shines upon us, that riseth from the sea, who maketh the storm to roar; and governeth the thunders, The Lord is hidden in the heavens, and there He watcheth over us. The Lord seeth what the blancs have done. Their god commandeth crimes, ours giveth blessings upon us. The Good Lord hath ordained vengeance. He will give strength to our arms and courage to our hearts. He shall sustain us. Cast down the image of the god of the blancs, because he maketh the tears to flow from our eyes. Hearken unto Liberty that speaketh now in all your hearts.

does anyone actually READ the bible anymore?

you can't make a pact with the devil. you just simply can't. if you tried, it wouldn't work because it's not possible. no where in the bible is there any indication of pacts with the devil being a possibility.

pat is preaching superstition.

pat is preaching heresy.

heartless heresy.

to say that 200 years ago slaves fought for their freedom and won was due to some pact with the devil is the height of heresy.

pat might as well be a priest of satan. he's preaching that satan has the power to set slaves free. and then exact devastation in the form of an earthquake 200 years later to the descendants who had nothing at all to do with any kind of rediculous pact.

jesus was accused of casting out demons by authority from the devil

he said CLEARLY that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand

that the devil would NEVER cast out a demon

to say that satan would help slaves win their freedom is to completely misunderstand the teachings of jesus

a monumental misunderstanding

by someone who is followed by millions

who does good works. we know because he makes sure that we know.

and he is a multimillionaire for it

he's a heretical hypocrit son of the devil who loves money and to be praised and looked up to in the temple

he's a snake.

god have mercy on his soul.

I believe, God sent Christians into the world to bring light into the darkness. When light is shed in a situation then change can come.

I cannot say God caused the earthquake, even as no one can rightly say God caused any natural disasters, however God is God. He owns the earth and everything therein. He decides what punishment and/or judgement is placed upon any nation who do not following his ordinances or commandments. Since every nation lives under some form of evil practice all nations will fall under his judgement at one time or another. The very recent collapse of our world monatory system is a sign that God is not playing with humanity, as the end times near He is saying ... 'Repent, and turn unto the Lord."

God is not just a God of love but a God of judgement. He must judge sin. I believe God allowed this tragedy whether for punishment or not, so all men could realise the fallibility of life and turn to him.

God sent his son to earth as a sign of his tolerance and love for Humanity, however He cannot go against his word. His word is very clear on those who practice witchcraft, sorcery and any such evil practices.

Unless a country or person repents and turns to the Lord Jesus Christ, and turns from these practices they are under judgement. As a nation with a history of witchcraft and voodoo practices, Haiti according to the word will fall under judgement, as these practices are an abomonation unto the Lord.

Gods love for mankind is without question, He sent His son to die upon a cross to prove this, however we cannot escape the wages of sin ... they are death ...

Thousands of Haitians poured into the streets of Port-au-Prince seeking safety, singing hymns as aftershocks of up to 5.9 rattled the city in the darkness. Their voices were heard until the wee hours of the morning until either sleep or the din of rescue aircraft silenced them.

Can there be a greater showing of faith and supplication? Pray for an outpouring of the Spirit in Haiti. May God deny a return to the oppression and poverty of the former power structure.

Then we have this idolator spewing backward drivel into this horror as brave people struggle to overcome. This is what happens when the gospel becomes twisted by some disordered billionaire patriot that spent time trying to find ways to assassinate Hugo Chavez and God knows who else.

Something needs to severely rattle CBN.

CBN: do real, self-respecting scholars truly say a country is "cursed"...I call foul. If a scholar put forth that theory, my interest in his or her historical analysis would disappear in seconds.

Pat Robertson and those who agree with him are disgusting human beings. Are you actually trying to convince us that God cursed Haiti because they were trying to rid themselves of slavery from Whites? Weren't the French wrong for enslaving them in the name of Jesus? Can you blame the enslaved Africans for having a negative view of Christianity after how they were treated by so-called Christians? Lest we forget, many White Christians in America claimed that the Bible said that Blacks are inferior due to a curse God put on Ham. The Bible doesn't even say or imply that Black people are cursed but Whites used this rationale for centuries (and some still believe this foolishness to this day) to justify oppressing Blacks in a SO CALLED CHRISTIAN NATION!!! They literally lied on God! For the record, Vooduu and similar religions are practiced in Cuba,Brazil, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Are those nations cursed? Like someone mentioned, Islam is heavily practiced in the Middle East. Do they seemed cursed to you? White Europeans have commited acts of genocide (American Indians, Australian Aborigines and Jewish Holocaust), slavery and countless other evil things(in the name of God no less!). Are they cursed? Only a racist or supporter of racism would believe God cursed a nation of Black people!

Robertson is not judging the people of Haiti. He has shown compassion for them. Rather he is judging Satan and his minions. Much of what he has said may be found in Christianity Today article of Oct 2003 entitled "Christians see official recognition of voodoo as ominous" which noted President Aristide's declaration in April 2003 that Voodoo would be the officially recognized religion of Haiti. Although 80% of the population is said to be Catholic, Haiti's religion has always been one of syncretism. This of course is in direct defiance of the First table of the law which forbids having any other God but the one true God. This same Christianity Today article noted a "fear Aristide is planning to renew a 200-year old national "pact with the devil" on January 2004". Christians must point out Satan's work wherever they see it just as it was pointed out in both the Old and New Testaments. At the same time we must be compassionate to the survivors and do all in our power and rsources to bring relief to them.

Mountain Guy -
Your post was removed due to the final comment in Spanish which was in violation of CT's discussion standards.
"Treat everyone with respect. If you disagree with someone's point of view, argue ideas rather than attacking individuals or groups. Derogatory statements about Christian denominations, practices, or beliefs, and individually aimed insults or threats that cause any participant to feel discomfort will not be tolerated."
Please repost your comment without the offensive phrase.

BJ
Community CT

Pat was rather crafty in the way that he made his pronouncement. He never overtly said that God or Satan directly caused the earthquake. It was something like "They had it coming". He does similar things when he gives his 'word of knowledge' which never gives the specific information such as the name and location of the person being healed ect. Such a style makes Pat more a Politician than a Pastor.

Jesus and his disciples encountered a man who had been blind since birth.

"Rabbi," the disciples asked, "who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus said, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

And Jesus healed him.

We need to respond in love without blame.
50 years ago it would have taken us a week to hear about this.
100 years ago it would have taken weeks.

Today, it took just minutes. Do we need to respond quickly? We do.

"To whom much is given, much is required."

I blogged about this at Red Letter Believers
http://www.redletterbelievers.com
"salt and Light"

??

Call it Senility, Dementia, or Heresy, or whatever but I think that Mr. Robertson reached a long time ago, a point in his life in which he needs a lot of help.

