Pat Robertson on Alzheimer’s and divorce: It’s okay to leave
First thing this morning, the YouTube link of the Rev. Pat Robertson, once one of the most politically powerful evangelicals in the nation, arrived in the mailbox:
Said Robertson:
“I hate Alzheimer’s. It is one of the most awful things, because here’s the loved one – this is the woman or man that you have loved for 20, 30, 40 years – and suddenly that person is gone….
I know it sounds cruel, if he’s going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again – but to make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her.”
Julianne Thompson of Atlanta Tea Party Patriots — who sent the video clip — quickly followed up with these contrary thoughts:
When we enter into marriage we are well aware that we take vows joining our self to our spouse “for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”
As someone who began my media training on a show called Christian World News produced by the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach, I am appalled at the recent comments by CBN founder, and 700 Club host Pat Robertson that he would advocate leaving a spouse for another person because they were stricken with Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that not only destroys the life of the person stricken, but causes great hardship on the entire family. My grandmother-in-law died from Alzheimer’s, and the toll it took on her family was unimaginable to those with no experience in dealing with loved ones stricken with any form of dementia. But, her family did not leave her, nor did her husband ever feel she was no longer worthy of keeping a vow to.
There are many devastating conditions, including cancer, ALS, and spinal cord injuries. In 2002, my father died a very slow death as the result of a spinal cord injury. It was a horrible, but my mother never thought of putting him in custodial care and running off with another man because she needed to escape the pain of dealing with the reality that bad things can happen to family.
As the founder of a Christian-based network and a Christian College Robertson’s comments have brought shame to the network. And, for someone who hold’s a doctorate in ministry, he needs to brush-up on the fact that the Bible does not give an opt-out of marriage based on the severity of the disease.
I hope Mr. Robertson does some serious soul searching, and I hope that leads him to a public apology and the need to step down from his leadership at CBN and Regent University.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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137 comments Add your comment
red light redistrict
September 15th, 2011
9:44 am
Death comes in many ways. Love only happens one way. Mother Nature is cruel. If a marriage is over, then a divorce is the logical consequence.
bob alexander
September 15th, 2011
9:57 am
i find the so called reverend robertson, at best an insincere charlatan, who uses religion to criticize everyone else and when he is called to answer criticism, he’ll either hide behind the Bible or offer a patronizing explanation that he knows what’s best. And people wonder why many are disgusted with religion and its leaders. Do as I say not as I do.
B. Thenet
September 15th, 2011
9:58 am
A tea party leader who worked on a Christian TV show shown on Pat Robertson’s network in the past.
What a shock.
Why a so called anti-tax group would feel they would need to respond to the media about this confuses me as well. It appears someone has already gotten too big for her britches. In the future perhaps they should stick to whining about the government instead of whining about slimy televangelists they used to work for.
Vibrant
September 15th, 2011
10:06 am
I am not shocked at all by Pat’s comments. He is human and in my opinion probably not the a good human. He has made some other “suspect” comments. I believe God would not want us to desert a sick spouse and would want us to lean on him totally to cope. I am not sure what the Bible says so I can’t address that BUT for anyone who finds themself in this situation “spouse with Alzheimers” a must see is “A Vow to Cherish”- i saw this movie years ago and I cried like a baby. A Vow to Cherish -
This is a very rare film which illustrates the devotion of a husband to his wife through “sickness and health, in good times and bad,” as he leans on the Lord for his strength. The 50ish wife contracts Alzheimer’s Disease and this excellent movie shows the awful devastation and immediate changes within a family that this disease brings.
This movie is an excellent portrayal of the deep faith and deep love a husband had for his wife and for his belief in Christ. . It shows that we can’t do life alone, and that God truly will never leave us or forsake us. We have to run to Him. We must place our burdens on Jesus’ strong shoulders because we were never meant to carry them alone. He truly offers us a peace that passes all understanding when we give our worries and hardships to Him.
Also, I think Pat has a huge crush on Christy the pretty African American host. He is soooooo giddy with her.
KHC
September 15th, 2011
10:07 am
@ red light redistrict-My father-in-law has done a wonderful job of adjusting to his wife’s progressive loss of memory and associated problems. In the 29 years I have known them there has NEVER been any doubt in my mind that they married each other with the firm conviction that health (or any other) issues would not divide them. As a result, they continue to be engaged in their community, family, and church. Friends and neighbors support and admire them. There is a very real chance based on family history that my husband could also have some form of dementia. That won’t ever be a good enough reason to end our marriage (27+ years, one horrible car accident and cancer along the way).
Double D
September 15th, 2011
10:08 am
I’m amazed that anybody is shocked by this. Robertson in a pretty typical right-wing hypocritical jackass. He’s so worried about same-sex marriage destroying the sanctity of marriage. Really??? Anybody who supprts this guy should seriously consider getting some mental health help. Save your money, folks. You’re gonna need it!
Jed
September 15th, 2011
10:11 am
B. Thenet,
You’re an idiot.
That being said, I liked Thompson’s response to the Robertson clip. While I want to say I can’t believe a Christian reverend could say such a thing, he has put his foot in his mouth so many times in recent years it’s a sign that HE could be having an early onset … time to hang it up gracefully (if that’s possible).
Justin
September 15th, 2011
10:13 am
@ Double D
You hit the nail on the head! I couldn’t agree more. Very well said!
