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Pat Robertson is Warned!

Pat Robertson is taking it on the chin again. Seems each time he opines on why bad things happen to us, there is someone to call him on it.

Most recently, Dr. Richard Mouw has taken up the challenge in response to Robertson's recent statement on the Las Vegas shooting, in which at least 59 people were killed and more than 500 were wounded in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

In a piece, titled, "You've Been Warned, PatRobertson!" Mouw, for whom I have deep respect, pens,

"It didn’t take long for some preachers to start telling us why God caused the horrible mass murder in Las Vegas to happen. Pat Robertson led the way, declaring that it was divine retribution for the widespread 'disrespect' for Donald Trump in America."

If Robertson had limited his rationale for the Vegas shooting to God punishing us for people dissing the President, I'd be smacking him on the chin myself. But he didn't.

Robertson's brief remarks focused on the topic of the "disrespect for authority" that is rampant in America and the effect of that breakdown on civil authority. He cited numerous examples, not just one, including the lack of respect for the President, the lack of respect for our National Anthem, the lack of respect for our veterans, the lack of respect for the institutions of our government, and the lack of respect for the court system. 

Robertson went on to allude to Prov. 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law", as the basis for his comments. His point was clear. Casting off God's authority comes with a price. Sow the wind and reap a whirlwind.

What is Dr. Mouw's warning to Pat Robertson? Quoting Jesus, "I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give and account for every careless word you utter" (Matthew 12:36). Mouw then adds, "You have been warned Pat Robertson!"

Now, I am not a fan of Pat Robertson. However, I understand his point. And there is a great deal of Scripture in support of his point. There are other passages of Scripture that present other perspectives on the reality of natural and moral evil. Jesus even countered the attempt to draw a straight line from tragedies to knowing "why" God may permit evil acts. But neither did he close the door entirely on all observations (Luke 13:1-7). I don't find Robertson's musings out of line with the historic tradition that has wrestled with the whole of God's Word. 

I realize that some people don't like Pat Robertson. But that's no excuse for fake news.

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