Robertson's "pro-rich, pro-war, America-right-or-wrong gospel"

[checks-n-balances]

Sojourners is 'semi-socialist,' says Rev. Robertson

The following transcript is from a CNN interview of Pat Roberston by Paula Zahn, Oct. 19:

ZAHN: But there are a lot of Christians out there who take umbrage at what you're saying. There is this magazine called "Sojourners" magazine.

ROBERTSON: Oh, yes.

ZAHN: Which, by its admission, is a liberal Christian magazine.

ROBERTSON: Semi-socialist.

ZAHN: But they're running an ad right now that rebuts your claim that God has taken a side in this election.

They say - quote - "We believe that claims of divine appointment for the president, uncritical affirmation of his policies, and assertions that all Christians must vote for his reelection constitute bad theology and dangerous religion."

ROBERTSON: I would never say somebody had to vote for anybody. That would be terrible. I haven't said that.

I just said, I think God's blessing , and I think it's one of those things that, even if he stumbles and messes up - and he's had his share of goofs and gaffes - I just think God's blessing is on him. And you remember, I think the Chinese used to say, you know, it's the blessing of heaven on the emperor. And I think the blessing of heaven is on Bush. It's just the way it is.

Sojourners Executive Editor David Batstone responds:

Rev. Robertson's depiction of Sojourners reflects how far from the real world - and a biblical faith - his political commitments have taken him. Sojourners is a deeply Christian magazine that raises concern for how the global poor are treated, whether prisoners are dealt with fairly, how we tend God's creation with our environmental policies, whether the thirsty have access to affordable water, and whether workers in the fields receive just compensation. Those are teachings that I see in the Bible in my daily reading. Rev. Robertson's statements betray the fact that he has made the gospel into a pro-rich, pro-war, America-right-or-wrong gospel. I trust in Jesus, and live in respect for one of the greatest political documents ever designed by human hands, the U.S. Constitution. How is it that the pursuit of justice, liberty, and equality came to be regarded in some political circles as "semi-socialist?"

www.sojo.net

[chicagojoe]

1. People seem to forget that Robertson...

...is nothing but a televangelist, one of the lowest forms of snake oil salesmen to walk the face of the Earth !!!! Doesn't anyone remember Jim Bakker or Jimmy Swaggert? Since when do religious con-men get raised to celebrity status?!?!

[amber dog democrat]

2. My favorite Fundie-bot was the Rev Bob Tilton.

There are still a bunch of Bob Tilton parody sites on the web and I had friends who created a Bob Tilton fan club where they went to the services and then howeled with laughter at the best parts at a breakfast afterwards.

He was great when it came to talking in tounges. Sadly there were huge ammounts who sent in fortunes for annointed prayer cloths or prayer offerings.
If I got up on a soap box and began squeaking gibberish - eventually I would get a following too.

Bling $ ! Bling $ ! :)

[FlyByNight]

3. "He's had his share of goofs and gaffes"

Caesar opts for an elective war in which EVERY stated pretext for war has been shown to be false and/or lies. Eleven-hundred American families and thousands more Iraqis dead as a result. Goofs and gaffes?

If anything Pat, you've got a gift for understatement.