Not Surprised
September 15th, 2011
10:15 am
In response to Double D – he is just a jack ass….period. Being conservative or Tea Party has absolutely nothing to do with this. This isn’t a political statement and those of you who try to tie your political views to his remark are as ignorant and hypocritical as he is. He is an embarrassment to every Christian.
Vibrant
September 15th, 2011
10:16 am
The look on Terry’s face when Pat made those comments is “priceless”.
Chuck Allison
September 15th, 2011
10:16 am
I think it is cruel when the media continues to question individuals in their advanced age when their minds begin to go and they say things that they never would have said when they had all their faculties. Nancy Reagan, Betty Ford, Barry Goldwater, Jimmy Carter, and others come to mind. Of course Pat is in error here, and he has already realized that he is in error. He never would have said such a thing when he was younger.
The last five years my mother was alive, she had Alzheimers, but I still enjoyed the time I spent with her. She always recognized me and let me know that she loved me.
RICH S.
September 15th, 2011
10:20 am
As a Christian his comments I find to be very upsetting, as I have always been taught that divorce was if your spouse were cheating and in case of death…I have had two close members of my family who have had the Alzheimers, and neither were left they were taken care of right to the end…So, Mr. Robertson (I use Mr. because no Pastor I know would talk like this) perhaps you need to have your mind checked or open the word again and read the part about in sickness or health….
Native Atlantan
September 15th, 2011
10:21 am
Thank God I’m Jewish.
Peter Hoover
September 15th, 2011
10:22 am
Jesus only permitted divorce in the case of adultery. Matthew ch. 5
Rick
September 15th, 2011
10:25 am
Not a political liberal but somehow I can’t seem to find any symphathy for anyone associated with the Tea Party.
Those people are funded and controlled by multi-national corporations.
RGB
September 15th, 2011
10:25 am
Robertson in a pretty typical right-wing hypocritical jackass.
Your statement makes me curious as to what other “pretty typical right-wing hypocritical jackasses” have stated that it’s OK to divorce a spouse with Alzheimer’s.
Though he tried, Robertson was never elected to public office –even by his “pretty typical right-wing hypocritical jackass[ses]“. That suggests that perhaps he is atypical.
I’d love to see your list. If it’s too long, just list the top dozen or so who’ve made the same comment.
Thanks.
Jack
September 15th, 2011
10:27 am
A real man doesn’t desert his wife because of illness. Robertson is a jerk.
PMC
September 15th, 2011
10:27 am
I leave evangelicals alone to live and practice what they will as they will…. now if they would only do the same…..
John K
September 15th, 2011
10:28 am
I’m surprised he didn’t blame the gays and feminists for Alzheimer’s.
Maggie'smom
September 15th, 2011
10:31 am
I am so happy I am not living his life, what a miserable man he must be. Hope he gets worse than Alzheimers!!
Debbie Dooley
September 15th, 2011
10:32 am
Julianne was responding in a personal nature and she never said she was responding on behalf of Atlanta Tea Party. She used to work for CBN. Atlanta Tea Party never has addressed social issues and Julianne has fought to make sure Atlanta Tea Party only addressissues related to fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government.
Tea party actvists are allowed to have opinions on other things outside of the tea party values. Just because you are a tea party activist does not mean you give up your right to personally lobby on other issues. On a side note, I personally agree with Julianne’s comments but to be honest, I have never been a Pat Robertson fan…
Voting Nana
September 15th, 2011
10:35 am
I find it absolutely amazing the number of people that still send money to any TV preacher. Pat Robertson has said so many off the wall kooky things, how can anyone take him seriously? This is TV at its worse and is only good for the point and laugh sessions.
CTO
September 15th, 2011
10:35 am
Does anyone still listen to this guy??? What an idiot!
Tom
September 15th, 2011
10:36 am
I think most lucid people have recognized for quite some time now that the “Reverend” Roberston is a moonbat.
oldfart
September 15th, 2011
10:37 am
“They all tell you to send your money to the Lord but they give you their address.” –Hank Jr.
Ryan
September 15th, 2011
10:37 am
“A real man doesn’t desert his wife because of illness. Robertson is a jerk.”
Right on Jack!! Love is a choice. If this ever happends to my wife a guarentee you I will choose to love her until the end.
Karla
September 15th, 2011
10:38 am
Evil-gelicals as I like to call them. These folks are only Christians when convenient. A real Chrisitan loves everybody and humbles themselves for those who really need help. Talk about hiding behind the Cross…
Tom
September 15th, 2011
10:40 am
And, on a tangential point, no…it’s not a TP issue. The real Tea Party movement has NO social or ‘faith-based’ agenda. Many involved in the TP movement have (like myself) moderate/libertarian or even ‘liberal’ views on many social issues.
I ask you
September 15th, 2011
10:43 am
I think his comment is ” If he is going to do something …….”. What do you do, stay and run around and get your jollies with someone else. It all depends on where you are looking from. Would I leave my wife, no. Would Pat Robertson leave his wife? no.
Saintmarks
September 15th, 2011
10:45 am
At the outset, I am horrified. But to be fair, could we please see the FULL clip. This you tube clip is cut and edited in an effort to paint Robertson in a corner. Not saying that Robertson hasn’t done this himself, but why cut and edit like this? Perhaps other things were said to soften this, but we just get the scandalous comments. Note the left-wing group that has posted this on You Tube. Agenda free? Don’t think so.