Unfortunately like most people in his situation he is unable to see his own needs, and still pretends to see and know the need of others.

To aggravate the situation, no one around him, not even his son is able to make the decision to take control of his wanderings. He clearly drifted away from basic Orthodoxy by the late 90's, or early 2000's with his statements on 9-11 and recently his call for the assasination of Chavez.

It is very sad to see some one like him going downhill that way. Even worst is that nobody seem to be able to have the strenght of Character necessary to remove him from his post.

In the Video, the girl Chisty; is obviously incapable of confronting him, for whatever the reason. That is one of the problems. He does makes sure to surround himself with people who are weak minded, or with not a hint of what the Scriptures have said to this respect. Therefore nobody in his staff cares enough, or know enough, to either correct him or remove him from the air before he goes on with these gibberish.

Seems to me also, that they don't care about him enough either. If he is unable to make a decision for himself; at least his son should make the decision to place him in Retirement. In the least, he should help him stay home, because the entire Ministry that once was is not the same it was anymore

??

If history of Haiti and cruel french domination with slavery and part of the historical truth is Haiti made sold their future to Satan who is the god of this world then why condem Robertson if he had told you the truth???

I think it was the little-known geologist Klaus Freud (Sigmund Freud's younger brother) who once said, "Sometimes an earthquake is just an earthquake."

This wicked demagogue's idiotic and unchristian comments are disturbing enough; but the fact that so many deluded fundamentalists on this site agree with them is even more disturbing. We need to make a clear distinction between Evangelical and Fundamentalist, and let the Fundamentalists have their own paranoid, hatemongering journal. There is no way to defend Robertson's wicked comments, which are only the latest in a pattern of foolish, destructive, and divisive statements.

Judge not, Pat, that ye be not judged. That is in the Bible. Nowhere does it say that God will send an earthquake to kill everyone that lives in Haiti or lives in a nation that has a relition different than Christianity. God is not willing that any should perish. How sad.

One of the core issues is the interpretation(s) Robertson offers to crisis such as these. He frequently puts himself in the place of the omniscient Prophet, Pastor, TV Anchor, Evangelist and Politician. This as I have stated in an earlier post works hand in hand with the sensationalism found on his program and among many (but not all) Charismatics and Pentecostals.

Well, God's greatest unguided missle has been fired again. The guy is off his rocker, and has been for years. How in the name of common sense can he generate the kind of funds he raises, and get anyone to take anything serious that he says is beyond me! I is dishearting to say the least. Oh, well, he must answer to God for that not me. However, I would suggest that he take a new fresh look at the Commandment that reads that one should not use the name of God wrongly.

May the Lord Jesus have mercy upon Pat Robertson.

I think most of the people who are in an uproar over this are the same people who are quite confused about the sovereignty of God.
The fact is that God is sovereign. Anything that happens to anyone on this earth passes through GODS HANDS first. And it is ALL for HIS glory.

No, we cannot pretend to grasp the reasons for the horrible suffering of the Haitian people....but that doesn't change the fact that all things are from God, through God, and to God.

I think Mr. Robertson was just retelling an old story, whether it is true or not, under the implications that people WILL and DO suffer as a result of rebellion to God.

I strongly believe that if you worship anything but the one God that we all know, then you will have "Bad Luck" i guess you can call it that, or you can call It the devil CLAiming your soul, call it what you will. Noone said that Haitian people DESERVE all that has happened. Just you cant expect to promise the devil something and him not take it. If the Haitain people believed in voodoo and stuff like that, then i am sure that they would believe that it has something to do with the curses from the devil.

The Editors of CT should immediately issuea statement condemning and repudiating Mr. Robertson's ignorant, untrue, racist, and harmful comments. He does not deserve the title "Rev." because he does not represent Christ in any way shape or form. He is a self-serving demagogue with warped theology and a perverse understanding of God's intervention in history. Equally disturbing his his apparently large fan base, including those who have made ignorant, foolish, and uttterly unchristian comments on this story. Pat Robinson is a liar and a false prophet whose only god is his fame, wealth, and power. Please, CT, make a strong statement, for the good of the Evangelical cause. And please stop referring to Mr. Robinson as an Evangelical; he is not. He is an extremist fundamentalit, the closest thing there is to a Christian Taliban.

These folks have suffered enough without stomping on them by calling them evil heirs to something in which they had no part.
Send contributions to Christian relief organizations that can demonstrate the love of Christ to a people in great pain.

I not sure how a pagan ritual of a few people trying to cause a political uprising means that God would be angry at the whole county for so long and kill them with an earthquake?

This was a pagan voodoo ritual and not a pact with the devil. The ritual was to get the pagan angel to get their creator god, a good god in their eyes, to help them fight the French. It was not a pact with the Christian devil or even a pagan devil.

But for the sake of argument let say that it was, does this mean that God is going to destroy American with an earthquake and make sure that it suffers in poverty because of what a few American Satan worshipers do?

I think all you Christians who think this better read the book of Job.

Apparently, the CT comments section is so deeply censored that I must not express the view that the slavers were the demonic ones, rather than the horrifically oppressed human beings who sought a spiritual force to wield against their oppressors.

Naturally, their force would seem an "opposite" spirituality -- but far more godly, in all, than any religion held by those that kept the innocent in chains and beheaded those that got unruly.

Those who don't understand this, or can't handle it being out in public, are not the Christians we need today.

I believe Pat Robertson was stating history as it was for voodoo Haiti AND examples of God's fierce passion for people to obey Him.

I think it is arrogant or foolish to think God would not remove evil from the world if He knew that evil would cause eternal damnation for the pagans, and real despair for His people. Just like in Noah's time or Job's misfortunes; we never know what God is really working out with the hardship and destruction. He is sovereign and not wanting that any soul should perish, which is exactly why He just might remove a nation of people before they do anymore harm than they already have.

I would hope, based on the just-aired comments of Pat Robertson, that his family is making final preparations for Pat to be placed in a safe environment far away from the sane public eye. Give him his Bible and a mirror and he should be quite docile for at least the next 40 years. DO NOT DISTURB!!! Make sure he only views re-runs of the Road Runner cartoons!
Dakotahgeo, M. Div. Pastor/Chaplain Ret.

I believe Pat Robertson was stating history as it was

I defy you to find one history textbook, "secular" or religious in bent, that concludes that the Haitian slaves made a pact with the Christian Devil.

Wait, history is written by the victors, so I guess the truth has been steadily suppressed... by the poorest nation in the hemisphere. That must be the explanation.

