Pat Robertson has made some pretty crazy remarks. Remember the "hit" he wanted us to take out on Hugo Chavez?! Yes, the self-proclaimed leader of the moral majority, former presidential candidate, and television talk host on the 700 Club. But Robertson is also a pastor, a man who claims to believe that the Bible is the word of God. So imagine my and so many others' surprise when he spoke of divorcing a spouse with Alzheimer's because they're pretty much dead anyway?! (Remember "'til death do us part?" It certainly gives a new slant to that notion.)
Now of course I'm paraphrasing. And you might find this odd coming from me, a liberal, progressive, Democrat; but I'm as angry at the message as I am the messenger.
Robertson is a leader in the conservative Christian circles. These are the same people that fight for the definition of marriage to only be between a man and a woman; certainly not a man and a man or a woman and a woman. Why? Because marriage is holy, ordained by God. It's one of the first things God does in book of Genesis.
[See a collection of political cartoons on gay marriage.]
I am angry at this remark Mr. Robertson made, although not surprised, because it shows the true hypocrisy of not only these leaders, but of so many Christians who use the Bible only when it suits them. Remember what Gandhi said about not being able to find Christ among them?
I have been married for 15 years. Happily? Yes, for the most part. I did take the vows when I married to love and honor in sickness and in health, for better or worse, 'til death do us part. And I meant it when I took those vows.
If we simply divorce, or do away with a "problem," as a person with Alzheimer's may often be perceived, then what's next? Divorce when someone is burned in a fire? Partially dismembered in an auto accident? Loses a breast (or two) to breast cancer? When a man can no longer maintain an erection? How about when one's beauty fades? Oh right, they already do that. (At least in Los Angeles where I live.)
[Vote now: Should gay marriage be legal nationwide?]
The point is, Alzheimer's is an illness; it's one of those "sicknesses" the Bible and those vows refer to. And, it is certainly one of the worst times for a spouse, for a family.
Marriage is not a walk in the park. But if you're going to fight to defend it, define it, and protect it based on the Bible, at least read the Bible Mr. Robertson and see what God says about the very institution He designed.
Maybe if more of us took those vows more seriously, we wouldn't have a divorce rate that hovers above 50 percent in America today.
Shame on Mr. Robertson for twisting the "word of God" as he calls the Bible, when he chooses. I believe it's men like Robertson who keep many of us more than an arm's length from our creator.
- See the 10 cities with the most same-sex partners.
- See a collection of political cartoons on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".
- Read: Both Sides See Same-Sex Marriage as Winning Issue in 2012.
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