Saturday, November 12, 2005

Who speaks for God?


Pat Robertson has been at it again. After eight members of the Dover, Pennsylvania school board lost their bids for re-election on a platform of intelligent design, Robertson was quoted as saying I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: if there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God, you just rejected Him from your city...And don't wonder why He hasn't helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I'm not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. And if that's the case, don't ask for His help because He might not be there. (Robertson made the comments on The 700 Club)
Setting aside the question of whether or not intellegent design should be taught in public school, there is an abusurdity to Robertson's statement that God can be voted out of a city. It's the same kind of absurd claim made by many when the Supreme Court ruled against teacher-led and school-sponsored prayer, claiming that God was kicked out of schools. Personally, I can't imagine a more ridiculous statement than saying God can be voted outof or kicked out of anywhere. God will go where he desires to go and will be where he desires to be and no effort on the part of puny humans will limit God.
What Robertson is doing, basically, is trying to manipulate people through fear, and that's a sad and pitiful way to try and further God's work. God is going to do his work regardless of the outcome of any vote. Robertson is simply upset with the voters of Dover and has decided to use fear tactics and threats of God's vengeance against those who disagree with him. Personally, I am tired of these kinds of claims by Robertson and others that do little more than bring shame and embarrassment to the body of Christ. I trust that God is far big enough and strong enough to overcome any vote.