Tina
September 15th, 2011
10:47 am
Is there a “Mrs. Robertson”. Hope she doesn’t get Alzheimer’s. And the Reverend ought to “walk a mile” in that poor woman’s shoes whose husband wants only the “better” of his wedding vows. Want to know what true love is while dealing with AD, read Robertson McQulkin’s little book.
Jon Lester
September 15th, 2011
10:47 am
@Jed – I don’t think Jesus has a place at the table set for you just yet, if you’re going to call people names for expressing valid opinions.
I’ll take it one further than B. Thenet – Tea Party leaders careless enough to admit working for someone who teaches a theology as flawed as Robertson’s may also be telling us that they won’t be any better at governing, either.
john
September 15th, 2011
10:49 am
This is totally contrary to the Scriptures and is the height of a selfish, me attitude. he should step down immediately.
how2fish
September 15th, 2011
10:51 am
Newsflash Pat when you marry it should be with the understanding that in the end of the day..no one gets out of life alive. So either you know that your going to divorce you mate at some time in the future or one of you will be burying the other right up front. I’d have more respect for someone who stayed married and made sure their spouse was being taken care of properly while having an affair, that someone that divorced them and then found someone new. I guess it would be OK in Pat’s mind to just abandon a parent too?? Why not just walk away from a child with cancer I mean that’s tragic too it might cause a little grief if you had to stay around a watch them be ill all over the place…
JOANN
September 15th, 2011
10:57 am
I THINK THE MARRIAGE VOWS SAYS IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH, NOT EXCEPT IF HE OR SHE DEVELOPS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.
Jim007
September 15th, 2011
10:57 am
What ever happened to ” Until Death Do Us Part ? “
Saintmarks
September 15th, 2011
10:59 am
Here is a link to an unedited clip, paints a different picture:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZoDMGe5ffw
I am not a Robertson devotee by any means, just hate the way people jump on Christians at any chance they get. Still don’t agree with his view, but when you listen to the whole thing, Robertson is not as hard line as the clip posted above paints him to be.
RxDawg
September 15th, 2011
11:03 am
Someone tell that A hole to go watch the Notebook.
Tony
September 15th, 2011
11:04 am
Before you abuse, criticize or accuse… walk a mile in my shoes.
It's All Dikkksie Now!
September 15th, 2011
11:08 am
Is there a Mrs Robertson… indeed there is… Rev Pat knocked her up well before marriage (when cornered with date discrepancies, Rev Pat says “I HAVE SINNED!!!” very quietly…
Ooh la lah. Goobers and their preachers…
diagnoser
September 15th, 2011
11:12 am
From all I’ve ever heard Pat say, I believe he has had Alzheimers for years.
Jed
September 15th, 2011
11:16 am
@ Jon Lester,
You should be very, very careful to assume who He has prepared a place for. Very careful.
Sure, I resorted to name-calling, and I shouldn’t have, but I thought I’d work off assumptions like B. Thenet so we could speak the same language.
You think he expressed a valid opinion? He was a smart-a** who made an extremely presumptive statement about the woman who sent out the press release. I see no “valid opinion’ in his statement.
My Bride...Forever
September 15th, 2011
11:17 am
My bride and I have FOREVER engraved in our wedding bands along with our initials. That’s what it meant in 1979 and that’s what it will mean when the last of the two of us is buried. We’re in the Autumn of our years now but have so very many wonderful and beautiful memories which is all it takes when we need to have a discussion about the years to come. No matter what…I will always be by her side in this world and in heaven. I love you Pooh!
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
September 15th, 2011
11:17 am
Robertson doesn’t address the key question raised about “bitterness” toward G-d because he is a false religionist with no relationship with G-d upon which to offer his phony “judgments.”
Bitterness or enmity toward G-d is absurd on its face, as G-d, beyond Its eternity, infinity, and ineffability, is perfect, so how stupid can one be to be “bitter” at G-d? Robertson didn’t address it because he didn’t know it. He didn’t know it because he knows nothing of G-d.
Robertson is a hypocrite, a liar, a false minister and a false patriot. He is no man and nothing but a servant of Mammon and Satan.
P.S. If you, or a loved one, don’t want Alzheimer’s, don’t rub aluminum under your highly porous armpits. Wash with soap and water, eat properly, wear clean clothes, and know the smell G-d gave you is beautiful and right…and any who don’t agree can’t go jump. Get real.
GaBlue
September 15th, 2011
11:17 am
The bigger issue here is that people are listening to Mr. Robertson (and those who purvey religion in multi-pronged profit centers) for guidance in the first place! HELLOOO? Most of you know right from wrong. If you are confused, there are sources closer to you that you can consult. Every one of us knows somebody personally who has lived a better, smarter, more righteous life, and who would be happy to help us in times of dilemma, confliction, or confusion. Jimminy H. Christmas on a peppermint stick! Sending money to rich TV preachers and then giving a rat’s fuzzy what comes out of their money-grubbing mouths? Where’s the “personal responsibility?” Jeepers, this is sad!
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
September 15th, 2011
11:18 am
Errata: “can go jump”
jimbob
September 15th, 2011
11:21 am
Hmmm, I wonder how Mrs. Robertson is feeling these days. Pat’s been drinking the Kool-Aid once again. I wonder if he’ll ever understand what a putz he is.
child of Alzheimers-dementia parent
September 15th, 2011
11:22 am
How detrimental to the children to see one of their parents suffering from a terrible disease that removes people mentally (in uneven ways) while they’re still here physically and their other parent starting a new life. Speaks to the child of how little the non A-D parent honors their vows and cares for the A-D parent. Quite selfish and inconsiderate. Having a parent with A-D is hard enough … not to mention how difficult and painful it is to BE the parent with Alzheimers-dementia. I know my father feels and knows more than he is capable of expressing. Such a tragic disease.