You know what is a "true story"? The transatlantic slave trade. You might know it as "putting savages in their place" or "a well-meaning mistake." Anyway, you can find plenty of pretty pictures on Google. Here's something to whet your appetite: "Have they not hung up men with heads downward, drowned them in sacks, crucified them on planks, buried them alive, crushed them in mortars? Have they not forced them to eat excretement? And, having flayed them with the lash, have they not cast them alive to be devoured by worms, or onto anthills, or lashed them to stakes in the swamp to be devoured by mosquitoes? Have they not thrown them into boiling cauldrons of cane syrup? Have they not put men and women inside barrels studded with spikes and rolled them down mountainsides into the abyss? Have they not consigned these miserable blacks to man-eating dogs until the latter, sated by human flesh, left the mangled victims to be finished off with bayonet and poniard?" [Letter from a former slave, quoted in Robert Heinl, Written in Blood: The History of the Haitian People]

Not important enough for G-d? G-d just left the slaves to their "free" will, eh, and they decided to sign a pact with the Devil, and hundreds of years later they had to be destroyed? That is really your take on the evil that ostensibly Christian men do: to oppose it without sin, you must first take your oppressor's religion, rather than forming your own take on right and good in opposition to their every mode of conduct?

"Simpleminded" is just one adjective to describe your too-crowded corner of Christianity.

Seriously, I've about had it with rubbish statements like this made by prominent Christian figures.

The lack of compassion floors me. Outright victim blaming! Something like 50,000 of our fellow human beings are estimated dead.

Ya know, I can't say for sure "what God thinks" but I'm betting that it ain't this.

Ugh. I'm too angry to be angry. Just mostly really sad.

What happened to love???

I don't know about the pact with the devil, but I've seen a light in the eyes of the people there who work to rescue their neighbors.

I think a Higher Power is prepared to negotiate a new and better contract with the people of Haiti

The world is in union with the Haitians in their sorrow. Especially the Christian community worldwide.

Unfortunately, such comments by Robertson (unintended or not) really turn off many from the love of Jesus Christ and instead paint God as a wrath-obsessed deity out to destroy the world (as compared to John 3:16). The internet sheds this graceless perspective globall in minutes.

Let's pray for them, help them FIRST. We can share with them on their need to turn from Satan and other demonic influences AFTER they survive this disaster.

The bible say thier will be earth quakes in the last days. And the earth groans for the coming of the Jesus the King of Kings. To single out one nation, would not be appropiate at anytime. I believe Haiti is a sign for the world to repent and we should not single out one nation because all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. Although I beleive PAt did not mean to hurt anyone. Brother pat is responsible for multitudes coming into the kingdom and we should respect him as a general i the faith.

I beleive PAts timing may not have been right But I bigger issues is all these people wanted to Burn PAt tat the steak. All these people throwing verbal stones at Pat. The bible says touch not my anointed. Do my phophet no harm. I would be careful about the poison coming from your mouth you are placing yourself in danger with your hate. Jesus said love on another

So, just where are the church leaders who will repudiate this man's nonsense?

I could believe that many people of many lands have made "pacts with the devil" as well as the many fox hole conversions to some form of godliness

I wonder how the Christians of New Orleans and the Christians in Haiti understand the Robertson Religion?

Perhaps they are justified if they do not consider him "....of Christ."

Meanwhile, the silence of church leaders is deafening.

For all those who any who agree with Pat Robertson, would you please furnish a historical reference-text book, news article, website, etc-that backs-up Mr Robertson's story about Haiti and this "pact" with the devil. If anyone who is supportive of Mr Robertson's claim lacks proof, then you may want to reconsider supporting him in this case.

For anyone who claims that voodoo is the root of the evils that befall Haiti I would invite you to check voodoo practice in Brazil and ask the question, why is not the same or more tragedy happening there?

Before backing a person's claim, whether they be friend or a "brother" or some other familiar please take time to check the facts, and not support rhetoric merely because you agree with him or her most of the time. God supplies wisdom liberally as we ask for it. Use wisdom, gain understanding, then form an opinion before agreeing with the claim of a reputed whatever, Christian or otherwise. Mr Robertson is human and subject to error, as we all are, and lately he seems to be offering dangerous rhetorical information, asserting it as it were history.

The Bible is the base of Pat Robertson's comments. It is the same line that has said for years that America has been spared the proverbial rod since it has at its roots giving God honor...In God We Trust. I'm wondering...not really...but did he speak of Operation Blessing bringing goods to Haiti. (So I went to the site of cbn.com. See the response to Pat's comments at the end.)

Whether or not his reasoning stands, it is God in control. Don't believe he goes after folks, but he might not block the means of Satan...who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

No matter the reason, our plight now is to do as we can for these people who have been driven to their knees in crisis.

God loves all people and wants relationship with all. He has made a way. It is people who have broken with God.

In times like these, after the earthquake, it is time to love our neighbors as ourselves, as Jesus said ... the second most important of the commandments. The first was to love God with all our heart and soul and minds.

Not all in Haiti follow the evil one first. Just as in America. Not all here view Pat Robertson with the disdain of some, either. To God be the glory.

For the people of Haiti, I pray. And likewise, for the people, organizations, and nations giving to aid those in dispair.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., January 13, 2010 -- On today’s The 700 Club, during a segment about the devastation, suffering and humanitarian effort that is needed in Haiti, Dr. Robertson also spoke about Haiti’s history. His comments were based on the widely-discussed 1791 slave rebellion led by Boukman Dutty at Bois Caiman, where the slaves allegedly made a famous pact with the devil in exchange for victory over the French. This history, combined with the horrible state of the country, has led countless scholars and religious figures over the centuries to believe the country is cursed. Dr. Robertson never stated that the earthquake was God’s wrath. If you watch the entire video segment, Dr. Robertson’s compassion for the people of Haiti is clear. He called for prayer for them. His humanitarian arm has been working to help thousands of people in Haiti over the last year, and they are currently launching a major relief and recovery effort to help the victims of this disaster. They have sent a shipment of millions of dollars worth of medications that is now in Haiti, and their disaster team leaders are expected to arrive tomorrow and begin operations to ease the suffering.

Perhaps we should not judge too quickly the actions or words of others..

excuse me, but Pat is not 'annointed', he's preaching heresy.

he's preaching that devil pacts and curses are real

that people can make pacts with the devil to influence war

that the devil would help slaves win freedom

that what people did 200 years ago caused an earthquake now?

all of these things are 100% against what is taught in the bible

jesus was the light of truth to expel superstitious darkness like Pat is preaching

earthquakes are not caused by people

people cannot make pacts with satan

satan cannot help people win a war

satan would NEVER help slaves win their freedom

Pat is a heretic.

Stop defending him and stop saying that he's being persecuted.

He's being accused of being evil because that is what he is being.

