Elf, Robertson and his ilk aren't against absolutely everything that is forbidden in the Bible. They have absolutely no problem eating pork or shellfish, and probably have a nice cold glass of milk with their cheeseburgers. Beyond that some of the stuff that they're most stiff necked against isn't actually mentioned in the Bible, they just justify it through interpretation. A number of them have had no problem committing adultery or covetting their neighbour's asses - particularly if the neighbour is a fairly good looking woman.

Most of all however is that these televangelists in particular are angering to hard working men of the cloth who actually minister to local congregations, and aren't working on ways to funnel donations into their own pockets. The only thing worse than them is that people not only pay attention to them they send them money.

Fred says: "This is so not the forum for political, religious, or philosophical debate, but a few points"
Then goes on to say Roberston is a Christian in name only, on this topic where the TV Squad writer mentions the Lord five times. Atheist Elf calls Robertson's followers 'idiots.'

Voltaire said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." I agree, I'm glad we can all say what we say, including everything on this page. But of all the things said on television, why does Robertson get singled out?

As a Human, Pat Robertson often offends me. As a Christian, he seems to offend me all the time.

Please rest assured we all don't follow his ilk.

Elf, I quite agree that Robertson's comments are absurd, more often than not. However, I feel the major news outlets do the public a service by reporting his absurdities. Since most intelligent and educated Americans don't watch "700 Club," general news outlets are about the only way they can routinely learn of the sometimes dangerous inanity that takes place among the fanatical fringes (whether of the right or of the left).

As I see it, bringing such antics to the attention of the general public serves some valuable purposes:
(1) such exposure might tell us about deficiencies in the American educational system and how to remedy them;
(2) it alerts us to persistent attacks on the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights;
(3) it makes the mainstream aware of the dangers of the religious right, and motivates them to oppose it; and
(4) it likely scares off a number of potential converts who might otherwise be duped into supposing these snake-oil salesmen to be wonderful folks.

Think about it: If you or I tried to warn people that religious fanatics are making ridiculous charges and potentially dangerous claims, would the general public pay us any heed? But let it come across CNN, and it gets noticed. Does such exposure convert anyone to a fanatical view? Very few if any, I would guess; most of these are already "in the flock," eager to be herded and fleeced. But general exposure lets normal people know who these hate-and-fear-mongers are, and what they're up to. We might not like what they say, but we need to know they're saying it, and who's being suckered by it.

This is so not the forum for political, religious, or philosophical debate, but a few points:

1. We may be hit by some big storms this year. Whoa. He's really got the inside line to God there, doesn't he?

2. Every argument against Christianity is not a persecution of the faith or attack against a Christian's free speech. Pat Robertson has the right to speak his mind. But Elf's not wrong in that the media probably *doesn't* need to keep repeating what he says.

3. Vince, your comments drew response (whereas Elf's did not), I suspect because you addressed TV Squad directly, which all but demanded a response.

4. Pat Robertson is a Christian in pretty much name only, making a whole lot of this moot.

Sure, you have the right to criticize and laugh, I support that 100%. No one and no institution should be out-of-bounds for criticism. But aside from Robertson, who else is your criticism against?

I guess comments like Elf's, that bash Christianity & religion, go by without remark, but my little ol' 2 cents gets an immediate response.

Vince, Pat Robertson has the right to say whatever he pleases. And Tv Squad (and I) have the right to laugh at it. Simple as that.

Let's hear it for free speech...except for those contemptible Christians, of course. But for you flag-burners, illegal alien marchers, professors comparing 9/11 victims to Nazis, and anyone else that slams America & God, speak freely.

Gee, TV Squad, you sure have nerve to take on an American televangelist. How PC of you. Bet you didn't publish any of the Mohammed cartoons.

I am truly rolling on the floor laughing. Your post is so funny and so very true. Poor Ole Pat and his extreme love of money is finally showing. Time is such a great teacher and time is showing the true motivations of Pat Robertson. Thanks for the great laugh.