Pat Robertson’s statement about Haiti’s earthquake being the result of a “pack with the devil” was ill advised as well as unbiblical. Robertson said this pact between the Haitian slaves and the Devil was a “true story.” How does Dr. Robertson know this historical fact? I already have some friends who said that the unsaved they are trying to win are having a field day with Robertson’s comment. This would be a good opportunity to contrast Robertson’s attitude with that of Jesus.

The attitude of Jesus on this issue is the opposite of Robertson’s. In Luke 13:4, Jesus said the 18 on whom the tower in Siloam fell were not worse sinners than the ones not killed in the tragedy. There are catastrophes today, like the one in Haiti, not because of the sin of the Haitians, but because of the sin of Adam and the consequent curse from God on the entire planet and not any particular race or people. We all die and suffer because of Adam’s sin and because we inherited a sin nature from him (Romans 5:12).

Here is how CBN responded to the fallout from Robertson’s statement:

CBN.com – VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., January 13, 2010 — On today’s The 700 Club, during a segment about the devastation, suffering and humanitarian effort that is needed in Haiti, Dr. Robertson also spoke about Haiti’s history. His comments were based on the widely-discussed 1791 slave rebellion led by Boukman Dutty at Bois Caiman, where the slaves allegedly (Dr. Robertson said this was a true story) made a famous pact with the devil in exchange for victory over the French. This history, combined with the horrible state of the country, has led countless scholars and religious figures over the centuries to believe the country is cursed. Dr. Robertson never stated that the earthquake was God’s wrath. If you watch the entire video segment, Dr. Robertson’s compassion for the people of Haiti is clear. He called for prayer for them. His humanitarian arm has been working to help thousands of people in Haiti over the last year, and they are currently launching a major relief and recovery effort to help the victims of this disaster. They have sent a shipment of millions of dollars worth of medications that is now in Haiti, and their disaster team leaders are expected to arrive tomorrow and begin operations to ease the suffering.

Chris Roslan
Spokesman for CBN

It might be worth mentioning to your unsaved friends that are reeling from Robertson’s quote that he is also the founder of Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation, International Family Entertainment Inc., and The Flying Hospital, Inc..

I disagree with Robertson’s view of the Haitian earthquake and as well as much of his prosperity gospel theology. I do, however, commend his generous humanitarian help of millions of dollars around the world, including Haiti,  that Jon Stewart and others will fail to mention. This may be some relief to the sceptical unsaved.