And he can tell Jesus all he wants about the charity work he did but Jesus will say that he never knew Pat the false teacher trying to lead people into darkness.

read the bible folks. stop listening to tv preachers. for goodness sakes!

Pat Robertson's comments at this time are most unfortunate, and appear to show arrogance and lack of sympathy, whatever his other statements. There are many examples of the good suffering and the bad prospering.

Even these discussion posts show the effect of Robertson's remarks. He should not be taken as a typical example of the aged, many of whom are wise and compassionate. And most Evangelicals, I would think, will want to disassociate themselves from his statement.

Excuse me please. Let me clarify my comment below in the previous post tonight.
Janelle

"Whether or not his reasoning stands, it is God in control. Don't believe he goes after folks, but he might not block the means of Satan...who comes to steal, kill, and destroy."

Whether or not Pat's reasoning stands, it is God in control. I don't believe God goes after folks, but that he might not block the means of Satan...who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Scripture does speak of God's protection of his own...those who trust Him with faith, as in John 3:16 and Romans 12:1,2. Paul's letters of the New Testament speak more on life of those of faith.

The fact remains about sin and repentance. Sin is where man walks away from God. God is always there. Man is the one who leaves. As people, we see some sins as worse than others. Scripture says all sin is separation from God. The difference...when one repents, turns back to God, ones sins are forgiven. The one unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit of God.

The ways of Haiti 200 years ago are still there in areas of the nation. The only difference is from missionary work, and those who've come to faith in God over the evil one.

I pray for the wisdom of God in decisions being made, and how they are accepted, throughout the circumstances of this earthquake and its aftermath. May the relief efforts reach those in need in ways that can be used, in an orderly, lawful manner.

Gee...so many with such venomous comments. Too bad you haven't heard all the right-on comments Pat has made continuously.

Remember Matthew 7:1,2
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "

Likewise, we are to recognize wisdom rather than laughing at it, to not turn our backs on the wisdom of the elderly. Sometimes it requires listening to all that is being said...before rebuking what we think one said.

Janelle:

The ways of Haiti 200 years ago are still there in areas of the nation.

Slavery, of which you remain flatly ignorant, did not offer pagans the chance of freedom with conversion. They were to be slaves no matter what their faith. Your inability to understand why this might have, shall we say, flavored their ability to accept Christ is sad (not to say shocking, given your limitations).

May the relief efforts reach those in need in ways that can be used, in an orderly, lawful manner.

Apparently Pat has not read Luke 13:4 where Jesus says, "Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem."

The obvious interpretation is that we are ALL sinners. God does not use calamity for judgement. Perhaps we should all take from this that our time on earth may also be short.

We could look at Pat's reasoning in the opposite way and say that someone who is blessed with material wealth is a chosen vessel, blessed by God, and pleasing to Him. I think NOT.

We need to respond in love without blame.
50 years ago it would have taken us a week to hear about this.
100 years ago it would have taken weeks.

Today, it took just minutes. Do we need to respond quickly? We do.

"To whom much is given, much is required."

I blogged about this at Red Letter Believers
http://www.redletterbelievers.com
"salt and Light"

Pat is right. To the discerning heart there is no such thing as a curse without a cause.
Proverbs 26:2- As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the CURSE CAUSELESS SHALL NOT COME.

The pact with the devil is the root cause of the terrible situation we have in Haiti today.
Deuteronomy 30:19- I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessng and cursing: therefore choose life that BOTH YOU and YOUR SEED may LIVE.

We have this obligation to pray for the people of Haiti:
1. Pray for the grace to bear loss of loved ones and property
2. Pray that God may HEAL their land (HE heals and restores).

I am frightened by the number of people here who support Pat Robertson.

Pat Robertson made a similar remarks when (911) happened.. about feminist and gays taking over this nation. These type of remarks are not going to draw non-saved PPL to the KINGDOM..but make them run further away...and Pat Robertson will be responsible as a MAN OF GOD for his remarks made about (911) & the Haiti earthquake.

IT is not my belief, we as christians have the RIGHT to say who is CURSED and who is not unless you have the gift of prophecy and even so..GOD will give WITNESS to prophecy saith by GOD. We all FALL short in the eyes of GOD including Pat Robertson, per his remarks (911 & Haiti) which lacks God's wisdom as a Man called by God.

There is scipture where Jesus said as mentioned earlier in the comments listed here..disaster can happen anywhere and any time and are we better because it didn't happen to us? We as Christians are not to judge outside of the realm of God's will and purpose(we can encourage other christians as to the "right" of a situation and the "wrong" of a situation within God's will/word upon judgement only) but not judge the unsaved/sinner(those who don't know GOD and his beloved Son Jesus Christ as their saviour).

As Christians, its our responsibility to seek God's Wisdom and maintain our salvation received by grace..which go hand and hand with PRAYER.

Mr. Robertson what are you doing to help with the relief efforts of Haiti according to scripture? The bible saids, where there is a need.. we as christians are to fill that need..just as we are to take care of the widows and orphans..

We who are called by his name..Keep Haiti and the PPL of Haiti in your prayers...that Haiti will rebuild and continue to move forward by those who have the TRUST of God in their mist and GOd in their hearts.. so the PPL of Haiti as a nation can prosper according to the word of GOD.

Every Knee must bow and every tongue must and will confess..that Jesus Christ is Lord of LORDS..King of KINGS and that he is the redeemer and the Son of the True Living God and that no man or woman, jew or gentile shall enter the KINGDOM OF GOD but by him...

May God Bless Haiti doing these trying times..

It is high time Americans who call themselves Christians realize that statements like this, from evangelists and politicians(read Crusade in Iraq)alike, have made the life of Christians in the the world outside infinitely more difficult and dangerous. Most Americans may not even realize that many Palestinians are Christians and there is even a Bible college in Gaza.
With programmes on TV beaming the 'prosperity gospel' world wide, one actually wonders whether an American can actually be a 'follower of Christ'.

If Pat Robertson's statement is true then the result of the haitians selling themselves was poverty. I believe poverty could happen to anyone who makes a pact with the devil, but to say that the earthquake was a curse due to a pact is atrocious and highly offensive. God created the earth and the earth has it's seasons, there are things that happens within the earth that causes earthquakes. I believe that was what happen with Haiti, nothing to do with a curse. I know that God will take this situation to draw people to himself and my prayer is for Haiti to start blooming, becoming prosperous.

I hope that every church collecting donation for this disaster sends every penny to Haiti and not jump on a bandwagon to generate more revenue. To the Haitian people, I apologize for the atrocious and ungodly statement that Pat Robertson made, he only represents the 700 Club.

I agree with Pat too. Biblically it is very clear that you reap what you sow. Scientifically for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Budhist have a similar concept called karma. You make a pact with the Devil and then think there isn't going to be consequence.

