Saturday, September 17, 2011

What Happened to "For Better or For Worse?"

Pat Robertson recently gave an interview that makes me think he is getting more and more off the mark. In a program taped for viewers of the 700 Club show, he says:

"That is a terribly hard thing," Robertson said. "I hate Alzheimer's. It is one of the most awful things because here is a loved one—this is the woman or man that you have loved for 20, 30, 40 years. And suddenly that person is gone. They're gone. They are gone. So, what he says basically is correct. But I know it sounds cruel, but if he's going to do something he should divorce her and start all over again. But to make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her."
In doing so, he is making a mockery of the marriage vow. He has added "Alzheimer's" as another reason for divorce. This is totally unacceptable from a Christian standpoint. How can a teacher of the Bible advocate such things? Alzheimer's is already a terrible disease. Robertson's teaching on it is even more terrible. Didn't married couples say to each other, "For better or for worse, in sickness and in health? . . . till death do us part?"

In contrast, there is another couple that I have to mention. It is the former President of Columbia International University, Robertson McQuilkin, who quit his high profile job to take care of his wife full-time, after learning that his beloved soulmate has Alzheimer's. You can read about it in my review here.

McQuilkin himself has personally understood how terrible Alzheimer's is. Instead of putting his work and responsibilities before his wife, he set those aside, and put his wife as his sole priority. He made a choice to follow through on his vow.  You can check out his powerful resignation speech here.

This is a tale of two 'Robertsons.' The former (Pat Robertson) advocates a divorce. The latter (Robertson McQuilkin) faithfully follows through for-better-or-for-worse. Which is the better testimony for Christ? It's a no brainer.

conrade

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