Some Rationality, Please
September 15th, 2011
11:22 am
Never had much use for Robertson, and I’m not sure of the exact context in which he made these remarks, but be fair — he did not propose completely abandoning a spouse. And putting aside the legal aspects of divorce, consider the follwing situation: Husband in advanced stages of dementia, but otherwise in good physical health. Does not recognize wife any more, and is incapable of meaningful interaction. Should wife try to be sure that husband is taken care of? Of course. Should wife be required to spend the next several deacdes without romance, sex, or meaningful emotional and intellectual interaction with a partner? Such martyrdom serves no purpose. One may wish Elvis hadn’t left the building — but the inalterable fact is that, past a certain point in dementia, Elvis is gone, and he isn’t coming back. Tending a shrine on an empty stage will not change that.
catlady
September 15th, 2011
11:23 am
Makes you wonder what kind of a report MRS. Robertson got at her last checkup, doesn’t it?
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
September 15th, 2011
11:25 am
Robertson’s response suggests he’s already getting a little “side work.”
Kevin
September 15th, 2011
11:28 am
There’s an especially hot place in hell for a person that would leave a spouse because of illness.
Don’t get me wrong. Mr. Robertson had long since reserved a seat in the front row of hades, but now he’s put down a deposit.
Meh
September 15th, 2011
11:28 am
Wouldn’t Alzheimers be considered “sickness” and that we should stand by our spouse through even this?
It makes no difference to me what he says is okay. The Bible is very clear. Jesus was asked what would be okay for a divorce and He said only one reason: adultery.
bob
September 15th, 2011
11:29 am
September 15th, 2011 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
1 Tim 4:12-16 / Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35
One of the most astonishing things one can ever witness is the exchange of vows between a bride and groom. Before God and the church they speak an absolute “yes” to each other, for better or worse, for the rest of their lives, without knowing what the mix of better or worse will be as the decades pass one after another. Yet they speak their “yes” with glad hearts. Is it sheer ignorance or inexperience that lets them do that? In part, it is. But in most cases there’s something more, and that is a conviction that the one thing that makes life human and worth living is committed love that doesn’t count the cost. They’re saying, “we’ll take the risk and pay the price because we want a real life and not just a shadow.”
Nowhere are the consequences of a simple “yes” spoken long ago more visible than in today’s gospel: Mary who said “yes” to God while still a teenager now stands in silence at the foot of her son’s cross. And her answer to God is still “yes”.
Almost all of us have spoken our key “yeses” to God at the time of marriage, or ordination, or at the birth of children, and at many other times besides. And now most of us stand somewhere in the middle of living out our “yeses”. Doing so can at times be painful, distressing, or just simply boring, and our “yes” can grow faint. That’s when we need to remember why we spoke our “yes” in the first place: because we loved and we knew that love alone can bring us life.
Love for Jesus and confidence in God’s love for her kept Mary from despair and carried her to Easter morning. Easter will come for every one of us if we let God love us through the darkness.
Not in Tea Party
September 15th, 2011
11:29 am
A simple I do not agree will suffice – so, I do not agree!
Not much time passed before the “H” word (hypocrit), charlatan, and best of all the “Those people are funded and controlled by multi-national corporations” – and you seem to think you are a step above Robertson’s comment.
Newt
September 15th, 2011
11:34 am
Way to go Pat!
Another thing I would recommend is serving your wife divorce papers while she is in the hospital battling cancer to runoff with a much younger woman. Now do as I say and not as I do…and vote for me in 2012!
oldfart
September 15th, 2011
11:36 am
I watched the entire clip and even with his equivocation the message is still contrary to “The Word”. If one considers themselves Christian then here it is from the man himself:
“Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?” So they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:4-6).
And since I have been chastised on here before for pulling quotes from “atheist” sites let it be known that passage was copied from Robertson’s own CBN site on a page discussing what the Bible says about divorce and remarriage at:
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/CBNTeachingSheets/Divorce_And_Remarriage.aspx
Of course like many issues one can find other Bible verses to differ and you will find some referenced on that same page, however since Christians believe that New Testament law supersedes OT & I would think the word of Jesus would supersede Paul’s, then it is there in black & white (or red depending on your copy of the Bible). Jesus says it without equivocation.
And I love the judge nots that always go flying on these when the shoe is on the other foot. Somehow you never see those when the person is not a professed Christian.
PM
September 15th, 2011
11:38 am
Pat Robertson is a bad guy and has nothing to do with Christ and what He wants for us, how He tells us to live, period. Obvious from this latest voice from him, obvious from prior words from him too. PM
Twinkletoes
September 15th, 2011
11:39 am
Unless you have cared for someone stricken w/Alzheimer’s, you can’t possibly have a clue what it is like. In some cases, it is dealing with an obstinate 2 year old who asks the same questions repeatedly until you are ready to do violence. it is extremely difficult to care for an adult, 24/7, who behaves in such a sullen and sometimes dangerously aggressive fashion. Hiring help for the round the clock caring is about the only sensible action. They sleep at odd hours and are awake in even odder ones either wandering in the house, or doing damage to it, or walking off down the road becoming a missing person. Alzheimer’s is THE worst affliction for any human being. That isn’t discounting any of the other horrors such as MS and ALS.