There are a few divisions that will be coming to the church in America. 1) the position Christians take on homosexuality, 2) the position Christians take on whether or not this country is under God's judgment.

Whether it is Gerald Celente, David Wilkerson, Hal Lindsey, all of these men have said that we are heading towards tough times in this country.

What I've been hearing in my spirit is,
"YOU BETTER GET READY, THINGS ARE GOING TO GET MUCH WORSE, YOU HAVEN'T SEEN NOTHING YET!"

This is the kind of ignorant dribble that flows from so much of the Christian right. As a Christian, saved by the Son of a God who loves every human equally, I am embarrassed. What must the non-Christian world think of us when they read the ravings of so many?

I wonder if there is a special place in hell reserved for those who use the gospel only to advance their own extremist agendas and to enrich themselves materially? And for those who support such religious false prophets and demagogues, such as the many pseudo-Christians who have expressed their support for this wicked man on this site. Where's Dante when you need him?

He needs to retire. Honestly!
Instead of helping fellow humanity in time of need, you act like that?

Horrible representation of the gospel.

Pat Robertson probably should have waited much longer before speaking out, for the sake of showing support of recovery efforts and emergency relief, and also to allow Haitians time to mourn and grieve for their great losses.

However Pat Robertson is biblically correct about one thing: a nation CAN find itself more vulnerable to national disaster(s) because of its spiritual condition. Biblically, a correlation exists, like it or not.

You know, America has no natural immunity to large-scale disasters either, and like the Haitians, we have our OWN favorite devils that we've been worshipping for a long long time now. We've had some serious wake-up calls already in the past decade. I think that's why Robertson's message irritates some of you. You know he's right about some things.

He should have waited longer, but Robertson has pointed to an important spiritual principle that America is NOT immune from. We better be listening while there's still time.

"Biblically, a correlation exists, like it or not."

It might help for you to learn something (greater than zero) about the actual distribution of natural disasters on the planet.

Here's a hint: whether dealing with cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, or volcanoes, you will find that significant swaths of the non-Christian, non-European world are less affected than any other Christian or "heathen" region. Within the US, you'll find a net higher risk to the traditionally conservative parts of the US than to the more progressive parts (the highest levels of natural disaster mortality are in the South and West).

Mother Nature hasn't been reading her Bible, I guess.

Since posting last night I've done a little reading on the history of Haiti. Below is a link to a good history article of the nation.

It would seem that the 'pact' Pat Robertson was talking about would relate with the religious aspect in Haiti.
The African religion slaves brought with them, Catholicism being the religion of Haiti, and the combination of the two have created a place where most all Haitians evidently believe in Voodoo.
To those who believe Jesus is the only way to get to the afterlife, as the Bible says, That would mean they have separated themselves from God's way.
It is not to blame him for believing God's word as true, or the Haitians for their beliefs. History is where Pat was coming from, not to drive the people down. He, 700 Club, and Operation Blessing do give to the downtrodden in so many ways...As they will in Haiti.

The part I see as a shame, is where so many view so harshly what they don't understand. Today there is such a tendency to fly off without consideration for where we are in God's realm.

I did listen to the tape of Pat's comments. He said many may not want to hear it...and then spoke of the 'pact', etc. Would have been better had he given some facts rather than summarizing the way he did. The important part to note is that we do need to open our eyes to the whys and wherefores of things in life. Don't go into things blindly. Shutting someone up because we don't like what they say is not necessarily right. Take a look at the whole picture. Then you can make decisions you will support after the fact.

And yes, we all come short of the glory of God. No, none is better than the other. Stating the reason for something is not saying I agree with it, or that what they did will stop me from doing what is right. Seeking to serve God in all I do and say would better describe the Christians life, and thus, what Pat was actually saying.

It is good that nations are coming together for Haiti. The support and giving is good. Now for the distribution of the needed essentials. Only the Lord can direct and lead. I'm just thankful for all those who are givihg of themselves, and pray for the people in need.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Haiti

The words of Jesus:

5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."
7"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"

8He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."

10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17All men will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life.

20"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Janelle, I'm glad you've done some outside reading.

What you have failed to find, no surprise here, is an accepted history -- an accepted "true story" -- about the Haitian people making a pact with the Christian Devil. That's because it isn't true. That's because Pat Robertson is a rabid liar.

You now attempt to frame his out-and-out lie as a too-loose "summary" of the historical facts. That's a pitiably lame leap of logic. No amount of "summarization" can turn the existence of a pagan religion, and a plea to those local gods against the god of the oppressor, into a pact with the Christian Devil.

The summary is this: the Haitians were pagans; they were not sufficiently impressed with the goodness and right of the people who bloodied their backs to accept Christ, or to accept Christ in full. G-d may punish a people just for having any faith other than Christianity. Fine, leave it there.

But he did not leave it there. Knowing that even his flock might look askance at the notion that Haiti was punished for being simply pagan -- given that millions of other non-Christians enjoy health and vast wealth, the lowly Haitians are an unconvincing target for G-d's punishment -- he needed to make up an aggravating factor. How about "the Haitians made a deal with the Devil" (unlike, say, the slaveholders, who we are to suppose had G-d on their side)? Good enough for him. He made up a lie and called it true, and not just any lie but perhaps the most devilish lie a preacher could utter, akin to those that framed witches and sent them to drown or burn.

I hope your faith is strong enough to outgrow your dependence on this deluded, deluding, wicked man. Good luck.

And answering, Jesus said to them, Do you suppose that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans because they suffered such things? I tell you, No. But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:2-3).

Do not be in a hurry to pass judgment on Haiti. Pray for Jesus to be revealed in His fullness and thank God for His mercies.

Luke 13:3-4 [3] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. [4] Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? [5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Except ye repent...

Joel 1: [14] Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,

See blogpost : http://recessionproofchristianlife.com/is-your-president-dead-or-alive/

Anton & Chris: and tothose who don't think that pacts with the devil and satan exist, I urge you, as you said for others to read the bible because pacts CANNOT be made with Satan - PLEASE, go and read the bible yourselves!!

In the bible, JESUS himself was tempted by Satan out in the wilderness where he had been fasting and praying for 40 days.

Luke 4:1-13 Luke 4:1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, [2] where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

[3] The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."

[4] Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'"

[5] The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. [6] And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. [7] So if you worship me, it will all be yours."

[8] Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"

[9] The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. [10] For it is written:

" 'He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
[11] they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' "

[12] Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

[13] When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

So you see, a pact can indeed be made with the devil!! The devil also promises to give you riches, freedom and more if you follow him and do what he says!!!

I URGE YOU, please read the bible before making any claims.

