Haiti (Catch all)

[Beelzebubalicious]

Here is the larger clip of Pat Robertson's remarks I think this whole string of thought needs further analysis and unpacking. Fox News indicates that the whole quote was taken out of context and that Robertson is actually a supporter of Haiti and was simply explaining why the nation has undergone so much suffering.

Jon Stewart's response to this is both funny, but also insightful.

What is the true nature of religion and religious belief?

[Stan]

What is the true nature of religion and religious belief?

Hey Eric !
The Op-eds this morning were straight to the point (regarding Estonia's disaster relief team enroute to Haiti while the economy goes to Sierra).

"He's (Robertson's) paying and gets to say what he wants".

Sigh... In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash

[Schmedlap]

What is the true nature of religion and religious belief?

I saw and heard more outrage at that statement on Christian webpages, blogs, and facebook pages than anywhere else. It was a stark contrast to many sites (many politically leaning) who used it as an opportunity to cry racism and "Christian" bigotry. I couldn't believe it when I followed a link to the Huffington Post and saw racism alleged. Where did that come from? I expect nothing but stupidity from any politically-oriented website, but that was so dumb that it overshadowed Robertson's asinine statement.

My two cents.

[marct]

Hi Guys,

I saw and heard more outrage at that statement on Christian webpages, blogs, and facebook pages than anywhere else. It was a stark contrast to many sites (many politically leaning) who used it as an opportunity to cry racism and "Christian" bigotry. I couldn't believe it when I followed a link to the Huffington Post and saw racism alleged. Where did that come from? I expect nothing but stupidity from any politically-oriented website, but that was so dumb that it overshadowed Robertson's asinine statement.

Well, IMO, it just goes to show the value of a PhD in business administration, which is, I believe, what Robertson has. Theologically, my cat is more sophisticated which, BTW, isn't saying much at all .

I'm not surprised by the allegations of racism either; it is a "standard" discrediting allegation.

What is the true nature of religion and religious belief?

Ask a simple one why don't you?

[Schmedlap]

Well, IMO, it just goes to show the value of a PhD in business administration, which is, I believe, what Robertson has.

I wasn't aware of that, but it makes perfect sense. I think I know why he made this outrageous statement (aside from explanations of senility, arrogance, etc). If you are trying to get an audience of Christians to pony up cash (which is what he was doing - soliciting donations for Haiti), then the surest way to do it is to convince them that the people in need don't have a chance. For a Christian, that means conveying that the people haven't been exposed to God's word. You will get a lot more sympathy for someone who is clueless than someone who has been exposed to the Bible but chooses to ignore it. He was casting them as a group of people hopelessly lost, descendants of individuals who rejected God, unexposed to the Bible.

From a cold, calculating, business perspective, it was a shrewd thing to say. From a historically accurate viewpoint - (How does he know what the devil said in the alleged conversation? Does he have a transcript?) - probably not so much. From a PR standpoint, epic FAIL.

[Beelzebubalicious]

If you are trying to get an audience of Christians to pony up cash (which is what he was doing - soliciting donations for Haiti),

So, save them from the devil by donation and prayer. I wonder if that works on an individual basis. I am particularly devilish and one might even say "possessed" at times. If only I had some money to combat the problem. Please text 666 to Fixme....

[marct]

I wonder if that works on an individual basis. I am particularly devilish and one might even say "possessed" at times. If only I had some money to combat the problem. Please text 666 to Fixme....

It worked for Jimmy Swaggart

[graphei]

Methinks it has something to do with the fact that

1. Haiti is overwhelmingly Catholic and some Evangelical groups still consider Catholics to be 'devil-worshippers'.

2. There is a whole lotta Voodoo going on down there and people wrongly associate it with Satanic rites.

'Pact with the Devil' conveniently brings both up.

In terms of drumming up money from like-minded Christians, it didn't ring that way to my ears. It could be interpreted as a veiled threat. Why would a devout Christian send money to people who work for the Devil- disaster or otherwise? Pray for their souls- yep. Money and goods? I'll have to do some digging.

[marct]

You know, Schmedlap, if you add in the "chance to redeem the children suffering in Darkness through the fault of their ancestors", it's a really powerful draw . As to how he may know what the devil said, I'm sure someone told him .

People like him, and a whole slew of other "characters" in a similar vein, are too close to the indulgence sellers of the 16th century for my taste.

[marct]

What is the true nature of religion and religious belief?

Think about this one: religion is a symbol system for organizing and explaining our experiences of reality. This is an interesting example...

[graphei]

What is the true nature of religion and religious belief?

you send me a case of Chopin Potato Vodka

Discovering the esoteric means of the great holy texts-Veda, Upanashad, Torah, several dozen Gospels, and the Qur'an- requires libations to Hecate, Vestal Virgins, and St Jerome.

After such libations, I will throw a bottle of wine and a Divan-e Hafiz in a burlap bag and toss them in a river floating away from my home. Three nights from the point they sink, you will receive a message with your answer.

In otherwords, γνῶθι σεαυτόν.

[marct]

In otherwords, γνῶθι σεαυτόν.

LOL - okay, that does it.... I have to find a cuneiform UTF-8 script !!!