Pat Robertson Strikes Again

In the midst of the horrific tragedy of the earthquake and its aftermath in Haiti, we have Pat Robertson pronouncing a word of divine wisdom.
Something happened a long time ago in Haiti and people might not want to talk about. They were under the heel of the French, you know Napoleon the third and whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said 'We will serve you if you will get us free from the prince.' True story. And so the devil said, 'Ok it's a deal.' And they kicked the French out. The Haitians revolted and got something themselves free. But ever since they have been cursed by one thing after another.

Unsurprisingly, CBN soon had to offer a corrective word. From its website is this official clarification:
Statement Regarding Pat Robertson's Comments on Haiti
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 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

I do not doubt Pat Robertson's compassion for people who are suffering, and I am glad that he prayed for them and is organizing relief efforts.

Nor do I doubt his theological miscue, though. The claim that "countless scholars and religious figures believe the country is cursed": is disingenuous at best. Many people may look at the overwhelming poverty of the country and feel that the people of Haiti have labored to overcome countless barriers to alleviating the situation without believing that the root of the problem was a voudon ceremony in the 18th century. Even presuming that the leaders of the slave rebellion in 1791 pledged their allegiance to the devil in exchange for freedom, what difference does that make for the people who were killed in the earthquake in 2010?

Unfortunately, Rev. Robertson, like many other Christians, are quick to lay the blame for great disasters at the feet of people who are affected by it. Somehow, the old adage that one reaps what is sown has been applied to hurricanes - think Katrina - and disease - think AIDS and cancer - and now earthquakes. Somehow, some people feel so much better thinking, "Well, after all, they had it coming."