I have studied the bible for decades including seminary. You are misunderstanding something about this passage of scripture and the devil. The devil was lying to Jesus. Jesus said that there is NO truth in the devil. The devil was making an offer to give Jesus something that already belonged to Jesus. The devil can't make pacts with people, but he can lie and make them try to believe that he can. That's the whole point of the truth setting someone free. The truth is that the devil is full of it. When someone thinks the devil has power over them or can offer something to them it's a lie from the devil. The devil can't cause earth quakes and the devil cannot do any good so wouldn't possibly help slaves get free from their masters. The devil has only one ability: lies. If you believe the devil then the devil has some control over you in the sense that you trust what he says. Otherwise, he is powerless. But if you know the truth, then you can be free. All this belief in the devil having all this power and authority and ability to do things for people and make deals... that's all lies from the devil to control people. If you believe in those lies then you don't know the truth. Just like Pat doesn't know the truth. He's teaching the lies of the devil to people.

In Genesis Chapter 19, angels were sent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of the sins of the people. God loves us, but he also has an anger against those of us who sin. To deny that God ALLOWS some things to happen to us is to deny the very nature of God described in scripture.

We are all sinners. We all DESERVE destruction, but not all of us get it. The rain falls on the just and the unjust.

For those of you who say Pat Robertson is wrong or hateful, perhaps you do not understand that his perspective probably comes from scriptures such as Gen. 19 and others. In 2 Peter 2:4-5 we are reminded that God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell (Satan) and that he did not spare the ancient world when he sent the flood, except for Noah and his family.

If, and I believe he did, God allowed the earthquake in Haiti it is for a purpose that is much higher than anything we mortals can imagine. We see through a glass darkly and do not understand why these things have to happen. God loves all his people, but he calls all of us to obey him.

I think many of you want to only think of God as a kind and loving God, which of course he is. But there is also so a God of anger and whose compassion has limits as noted in the Bible. This same loving God was also the same God that distroyed the entire earth with a flood. Women children babies and old people all died in the flood. This same God also destroyed Sodom and Gamorrah in which the entire city died and Lots wife turned to a pillar of salt. So before you think Pat is crazy and whatever names you choose to call him read and study your Bible first and know its history. The loving Jesus Christ that died for all our sins will return to earth with not an olive branch in hand but a sword.

What is sad about Haiti and this latest disaster is that the govern- ment did not enforce the building codes, rebar in the concrete, etc so all the buildings collapsed. Hopefully when the buldings are bult this next time they will be built to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. Hopefully if they are protected new companies will come in and create jobs.

From the video it is clear what was meant, that this so called pact with the devil is what has brought about problems since then and this earthquake. I don't think PR was giving the devil the credit, it's more about God's hand of protection from natural disasters being removed. I'm not saying that's what I think that's just what seems to be his thinking.

I can't accept it simply because of the questions Jesus was asked about a tower that fell on people. The upshot of that scripture for me is that things like this can happen to people whether they or their ancestors are good or bad. The message from Jesus is be ready to meet him.

What sort of a God do we think we represent if we tell Haitians well this happened to you because of something your ancestors did hundreds of years ago. That looks a lot like a vindictive God to me, not the God I serve. The God I serve knows best, and for whatever reason allowed this, just like He allows tragedies small and big every day. But again the message is, when those things happen are we ready to meet God. And for those left behind are we ready to stand alongside and show compassion and not assume the place of God in knowing His will.

In Asia, where they worship thousands of gods, a tsunami. In New Orleans, where voodoo is common, a hurricane. In Haiti, witchcraft and voodoo central, a massive earthquake.I do believe that a country that forsakes the one true God will pay the consequences.

I think 9/11 was a warning to America to get its act together and return to the God upon Whom the nation was founded, but, alas, with the election of Obama and other liberal Democrats who not only believe but push for gays and other religions and abortions, there's no telling what will happen here. Where there Christians among the victims of the tsunami, hurricane, and earthquake? Yes. If we don't grow some spines and stop worrying about being politically correct, we suffer right along with the false god worshipers.

Hi Lisa,
It is extremely painful to read your comments as well as so many others supporting Pat Robertson. It is almost as if the New Testament was never written.
Firstly, one cannot have a Christian country. Only an individual can be saved, and only through 'grace' and not by our own holiness or works.
You may not have heard of a man called Mahatma Gandhi who was influenced by the Sermon on the Mount and whose favourite hymn was 'Abide with Me' and because of whom the Indian army band plays this hymn at every state funeral who said "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. The materialism of affluent Christian countries appears to contradict the claims of Jesus Christ that says it's not possible to worship both Mammon and God at the same time."
As the outside world sees it America has one god and its name is money. You just have to look at all the tele evangelists. An atheistic Europe is looking at your heath debate and wondering why a so called Christian America cannot pay for the poor. At least an atheistic Europe has a far more humane society, though it was based on Christian ideology.
And by the way are you saying that what the bloodthirsty Spanish conquistadores did in the name of Christ was right and for me now it is easy to see why so many so called Christians are so cruel.
My apologies to Americans who are followers of Christ.

Deuteronomy 18:9-12 (New International Version)

Detestable Practices
9 When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in [a] the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.

How could anyone who practices this stuff expect to live free from curses, adverse consequences, jinxes, misfortune or anything else you want to call it? And if this is practiced on a national scale where you find it practiced regularly in streets, alleyways, and even homes, would any Christian expect that nation to be blessed by God in light of his clear word as expressed in the above verse? Would any Christian allow anyone to practice this stuff inside his home? I sure wouldn't!!!!!

In any case, I am certain a lot of Good will come out from all of this.

I don't believe for one second that Pat should have given an answer for God to the nation. How can he or anyone know the mind of God?

The question I want to ask is...why do so many disasters in the world happen full stop? Because of sin in general full stop. From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, everything was messed up. But, I don't believe for a moment either that everytime something bad happens a person it is because they specifically have sinned terribly. I am still however not convinced that this absolutely NEVER happens, and it is because of a passage in Acts 5...Ananias and Sapphira...

"But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. with his wife's consent he kept the rest.
Then Peter said, "Anania, whay have you let satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept someof the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And, after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us but to God!"

As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified."

The passage goes on to say that the same thing happened to his wife...strange that this part of the New Testement should not be preached very often in our churches. Slightly uncomfortable isn't it? Like I say, I don't have all the answers...I don't know if any of us will until we reach glory...My main goal is to revel in what I KNOW is true...that I am saved by grace and grace alone, and poit others to Jesus and is Love which is freely offered.

Some of you claim Pat got his facts wrong?

Well, may be...

1. Ask yourselves what is the predominant religion in Haiti? Are you tempted to say, "Catholicism"? Think again!

2. Based on this discovery, who do the majority of Haitians worship to? Living God or devil?

http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/010.html

Haiti is no stranger to tragedy. But the magnitude of the latest one suggests that there is something more than meets the eye.
That is why I believe PAT is correct.

