I found this video on the YouTube site of The Atheist Media Blog.
Again, I repeat: this post is not about Pat Robertson.
I’m not including this clip on my blog because I think advice that Pat offers is outlandish. Though it does come across a bit blunt. While some might change the wording a bit, Pat offers the same advice that probably 90 percent of evangelical pastors would offer if asked the same question.
I wonder what this basic “Christian answer” sounds like to an Atheist. Of course, that’s obvious. Go read the comments.
But is there a better answer? Is there something more Pat could have offered?
Maybe it’s simply the fact that it’s on TV and Pat only has a limited amount of time.
I guess I’ve never been a fan of these kinds of Q&A sessions with “Famous TV Christians.” Most of the questions asked just don’t offer enough context to really give a thoughtful answer.
Do you know what I mean?
Is there no other advice to offer a new Christian who is engaged to somebody who doesn’t believe in God than to say, “You’re gonna have to find somebody else.” I mean, she loves this man. He obviously loves her. Up until Pat’s answer, they were planning on spending the rest of their lives together. Perhaps they still are.
I just think it’s sad that all we can say is… “He’s going to be working for the Devil.”
And in Christian culture, that’s a good enough answer.
Then again, maybe Pat’s questions are made-up by 700 Club producers. Maybe it’s all fake.
It could be.
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To the world today there are not absolutes and it’s hard for us as Christ follower’s to answer questions like this without coming off sound harsh, with no grace. Much like the Miss CA in the pageant. To stand firm but not unreachable!
I’m not sure how this should be answered. I just hope and pray that I can extend grace and love in my answers.
I am not a believer in Christ or any religion but I am not totally annoyed at what he says. I admire he sticks to his beliefs and refers to his scriptures. He is though. I think and feel, too harsh. I can just imagine this girl crying at what he has just said.
My Mum is a Christian and my Father is not and they have been married very happily for 30 years. They just keep their beliefs seperate from each other. I think he could have replied a little less harsher and maybe found a common ground – whatever that may be. I don’t think he took into account that the girl wanted an answer and instead I feel she got shoved aside for being with an athiest. Just my opinion.
Good topic though. 🙂
“There is no relationship between an atheist and one who is a believer in God.” Clearly, we need to take this quote in context because otherwise Christians would REALLY take to forming enclaves/bubbles and there would be no sharing of Christ with others.
There are 30 different ways I think Pat could have answered this question. The problem really and truly is that none of them are biblical.The bible says our way is narrow, few will find it. Yet we get on the path and we keep trying to stretch it out so that a few more will be able to find it.
Will it hurt to let go of a potential spouse that you love deeply? Yes. Does God want you to love Him more than the boyfriend. Yes.
Will God honor that obedience and sacrifice?
YES.
I doubt many unchurched folks are familiar with the verse about about Christ and “Belial.” I’d be like “wha..? who?”
After seeing this, I was greatly disturbed…to think that this man represents the “evangelical” community is a sad fact.
By offering this statement: Pat goes directly against 1 Corinthian 7:16 which asks: how do you know you will not bring your husband/wife to salvation?
Robertson’s comments only encourage forming a ‘Christian Bubble’ and don’t encourage us to initiate conversation, show love and change minds.
Hmm. Like you, it’s not that I disagree with this answer. But it rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s so jargon-y, all “fellowship” and “Belial.” I’ve reflected on this issue and been asked to explain it by atheist friends before, and they’ve all accepted my answer–when it comes to love and marriage, I have to ask myself what it will mean for my personal faith and the way I want to raise my children and how important those things are for me. There’s a real practical element there, and if he’d pushed Roni to think about those things, maybe it would be different.
But what I wish Pat (or someone) could do is answer Roni’s real question, which wasn’t about whether she should marry an atheist, but how to find middle ground and peaceful dialogue. Taking the whole marriage/dating question out of it, his answer is too simple and alienating. I have “fellowship” with atheists all the time. I call them my FRIENDS.
I think that there is a lot to be learned from creating intimacy in the face of difference. Of course it’s deeply satisfying to be in synch with another’s beliefs and it creates a sturdy platform for your spiritual journey. But I also think that it’s important to stretch yourself to see the world/life/God from different perspectives. Thanks for this post.