Get Off My Side

Pat Robertson is making headlines, again. And of course it is an absurd statement rather than his charitable work which gets the headlines...

Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson suggested Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's stroke was divine punishment for "dividing God's land.''

...the evangelist said he had personally prayed about a year ago with Sharon, whom he called "a very tender-hearted man and a good friend.'' He said he was sad to see Sharon in this condition.

I don't doubt Pat Robertson's sincerity or his intentions. I believe that he believes he is doing what is right. It is his judgement and tact that are sorely lacking. I don't see the exact quote as being as dramatic as the headlines. However, Robertson must realize that he is a lightning rod. Mr. Robertson must also realize that with wreckless statements like the one above about Prime Minister Sharon and the one made earlier this year about assassinating Hugo Chavez he can do as much damage to the cause of Christianity as a bus load of ACLU lawyers.