You will not hear what you have not trained yourself to hear. He merely pointed to the root cause of the problem in Haiti, ie the pact with the Devil. The Nation was founded on a pact with the Devil. Now as long as the 'root' remains their FOUNDATION is weak and we will move from crises to another. The Devil is no respecter of Nations. He comes to steal, kill and destroy.

Matthew 7:26-27...And everyone that hears these sayings of Mine, and does them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

But those who know their God understand the authority they have in Christ Jesus to influence Nations. It is to these people that I exhort to raise a new STANDARD for the people of Haiti. Remember that (1)..."The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much".
(2) Matthew 17:21- However this kind goes not out but by PRAYER and FASTING.
(3) Proverbs 18:10- The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.

I'm not PC. I went to a small Pentacostal high-school; I'm a teen of the '80s; never heard of or influenced by "PC".

I'm willing to consider Pat Robertson's comments. He could be very correct.

(I also can't see why everyone gets so "fired up". I'm not.)

He may be very right...

I believe Pat Robertson is wrong on several points. 1. The ‘facts’ as he stated are largely conjecture. 2. Even if true: a) The whole earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. Haiti belongs to God. b) Jesus came to lift curses. Ruth being a wonderful example; born to the ‘cursed’ tribe of Moab due to Noah’s incest. Yet redeemed and in the Royal line and part of the symbolic human ancestry of the Lord. c) The curse ended some years ago.
As has been stated the damage has been compounded many times by inadequate building compliance to standards that can hold up in earthquakes. Bad and evil governance has been the largest problem as in many developing countries.
France and the US bear a heavy responsibility as well. The French demanded impossibly large reparations. The US whilst it improved the country a fair amount over its twenty years of control (1915-1934) it gave tacit support of the Duvaliers who were as evil as any dictators in history.
Yes voodoo is a terrible problem and as Christians we are more sensitive to it but Pat Robertson has not advanced the Kingdom with his so unwise comments.

I haven't had time to read all of the comments here, but there is something I'd like to point out to those who insist that Pat was right: Many of the people affected by the quake were committed Chrisians. I just heard of one Haitian woman, a devout believer, who lost five family members in the earthquake. In addition, many Christian preachers perished in the disaster, and a significant number of evangelical churches were destroyed. Two Compassion International staff members were buried under the rubble of the Montana Motel, one of whom still has not been found. If this catastrophe was brought on by an alleged pact with the devil, why is it that so many of God's people have suffered in the tragedy? I agree that there can be serious consequences for rejecting the God of the Bible and following false religions, but we need to be very, very careful about making such judgments about people who are in so much pain. At a time like this, followers of Jesus need to express God's comfort and grace to the people of Haiti. How else will they be willing to turn to the Savior who died to set them free? This has nothing to do with political correctness - it has everything to do with sharing the GOOD NEWS of salvation with people in desperate need of hope and solace.

I heard about this yesterday and thought what a cruel thing to say BUT after watching it, he did try to say it in a good way. Yes, he should have not said it at all but you got to remember some of these Older people don't think about the aftermath of saying it. He looks very old and should be sitting at home.
Some of you people say you don't want to be Christians because of this or feel embarrassed about it, COME ON! There is always bad people that make us look bad but we live and learn and go on. If you are a Christian, just stick to your plan in life and keep going even though this one Old guy said this crap!
Whatever Gods plan is, be prepared, because everything is just escalating very quickly!
God Bless this Earth!

So, even if Pat's claims are true (in every sense of the word), why would God kill present-day Haitans for something their anscestors did? Something for which present-day Haitians had no control? Who would want to worship that kind of a God?

Some Christians died in the earthquake because some Christians decided to set up camp for whatever good reason on ground zero! When you decide to venture into a place that you know is the bowels of the Enemy, where "detestable" practices run rampant at every level of society, you go in with the understanding that eventually "the LORD your God will drive out that nation . . . " Deut. 18:9-12. You go in with the understanding that you are living on ground zero.

Detestable Practices
9 When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in [a] the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.

What gives Pat Robertson (or anyone) the authority to claim, or even speculate, on God's Will? Just because X happened, how does Pat Robertson know that it caused Y to happen? Does he have insight into God's Plan that I don't have?

Also, who would worship a God that punishes someone for the misdeeds of their anscestors? That seems completely unjust to me. Of course, that's based on my (and mankind's) definition of justice. Perhaps God's definition of justics is different. Maybe there is something such as "divine justice." Perhaps Pat Robertson knows how God defines justice.

This situation, P.R.'s comments, and assumption to know God's will, has really made me wonder about God's character. I've read all the comments, and the recurring question becomes "if God would cause this, who is God? Does he allow grief, hardship, does he punish sins from forefather's sins? And if so, how do I wrap my mind around such a God? What would it mean for me?"

The truth is, we don't know. Pat's comments were meant to stir up controversy whether he consciously knew that or not. That is his personality, to be controversial. But, I think it's awesome that his comments have gotten Christians thinking about who God is. As for me, I comfort myself with the knowledge that we are under Grace, not the Law, because of Christ's death on the cross. If horrible catastrophes were to occur on every country that was sinning--and sinnning badly--why wouldn't he have wiped out Brazil, Bangkok, Thailand, Vietnam, even the other side of the island--all places where forced child sex slavery is rampant? (Also a problem in Haiti, to be sure.) But we don't know. Who knows the mind of God?

Though there be not a few who deny the existence of god for "the fool has said in his heart, There is no God" Psal. xiv. I. Yet the Deity has imprinted upon the human mind so many unquestionable tokens of himself, and so many traces of him are apparent throughout the whole of nature, that no one in his senses can remain ignorant of the truth. There can be no doubt but that everything in the world, by the beauty of its order, and the evidence of a determinate and beneficial purpose which pervades it, testifies that some supreme efficient Power must have pre-existed, by which the whole was ordained for a specific end.
The existence of God is further proved by that feeling, whether we term it conscience, or right reason, which even in the worst of characters is not altogether extinguished. If there were no god, there would be no distinction between right and wrong; the estimate of virtue and vice would entirely depend on blind opinion of men; no one would follow virtue, no one would be restrained from vice by any sense of shame, or fear of the laws, unless conscience or right reason did from time to time convince every one, however unwilling, of the existence of God, the Lord and ruler of all things, to whom, sooner or later, each must give an account of his actions, whether good or bad.
Furthermore, the whole tenor of Scripture proves the same thing. It is proved also by the constant sufferings of the people of nation of Haiti, according to what God forewarned them would happen on account of their sins:

