Theology of Hate

I have never been very impressed with the theology of Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson. Falwell said he and Robertson were having a theological discussion on the 700 Club when he blamed gays and lesbians, among others, for the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The September 13, 2001 broadcast included comments from Falwell that listed groups he didn’t like and claimed that they helped this tragedy to happen. He said God allowed "the enemies of this country to give us what we deserve."

Jerry Falwell has once again uttered words of hate and prejudice that indicate that he is not all that different than the religious extremists responsible for the WTC and Pentagon attacks. His grandstanding to condemn and blame Americans he doesn’t like for evil actions they had nothing to do with is outrageous. To reduce the pain and suffering of thousands of families who lost loved ones in these attacks to something that should simply be expected as God’s judgment, or that is deserved, is unforgivable.

Apparently Falwell and Robertson believe that God used the terrorists to punish America for allowing things like abortion and gays and lesbians. These are things they believe should be outlawed and punished by America, and since the United States hasn’t done so, God sent terrorists to punish the nation. Interestingly, the terrorists believed they were agents of God as well. Only they thought they were punishing America for what they thought to be oppression and bondage of their people. Maybe religious fundamentalist extremists aren’t very different, regardless of the religion they come from. This kind of primitive and uncivilized thought shocks and bewilders most thinking people, yet is still taught and accepted by many followers of Christian television.

I believe Robertson, Falwell, and the terrorists are all wrong in their view of where God was in the WTC and Pentagon attacks. God was indeed there, but not in the way they thought. God was present with those leaving this life for another. God was present to protect thousands, as indeed the loss of life could have been multiplied many times worse. God was there to comfort and weep with those who mourn. God was there to weep due to the inhumane ignorance of the terrorists and those who think that terror is an act to be performed on God’s behalf.

I’ve never been impressed with the theology of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, but I’m afraid that too many people take them too seriously. As a result, not only will some ignorant people be looking for anyone who looks Islamic to blame for the attacks, but they just may be looking for the abortionists and gays and lesbians as well. Incredible as it may seem, I’m sure Falwell and Robertson think they are on God’s side, when indeed they stand on the side of hatred and evil when they make the kinds of comments that endorse terrorism as action on God’s behalf.

Robert Buchanan is a minister of the Ecumenical Catholic Church and a psychotherapist who lives with his partner of many years in Durham North Carolina.  He is the author of  Love, Honor & Respect: How to Confront Homosexual Bias in Christian Culture and serves as director of the Institute for Inclusive Christianity. a training program for ministers and clergy who do not discriminate against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or because of financial, familial or social status.  Additional resources for inclusive Christians can be found at our Resources page.

Your gift using Pay Pal's secure site can help this web site operate and help educate others on these important issues:

Inclusive Christian Resources:

Institute for Inclusive Christianity

Send mail to mark@inclusivechristians.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2003 Different Spirit
Last modified: 07/09/05