Tea
September 15th, 2011
11:40 am
This is a personal decision on Pat Robertson’s part. Certainly the issue is intersting and his situation can act as a catalyst for discussion by rendering judgement on him personally is, I feel inappropriate. That said, it depends on the needs of each individual (the non-Alzheimers victim). Some people couldn’t live with themselves if they divorced their dimented partner. If their emotions or their morals compel them to stay, good for them. Likewise if a spouse feels they need to free themselves from the yoke of their partner’s dimentia, good for them too. I do think in the later case the spouse owes it their sick spouse to provide suitable care.
Peter
September 15th, 2011
11:40 am
Religion a man made Myth, and obviously the folks practicing it make up their own rules as they go.
A Joke, and what a stupid idea when bringing into politics, or abortion !
Oral Roberts
September 15th, 2011
11:41 am
God, you did it for me so I know you can do it for ol’ Pat. CALL HIM HOME OH LORD, CALL HIM HOME!! Oh, what’s that, you don’t want him? Well, could you give a ring downstairs and see if B. L. Zeebub might want him. Thanks a bunch!
Just a minute?
September 15th, 2011
11:52 am
If it was good enough for Newt Gingrich, why not Pat. Sucks to be Mrs. Robertson.
Not Surprised
September 15th, 2011
12:02 pm
There is no difference between the Rev Al, Jessee Jackson and Pat Robertson. Gaining personal wealth as weak people continue to support them. It’s a free country and you’re free to be a fool.
nutts
September 15th, 2011
12:05 pm
My mother in law is going through this and husband of 60 years would never consider leaving her side, even though he is crippled himself. He is part of the Greatest Generation and I hope to be 20% the man he is. To leave your spouse because of a cruel trick of nature puts you way down the list of any religion.
no one
September 15th, 2011
12:09 pm
F U! I hope you do not get this awful diease
NO surprise
September 15th, 2011
12:10 pm
Typical hypo-christian…
Robert
September 15th, 2011
12:15 pm
When will people stop supporting these idiots? I just shake my head in disgust every time I hear one of these televangelists espousing hate, begging for money, and criticizing everyone who doesn’t believe everything they’re told to believe from people who believe the earth is 2,000 yrs. old. The fact that people still send Eddie Long money after he paid off 4 of his boyfriends to keep quiet blows my mind. These televangelists make me so proud to be agnostic. Hey Pat, shut the …. up.
Hootinanny Yum Yum
September 15th, 2011
12:15 pm
Jim,
This may touch on politics, but only at the fringe.
Robertson is off base here. Buy you highlighting this is a really, really cheap shot.
Great opportunity for Christian bashing and linking it to the Tea Party. A two-fer. Good job!
seen the damage done
September 15th, 2011
12:19 pm
take it from someone who’s father suffered from Alzheimer’s, AND his spouse who up and divorced him as soon as things got tough without a care in the world… that action sent my father spiraling into further depths of the disease and eventual death much quicker than if she had stayed.
IT IS THE ULTIMATE SELFISH MOVE.
my dad had good days and bad days. After she left, the good days quickly went away. How cruel of a person do you have to be to discard someone like that? Shame on anyone who does this.
Charles
September 15th, 2011
12:25 pm
Wait, that unedited clip was supposed to put his comments in a different perspective? It just made him look worse to me. The only thing he added was don’t just rely on me for the answer to this one. But his answer was horrible for someone who supposedly uses the Bible as a refernce.
I agree, I think old Pat has been suffering for some time himself. Maybe this will be the straw that breaks the camels back giving his wife an out.
The Goobernator
September 15th, 2011
12:28 pm
‘Til Death Do Us Part.. or until you forget who I am, whichever comes first.
Ruth Martin
September 15th, 2011
12:30 pm
As long as their is a heartbeat and breath, a person is still alive. Otherwise, why do they not bury them? They are definitely not dead. This is some of the most pathetic and dangerous advice I have ever come out of Pat Robertson’s mouth. To teach this is not scriptural and is damnable doctrine.
Julia Sugargaker
September 15th, 2011
12:32 pm
How sad there is not such place as hell. Surely there would be a place set aside there for this putrid, bilious excuse of a human. But, as long as America is so top heavy with so many stupid & gullible people, scum like Pat Robertson will keep on spewing his bile.
ACE
September 15th, 2011
12:34 pm
I hope he gets cancer in both of his balls.
Keith Bastin
September 15th, 2011
12:37 pm
I know Julianne and while she is certainly a leader in the Tea Party Movement, She as an individual is entitled to her opinion which on this matter I certainly agree with; It does not necessarily reflect an opinion of the Tea Party just because she has a role within the organization but she is still well entitled to speak her mind.. Being an advocate for economic sanity does not mean that individuals are not allowed to have opinions on other matters.
(re: the 9:58AM comment from “B. Thenet” – “Why a so called anti-tax group would feel they would need to respond to the media about this confuses me as well. It appears someone has already gotten too big for her britches. In the future perhaps they should stick to whining about the government instead of whining about slimy televangelists they used to work for.”
ACE
September 15th, 2011
12:37 pm
And then his wife leaves him because she wants to be with a real man
bob from account temps
September 15th, 2011
12:43 pm
double d @10:11 – “right wing: – i would say that his comment is more “left wing”. do what you want, think of yourself first, let someone else worry about the issue!
no country for old women
September 15th, 2011
12:47 pm
correct me if i’m wrong, but there is no place in the Christian bible that gives a woman the right to divorce her husband.
