By OLIVIA FRANK
Teen Takeover staff
A little over a week ago, televangelist Pat Robertson made some controversial statements about Israeli leader Ariel Sharon’s health. He stated that Sharon’s stroke was “punishment for dividing God’s land.� I am not a religious person, but I believe that I would be just as offended even if I were.
Now, I’m not trying to say that Mr. Robertson doesn’t have the freedom of speech that we all enjoy. He can most certainly say whatever he pleases. The Dover intelligent design trial is another example of when he goes off on tangents. He exercises this right, in my opinion, in the wrong way.
In my experience with the Christian church, it was my understanding that all people should treat each other with dignity, respect, kindness and compassion. I was told that God loved everyone, even sinners. Never did I hear that God would punish those who did him wrong. This is just one reason why I find Pat Robertson’s comments extremely absurd.
It is my belief that God has no part in the health of one Israeli prime minister. Again, I am an agnostic so that is probably a biased statement. I just simply cannot see the God, whom everyone glorifies so much, punishing a man who has done so much good.
I am personally hoping for the best for Ariel Sharon, for no one should have to feel like they are being criticized when they are in a bad situation.
Olivia Frank is a student at York Suburban Senior High School and member of the Teen Takeover staff.
Pat is a minor problem - the big problem is all the people who LISTEN to Pat - and even send $ to the guy!
Olivia,
Let me first say that I'm not a fan of Pat Robertson and I don't agree with everything he says. I don't even watch any of his shows.
I'm sorry that you've never heard the gospel message clearly. Let me share it with you using the Bible (KJV).
Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
This puts you, me, Pat Robertson, and everyone else in the same situation.
Romans 6:23 tells us that "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Jesus said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God," in John 3:3.
I assume you've probably heard that part already, but I inculded it just in case you hadn't.
Here are some verses you probably haven't heard.
Psalms 7:11 - "God is angry with the wicked every day."
Matthew 10:34 - "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth" (Jesus)
Revelation 20:15 propesies that anyone not found written in Lamb's book of life will be "cast into the lake of fire."
"Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way," says Psalms 35:8.
God declares that he is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," in II Peter 3:9.
God does hate sin and he punishes it as well, but he doesn't always do it in one's earthly life, so whether Sharon's ailment is because of his decisions or not I don't know.
The only thing that is different between you and me, is that my sins are covered in God's eyes. To Him, I am as pure and clean as His own son. This position wasn't gained by anything I did like joining a church, doing good things, getting baptized, etc. it was only in repenting and trusting in Jesus Christ for forgiveness.
I'm not writing this because I have nothing better to do, or I think I'm holier than you. I'm only writing it because I think you're smart enough to consider what the Bible really says.