This is a theme that needs attention…how to respond to what we think is ‘bad theology.’ I’ve been noticing recently how what others call ‘harm’ I might not. What others call ‘bad theology’ I might not…but in this case, I agree with you. How can we say exactly what God is doing at any given time? The mother of the two disciples thought he was setting up heavenly privileges.

Keep up the good work, writing, and links.

Will you write for the next OQ?

Jean

Having said that, I agree with you that I, not anyone else for that matter, could ever paint a completely accurate picture of God. God’s ways and thoughts are not our own, which is why the best response to God is often worship. Thanks for dropping by!

Nate, I agree that we should be strong in denouncing Pat and I hear ya on that verse you quoted. However, the mocking tone of many tweets and some angry comments don’t benefit anyone all that much. I’m not too worried about people being critical in critiquing his theology, but I am worried about smug, mocking replies that don’t have any kind of redemptive benefit and only show the world that we can be mean even when standing up for what’s right. I also think we need to ultimately explore more about ways we can overshadow Pat with good deeds rather than words.

Justin, I’m not sure mocking can have a redemptive effect and benefit anyone. As far as Jesus overturning tables goes, I think we both know that verse has been used in some pretty unsavory ways, so I’d hesitate to use that in ripping apart a believer with bad theology. I think you’re right in identifying Pat as the kind of person Jesus would have “roughed up” verbally, but you’re also right in saying that we’re probably not in the best position to play the role of Jesus.

Dee, I don’t know what we do to stop Pat. I don’t think we can. I just want to be sure we respond according to the Spirit of Christ and not a spirit of worldly anger. People have seen little of the former and too much of the latter. I think we can do much though by strongly disagreeing with Pat and then taking action that will overshadow whatever he says.

I must admit I’m excited at the thought of Christians throughout the USA and the world making extreme sacrifices in order to give aid to Haiti. If churches sold off equipment, stopped building projects, donated capital from building campaigns, if believers sold books, jewelry, furniture, or whatever else to raise money… that would be the kind of stuff that could turn the tide against Pat and his false portrayal of God.

“According to a 2 June 1999, article in The Virginian-Pilot,[18] Robertson had extensive business dealings with Liberian president Charles Taylor. According to the article, Taylor gave Robertson the rights to mine for diamonds in Liberia’s mineral-rich countryside. According to two Operation Blessing pilots who reported this incident to the state of Virginia for investigation in 1994, Robertson used his Operation Blessing planes to haul diamond-mining equipment to Robertson’s mines in Liberia, despite the fact that Robertson was telling his 700 Club viewers that the planes were sending relief supplies to the victims of the genocide in Rwanda. In response to Taylor’s alleged crimes against humanity the United States Congress passed a bill In November 2003 that offered two million dollars for his capture. Robertson accused President Bush of “undermining a Christian, Baptist president to bring in Muslim rebels to take over the country.” At the time Taylor was harboring Al Qaeda operatives who were funding their operations through the illegal diamond trade.”

Robertson has staked his life on the side of murderers, terrorists, slave owners, thieves. I see no reason to affirm an unrepentant man like Robertson as a Christian. If anything, a man this evil shakes my belief that there is no hell.

I am really angry, and am torn between letting grace and forgiveness do its work and saying “Enough is enough” (in the spirit of what Justin is saying about Jesus, above).

But I do know this: It might be a waste of time for the “little people” to deride Pat in hopes of changing him and those who gladly follow his every step, but it isn’t a waste of time for us to let non-believers around us know that he doesn’t speak for this. You said it perfectly here:

“I post such things to let others know about the Jesus I follow, the kind of life I want to live, and the stuff I believe. If I kept silent, they could make the mistake of equating myself with such public figures. There is a need to clear the air.”

but what do we do when this person continues to spew divisive and hurtful attacks to the Body of Christ? There are many Haitians that are Christian and are in mourning right now, not just over losing loved ones and the destruction to their island, but that there are implications that they deserved this plight. It’s wrong.

He said something horrible about Hurricane Katrina, as well.