DAK
September 15th, 2011
12:47 pm
Although I do not agree with Pat’s advice on this subject, please listen to the ENTIRE comment, not this clipped and edited version. The traditional vows we recite, ‘in sickness and in health, ’til death do us part,’ etc., are not biblical. Just because they are not biblical does not mean they are not wise words to be lived by, however. We do know that divorce is not biblically acceptable other than in the case of adultery. Pat gives advice on many other things that ’set people off,’ things like being against a homosexual lifestyle, which happen to be very biblical. Because he is human, Pat will error, as we all do, and if I had to make the call on this one, I’d say it was in error. Even believers and followers of Christ can have opinions that may not go with what the majority embrace. It’s when the opinions go against what the Bible teaches that there can be problems. The man gives very sound and biblical advice on many subjects and is hammered by people because what he teaches, though biblical, goes ‘against the flow.’ As a practicing, washed in the blood, born again Christian, I believe that much of what he shares is spot-on, which is why he is under attack by others so often. This won’t change, as the truth will always be pushed away and denied until the last days. If Pat is in error, and stays sensitive to the leading of the spirit, he will be convicted of the error in time. I believe–though his statement in full, which you may listen to on youtube is a bit clearer–that his words could be harmful to some who might believe everything they hear. For the rest of us who can think and weigh things out on our own, we won’t embrace the opinion that a spouse should be divorced and left because they are not what they were when we exchanged our vows.
Derrick Keeter
September 15th, 2011
12:51 pm
There are a few comments that I would like to make:
1. I did not view the clip and do not want to. I have no doubt that Robertson’s comments are being taken out of context and that some people are over-reacting.
2. Pat Robertson DOES NOT represent the teachings of Jesus nor the true followers of Jesus. He is so far out of touch with true Christian faith that it is scary.
3. Why in the world do people listen to and support TV preachers like Robertson? Let ol’ Pat give up his fat paycheck, come pastor a small church in a rural community and see how his whole outlook on life changes. People should be consulting their local minister, priest or rabbi, not some mutli-millionaire TV celebrity.
4. Just for the record, (as was noted above) adultery, and the refusal of a spouse to convert to the faith, are the only grounds for divorce found in the Bible.The Bible does not give permission for divorce in those cases, but does ALLOW for divorce to occur.
5. The marital vows quoted above” richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us in part” are not found in the Bible. They are man-made words written by men, not God. When we say those vows in a ceremony before God, however, they become binding and permanent.
Some Rationality, Please
September 15th, 2011
12:53 pm
I disagree. If my brain is dead, I am dead. And if Alzheimer’s has reduced me to a driveling idiot, that is a fate worse than death. The most terrifying thing I can imagine is having all my marbles run down the gutter so fast that I lose the ability to take the necessary steps to bring matters to an appropriate close. I have instructed my spouse and all my younger kin that if that ever happens to me, they are to pull the plug at the first opportunity; have a party and talk about how great I was; and then go live their lives — and not dare to feel guilty for not tending an empty husk.
PAT R.
September 15th, 2011
12:56 pm
no country for old women
September 15th, 2011
12:47 pm
correct me if i’m wrong, but there is no place in the Christian bible that gives a woman the right to divorce her husband – you are correct, (old testement) the woman is considered property in that regard
Adam
September 15th, 2011
1:02 pm
Alzheimer’s is a major impediment that can cause unbearable conditions for the healthy spouse. I don’t think its our place to judge someone forced into such a terrible situation.
Hold On A Minute
September 15th, 2011
1:04 pm
This was a piece taken out of context by People For the American Way…an ultra left-wing advocacy group.
Robertson is cut off…. not to justify the in-context statement, but we don’t hear how he qualified his opinion. And that is what it is: His Opinion. Not any other right wingers. None. Only his. He speaks for only him.
People For the American Way has as it’s only purpose to discredit ANY and ALL conservatives, and to allow them to insinuate that any other conservative has the same opinion as Pat Robertson or any other person is folly.
Again, not to defend anything Robertson says, here or anywhere else, but I’d like to see the whole context of the answer.
Hold On A Minute
September 15th, 2011
1:07 pm
TAKE THE TIME AND READ DAK’S POST ABOVE.
E. Banks
September 15th, 2011
1:17 pm
God is Sovereign. Who is Pat Robertson to decide when a person is dead? Marriage is a promise for life. Next Robertson will be for euthanasia. It’s a shame he is becoming so hypocritical in his old age.
bwell
September 15th, 2011
1:19 pm
We all need prayer and stay in touch with God. Mr. Robertson is no different. Spritiual Warfare is live and prevlent. Pray for Mr. Robertson
Patricia Stultz
September 15th, 2011
1:19 pm
I cannot believe a Reverend could make a comment such as this. He is no “Reverend”. If my loved one got this disease, I would take care of him to the end because that’s what love is. Love has no restrictions or boundaries when it comes to sickness and health. If Pat Robertson got this disease, guess we just need to put him out to pasture, huh?
DHD
September 15th, 2011
1:20 pm
The video is edited to fit the agenda of the “American Way.” I would like to see the unedited clip.
“Til death do us part” means what it says and says what it means. It needs no explanation by anyone.