"9When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the LORD your God." Deut. 18:9-12

"17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger." 2 Kings 17:17

Nor is it only to pay the penalty of their own guilt that they have been reserved in their cursed state, among the rest of the nations, through the revolution of successive centuries, and even to the present day; but rather to be a perpetual and living testimony to all people under heaven, of the existence of God, and of the truth of the Holy Scriptures.
No one, however, can have right thoughts of God, with nature or reason alone as his guide, independent of the word, or message of God. Rom. x. 14 "how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?"
God is known, so far as he is pleased to make us acquainted with himself, either from his own nature, or from his efficient power.
When we speak of knowing God, it must be understood with reference to the imperfect comprehension of man; for to know God as he really is, far transcends the powers of man's thoughts, much more of his perception. Exod. xxxiii. 20 "there shall no man see me, and live." 1 Tim. vi. 16. "dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto." God therefore has made as full a revelation of himself as our minds can conceive, or the weakness of our nature can bear. I Cor. xiii. 12 "we see through a glass, darkly . . . in part." Our safest way is to form in our minds such a conception of God, as shall correspond with his own delineation and representation of himself in the sacred writings. For granting that both in the literal and figurative descriptions of God, he is exhibited not as he really is, but in such a manner as may be within the scope of our comprehensions, yet we ought to entertain such a conception of him, as he, in condescending to accommodate himself to our capacities, has shown that he desires we should conceive. For it is on this very account that he has lowered himself to our level, lest in our flights above the reach of human understanding and beyond the written word of Scripture, we should be tempted to indulge in vague cogitations and subtleties.
We may be sure that sufficient care has been taken that the Holy Scriptures should contain nothing unsuitable to the character or dignity of God, and that God should say nothing of himself which could derogate from his own majesty. It is better therefore to contemplate the Deity, and to conceive of him, not with reference to human passions, that is, after the manner of men, who are never weary of forming subtle imaginations respecting him, but after the manner of Scripture, that is, in the way in which God has offered himself to our contemplation; nor should we think that we would say or direct anything to be written of himself, which is inconsistent with the opinion he wishes us to entertain of his character.

Though there be not a few who deny the existence of god for "the fool has said in his heart, There is no God" Psal. xiv. I. Yet the Deity has imprinted upon the human mind so many unquestionable tokens of himself, and so many traces of him are apparent throughout the whole of nature, that no one in his senses can remain ignorant of the truth. There can be no doubt but that everything in the world, by the beauty of its order, and the evidence of a determinate and beneficial purpose which pervades it, testifies that some supreme efficient Power must have pre-existed, by which the whole was ordained for a specific end.
The existence of God is further proved by that feeling, whether we term it conscience, or right reason, which even in the worst of characters is not altogether extinguished. If there were no god, there would be no distinction between right and wrong; the estimate of virtue and vice would entirely depend on blind opinion of men; no one would follow virtue, no one would be restrained from vice by any sense of shame, or fear of the laws, unless conscience or right reason did from time to time convince every one, however unwilling, of the existence of God, the Lord and ruler of all things, to whom, sooner or later, each must give an account of his actions, whether good or bad.
Furthermore, the whole tenor of Scripture proves the same thing. It is proved also by the constant sufferings of the people of nation of Haiti, according to what God forewarned them would happen on account of their sins:

"9When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the LORD your God." Deut. 18:9-12

"17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger." 2 Kings 17:17

Nor is it only to pay the penalty of their own guilt that they have been reserved in their cursed state, among the rest of the nations, through the revolution of successive centuries, and even to the present day; but rather to be a perpetual and living testimony to all people under heaven, of the existence of God, and of the truth of the Holy Scriptures.
No one, however, can have right thoughts of God, with nature or reason alone as his guide, independent of the word, or message of God. Rom. x. 14 "how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?"
God is known, so far as he is pleased to make us acquainted with himself, either from his own nature, or from his efficient power.
When we speak of knowing God, it must be understood with reference to the imperfect comprehension of man; for to know God as he really is, far transcends the powers of man's thoughts, much more of his perception. Exod. xxxiii. 20 "there shall no man see me, and live." 1 Tim. vi. 16. "dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto." God therefore has made as full a revelation of himself as our minds can conceive, or the weakness of our nature can bear. I Cor. xiii. 12 "we see through a glass, darkly . . . in part." Our safest way is to form in our minds such a conception of God, as shall correspond with his own delineation and representation of himself in the sacred writings. For granting that both in the literal and figurative descriptions of God, he is exhibited not as he really is, but in such a manner as may be within the scope of our comprehensions, yet we ought to entertain such a conception of him, as he, in condescending to accommodate himself to our capacities, has shown that he desires we should conceive. For it is on this very account that he has lowered himself to our level, lest in our flights above the reach of human understanding and beyond the written word of Scripture, we should be tempted to indulge in vague cogitations and subtleties.
We may be sure that sufficient care has been taken that the Holy Scriptures should contain nothing unsuitable to the character or dignity of God, and that God should say nothing of himself which could derogate from his own majesty. It is better therefore to contemplate the Deity, and to conceive of him, not with reference to human passions, that is, after the manner of men, who are never weary of forming subtle imaginations respecting him, but after the manner of Scripture, that is, in the way in which God has offered himself to our contemplation; nor should we think that he would say or direct anything to be written of himself, which is inconsistent with the opinion he wishes us to entertain of his character.

JIH wrote, "Some Christians died in the earthquake because some Christians decided to set up camp for whatever good reason on ground zero! When you decide to venture into a place that you know is the bowels of the Enemy, where 'detestable' practices run rampant at every level of society, you go in with the understanding that eventually 'the LORD your God will drive out that nation . . . ' Deut. 18:9-12. You go in with the understanding that you are living on ground zero." First of all, JIH, most Christians living in Haiti at the time of the quake didn't decide to go live there - their ancestors were forcibly taken to Haiti as slaves (on top of this, there aren't many people who would choose to live in the poorest nation in the Western Hempishere). Second of all, the Christian workers who were in Haiti at the time of the disaster weren't there because they enjoy living in a place where detestable practices run rampant; they were there in obedience to Christ's command to make disciples of all nations and to be salt and light. And when you think about it, Jesus spent a lot of His time in enemy territory, preaching the good news of salvation to sinners like you and me. I pray that His extravagant grace will become a reality in your own life so you will understand why many of His people are willing to go into "ground zero" for the sake of the gospel.

I am not surprised at some people who choose to believe what Pat Robertson said about Haiti's suffering and the earthquake is the result of a curse. Yet nobody knows Pat Robertons real spiritual condition, he could be a backslidden reprobate and because his ministry is prosperous and he and others have peace, he believes it is a blessing from God.

PSALM 73:3-9
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men.Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.