I realize that I’ve had very little posts about religion and I tend to intentionally avoid it. It’s not something I feel like I ever need to discuss because it’s so personal to so many people. Those who read this website are of all different faiths, some of little faith, and others of no faith, each of which I am very happy to know. I don’t think it’s important for me to preach since we are all at different places with our spiritual lives. However, I must make a short commentary on something that recently happened. In fact, I’m sure you’ll hear about it in the news for a few more days, maybe even weeks.

On a telecast of The 700 Club last night, the right-winged, radical so-called (tel)evangelist Pat Robertson made a very casual comment about how the US should assassinate the Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. I am aware that Chavez has been extremely outspoken against the US and many of Bush’s policies. But, I do not believe that Robertson can clearly call himself a Christian and speak these words of hate.

Do not take this as a defense against Chavez, however, he certainly has the right to say whatever he wants. Robertson’s statements of hate should be used as an example of how a Christian should not behave. And this is not even nearly the first time he’s said something so extreme. According to the Associated Press, Roberton has also attacked other political issues such as feminism, saying it “encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft…” and couple other radical ideas. I’m sure I could put at least 10 or 20 other statements on here, but you get the point.

I am completely for freedom of speech, and as far as I’m concerned he should be allowed to say whatever he wants. But, in doing so, he should not claim to be a practicing Christian. I think his extremist views often conflict with the teachings of Christianity and, well, most religions. He’s doing a great job of stirring controversy, but he’s doing it from the wrong platform in my opinion. His mix of religion and politics is such a thin line and he often crosses the two in a negative way.

I think it’s important for people of faith to speak out against this kind of situation. People such as Pat Robertson should not represent those of the Christian faith because it is these actions that help feed the fire of negative feelings so many agnostic, atheist, and other people feel about Christianity, well, religion in general. It’s sad to see that these people misrepresent the beliefs of so many religious people.