Lee
September 15th, 2011
1:24 pm
While I don’t agree with his comments, I do find it interesting that the AJC thinks this is front page news. Never miss a chance to ridicule a Christian. Have you ever reported on all the good things CBN and Pat Robertson have done throughout his many years in ministry?
Jenny Sutton
September 15th, 2011
1:42 pm
A man who has never cared for a family member with Alzheimer’s himself should just keep his mouth shut. The same goes for a Catholic priest who has never been married but who gives out marital advice, and for any man who has never been pregnant but who gives abortion advice to women (let alone feels entitled to legislate it!!).
DB
September 15th, 2011
1:51 pm
And this is brought to us by the PEOPLE for the American Way?? Because why?
DB
September 15th, 2011
1:52 pm
That sounds like the AJC, using PEOPLE FOR THE AMERICAN WAY (who are neither) as a reference tool.
JAWJA
September 15th, 2011
2:04 pm
Why doesn’t he just go AWAY, and take the tea party with him? They (tpers) are destroying our country.
Devildog
September 15th, 2011
2:08 pm
I couldn’t leave her alone or with strangers.
Shabootyquiqui
September 15th, 2011
2:14 pm
I never liked or respected Robertson but this statement seems beyond even his obtuseness. Maybe HE has Alzheimer’s?
Alabama Communist
September 15th, 2011
2:18 pm
Sounds like a wonderful Christian Republican Tea Party family value… leave the wife, she won’t remember it anyway………..another reason to join the 7 th day Atheist movement and not worry about the ruthless God of the Republicans..
Xavier Wanz
September 15th, 2011
2:18 pm
Pat Robertson is right about this. As usual, the mob is wrong. You’re all nothing but a mass of mind-numbed idiots. Herd dwellers.
Xavier Wanz
September 15th, 2011
2:19 pm
Enter your comments here
Larry
September 15th, 2011
2:21 pm
Robertson’s theology is that God speaks to him directly. When you’re in that space you end up with your feelings and emotions driving the cart rather than the Word of God – leading to this kind of nonsense.
Lynn
September 15th, 2011
2:21 pm
To clarify, Mr. Robertson suggested that the husband divorce his Alzheimers’ afflicted spouse. If the situation were reversed, I imagine he’d counsel the wife to stay with her husband to care for him as a good helpmeet. Then again, this is the same guy who took credit for “praying” a hurricane away from the Virginia Coast. Grain of salt, people. Grain of salt.
The Devil You Say?
September 15th, 2011
2:26 pm
Well, we main-line Christians have always considered him rather a nut and a creep. He lost all credibility quite a while ago. However, he is no bigger a kook than the Pope. His views on divorce and birth control are even more astounding and just plain stupid.
Name (required)
September 15th, 2011
2:37 pm
Pat Robertson needed to be tied to a tree long ago.
Ultra Violet
September 15th, 2011
2:47 pm
I listen very carefully to a man who outted Tinky-Winky as a covertly homosexual Teletubby. Haven’t seen him OR Barney lately.
My wife had a forgetful moment yesterday and the next thing you know I was at the strip club.
Keep preaching, preacher man!
Relic Starbrook
September 15th, 2011
2:47 pm
…to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till you’re diagnosed with Alzheimer’s then you’re on your own, according to God’s holy ordinance; And today, I pledge you my faithfulness….
Menno Paws
September 15th, 2011
2:49 pm
Nancy Reagan is cursing under her breath for the missed opportunity.
Gary
September 15th, 2011
3:13 pm
I dont think its any secret that Robinson hasnt been “all there” in several years. His public statements have gotten more “out of touch” with not only Christianity, but with reality as well. Perhaps he is just giving his wife permission to move on since it appears dementia has pretty much settled permanemtly into his brain.
A. king
September 15th, 2011
3:19 pm
What happened to “for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health until death do us part”!
NANA
September 15th, 2011
3:23 pm
OMG!!! Last time I checked the wedding vowels in the Bible did not say in sickness and in health unless your spouse gets Alzheimer’s! I absolutely cannot believe he said that!! I am stunned, appalled, disappointed and angry.
Uncle Joe
September 15th, 2011
3:26 pm
Poor Mr. Robertson. He’s certainly entitled to his opinion. Major media just loves to find these oddball, Alzheimer-suffering old has-beens to interiew and pass off as mainstream Christianity. Then they can establish the “obvious” link to the Tea Party. As a skeptic that despises ALL evangelicals and is critical of organized religions, I support the Tea Party and its morals, along with traditional Christian mores. Liberalism, as a pope once said, is the synthesis of all errors. The natural law and common sense would lead any sane person to oppose abortion, adultery, homosexuality and socialism. Thanks, Mr. Galloway, for including the Tea Party stance on Mr. Robertson’s comments.
lefty fielder
September 15th, 2011
3:33 pm
A great gulf exists between religion and God.
duronimo
September 15th, 2011
3:48 pm
There is a Christian on every side of an issue. Even when it comes to the Bible, there is controversy and different “takes” at every turn. Christianity has morphed into something our parents and
grandparents would not even recognize. Expect anything!
RLM
September 15th, 2011
4:17 pm
Sounds like he is in early stages and his wife is being given the go ahead. Hope she takes him for all he’s go.
Dave
September 15th, 2011
4:46 pm
Does Robertson’s wife get to divorce him because he’s a damn fool?
Menno Paws
September 15th, 2011
4:48 pm
Reminds me of a song: “Don’t Forget Me When I’m Gone”.
