Robertson's comments should be condemned by Bible believing Christians for many reasons, but here are a few of the most obvious:
1. While the Bible teaches that natural disasters are the result of our fallen nature that impacts all of creation (Genesis 1-3), and while it is true that our decisions have consequences and we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8), it is a huge theological leap to say that God singles out a group of people for His special punishment just because of some decision their ancestors made.
2. The concept that if you always make good choices God will reward you and if you do bad things God will punish you is antithetical to the gospel. This view is more akin to other religions such as Islam or Buddhism (Fate or Karma as examples) than it is to Christianity. The Bible teaches that the rain falls on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45), that ALL things work together for the good (Romans 8) and we are to count it joy when we face trials of many kinds (James 1). The most prominent example of this teaching of course is that the most evil, unjust and terrible thing that ever happened in history was the crucifixion of Jesus. And yet it was that event that brought about the redemption of humanity.
3. Pat Robertson should know better. He should know that his words would be hurtful at a time like this. It is incredulous that a minister of the gospel who has such a wide audience would have anything but incredible sympathy for the unbelievable misery and suffering of the people of Haiti, who live in one of the poorest countries on the planet. As we all know, Jesus was drawn to the poor, loved and cared for the poor and taught us to take care of those who were hungry, thirsty, naked and sick. Jesus taught that when we care for the poor we are doing His work. (Matthew 25).
I agree with Erwin Lutzer, pastor of Moody Church, who in an inerview with the Chicago Tribune said this about Robertson's statement:
"At this time we should be offering the people of Haiti God’s forgiveness and mercy rather than condemning them for some decision made by their ancestors, It is much better for us to ask a different question: what can we do to help those who have been victimized by this terrible trauma, rather than to speak judgment upon them on behalf of God."
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