Did you know "gospel" means "good news"? I didn't. I learned that from a column by Cary Clack in today's San Antonio Express News. Here's a link:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/...
Clack points out that Pat Robertson seems to specialize in bad news lately. He has passed on explanations that disasters are expressions of God's wrath and predictions of future disasters.
Clack notes:
[B]ecause the city of Dover, Pa., didn't vote in a school board election as he wanted them to, he scolded them, "Don't turn to God, you just rejected him from your city. And don't wonder why he hasn't helped you when problems begin, if they begin."
There's nothing as comforting and faith-affirming as a preacher of the Gospel ("good news," remember?) telling people not to pray because God won't help them.
In light of Robertson's new predictions, what with his special channel to God's meteorological plans, the people of Indonesia and the Gulf Coast must be wondering where were the warnings about the tsunami and Katrina.
Read the whole column! Cary Clack seems well acquainted with the religious background of Pat Robertson and his followers. Who better to point out the irony of a man who claims to spread the "good news" becoming obsessed with fire and brimstone? Also, read the column to get the context of the 'God as Pat Robertson's personal hit man' comment. I've already quoted three paragraphs, which I understand is the 'safe harbor' limit in copyright law. Anyway, the column's a beautifully written gem.
Another reason to click the link: If it generates enough web traffic, Mr. Clack and his editors will realize he's struck a chord that resonates all over the nation. Here's that link again:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/...