September 15th, 2011
5:02 pm
“Does anyone still listen to this guy??? What an idiot!”
Yes, you are.
melvinowens
September 15th, 2011
5:07 pm
pat robertson is the same cretin, who in the 1980’s, defended apartheid in south africa as a good system. i am not surprised at anything he says or does. he is one, in a long line of “holier than thou sinners”
Vanessa Wood
September 15th, 2011
5:17 pm
This man is an idiot – He talks about healing people but yet he had major heart surgery – Why didn’t he heal himself – I don’t think the blood is getting to his brain – I agree with the last comment – first thing that came to my mind , poor Mrs. Robertson
Romegaguy
September 15th, 2011
5:27 pm
Pat must be listening to Newt these days
Bootnewt
September 15th, 2011
5:45 pm
How this goofball can pass himself off as a modern-day wise Solomon, and why viewers give him that status is astounding to me.
Vanessa Wood
September 15th, 2011
5:53 pm
I watched my father care for my mother through 10 years of Alzheimers -it was tough – he will always be my hero – his love and courage and strength and loyalty is the most spiritual thing anyone can imagine – This man doesn’t have the courage to deal with alzheimers
Sola
September 15th, 2011
6:18 pm
Dear Mrs Robertson. You heard it from your husband’s own mouth. You can kick that asshat into touch and start afresh. Good luck to you.
Andrea Allen
September 15th, 2011
6:26 pm
Appalled! For better or for worse, in SICKNESS and in health, until death do us part.
ROBERTSON: You are morally AND Biblically incorrect. What a sorry message to send to those entering marriage. The reward is in Heaven, not on earth. Strength comes through suffering, both ends.
Common Sense
September 15th, 2011
7:27 pm
Anyone giving Pat Robertson money must have alzheimers already so I’m surprised he’s alienating his supporters like this.
PEOPLE… STOP SUPPORTING THIS HERETIC!
Real American
September 15th, 2011
7:58 pm
Ok hypocrite Hannity, lets run this clip 24 hours on no brain fox and associate his statement with R. Perry who claims to be a chistian””””
Oh but, wait that only applies to””””””’
Buckhead Boy
September 15th, 2011
8:25 pm
Wonder why all these Tea Party front people are named Phillips? There’s Tim and Judson, and now Julianne. Maybe just coincidence. Maybe the Koch boys want innocuous, WASPish names to make their Frankenstein monster appear less scary. Daddy Koch called his the John Birch Society, didn’t he? Who knows. Who cares.
David
September 15th, 2011
9:01 pm
Statement’s like that are why nut jobs should not talk…… Horrible advice a real man of God would not advise divorce because of illness. Until death do you part means just that.
Healy
September 15th, 2011
9:03 pm
Wouldn’t be nice if Pat got alzheimers and forgot to show up at the studio ? Now THAT would be a blessing not to listen to anymore of his hypocritical statements.
RGB
September 15th, 2011
9:04 pm
If Big Jim uses video from People for the American Way (an ultra left wing group), I think he should balance that with selections from Media Resource Center at mrc.org.
Isn’t “balance” what the “new” AJC is all about?
Here’s a start: Video: “Bozell Discusses Media’s Disinterest in Jump in Poverty Under Obama”
Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/nb-staff/2011/09/14/video-bozell-discusses-medias-disinterest-jump-poverty-under-obama#ixzz1Y4afmCzM
anti-christian values
September 15th, 2011
9:04 pm
His comments were ANYTHING but Christian! I think he’s just speaking from a man’s point of view. It takes a real man to stick by a wife who has Alzheimers. Pat Robertson is not a real man.
Big Earl
September 15th, 2011
9:35 pm
How sad!!!! How very sad that so many of you that could truly be blessed by God will never know him because you elevate this so-called Christian Pat Robertson to spokesman for all Christians and Chrisitanity in general. Please know this man does not represent the teachings of Jesus Christ with the remarks being discussed. As a someone who considers themself a Christian, please let me apologize for his comments, they disgust me and would disgust Jesus Christ. God Bless You All.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
September 15th, 2011
9:41 pm
The Kochs are Roman Catholic. So too, often, are people with the family name of Phillips.
ksss
September 15th, 2011
10:37 pm
Well since the Tea Party started slavery was ended by the founding fathers, Bachmann 2 dollar gallon a gas, secesssion of Texas Rick Perry and dump your spouse out on the street. If you do not have health insurance throw you into the dumpster if they will take hazardist waste. All these are so compassionate loving Christians and love their fellow Americans. These people would have been great to have around during the great depression. It would have been eaiser to let people die without any tax money involved. Ron Paul !!!!
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
September 15th, 2011
10:57 pm
Did you check out Ron Paul’s limp wrist as he saluted the National Anthem at the debate the other evening? Looks like Sasha Baron Cohen was on to him for the “Bruno” set up.
Deja
September 16th, 2011
1:10 am
Ya know. It is a very un-christian thing he is saying, but it seems to me that he is saying that since the vow is gone in a way (when her mind left, the vow left with her), it would be better to divorce and marry again than it would to run around and be with another woman while married to his first wife. I am not sure how I feel about that…
mehlman rings twice
September 17th, 2011
7:23 am
Deja @ 1:10 am:
Just think if Todd Palin shared your opinion. As for Newt, one justificatioon for divorce is if your wife becomes a Jaquar.
BTW, what do Ann Coulter and Sara Palin have in common with black men from the University of Michigan?