What do you think of the character of a Christian who exploits tragedy?

Question

Like the posts today about the University shooter, or televangelist remarks about New Orleans or Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell's remarks after 9/11?

I think it shows what their real motives are. Fear, lies and cheap underhanded tactics are their stock in trade.

Not all, or even most, Christians do this, obviously.

I am referring to the evangelicals who participate in this nonsense.

Answer 1

I can not judge their hearts. I just hope that they mean well by trying to comfort the hurting people. On the other hand, there are those who exploit for public approval, money, high positions, and to look holy. For those, Jesus says they are like white washed cups, clean on the outside but rotten on the inside, Actually he put it much worse.

Answer 2

While I haven't seen the posts, nor have heard the remarks from Robertson or Falwell, I can't help wondering if you are implying that Christians are not allowed to refer to these tragedies. Neither Robertson nor Falwell are my particular idols, to put it mildly. But what if they referred to what happened today, and talked about God, the Gospel, etc.? I made a post to another forum about my view on registering and restricting the right to bear arms (not everybody can automatically drive a car). Would you feel I was exploiting the tragedy? Of course not. I was responding to it, and pointing out that it was an example of the problem.
Well, if we are talking about human sin, this is an example of that too. If we are talking about the imminence of death (in that you never know when it can happen) you also have an example there. To accuse of "exploiting" a tragedy in such cases is just being plain anti-religious and arguing in an unfair way.
I don't know what your particular beliefs are, but whatever beliefs you may have that I don't happen to agree with, I wouldn't call "lies". Because that would be an underhanded trick, and would not be my stock in trade.

Answer 3

Political figures do the same thing all the time, and yet you seem blissfully ignorant of their manipulations. How do you think we landed in that little mess known as Iraq, if not for fear, lies, and cheap underhanded tactics?

I don't agree with people like Falwell and Robertson who use the headlines to grab attention to themselves and their so-called ministries. But by the same token, I don't take cheap shots at Christianity, Islam, Wicca, or atheism just because some of the people in those groups aren't good spokespersons for what they believe.

Answer 4

They haven't resolved their beginings as a cult for Roman slaves. They weren't allowed in the nice marble temples of the Citizens. They were the Underclass, at one time, and have never adapted themselves to being in power. This is why their persecution complex and knee-jerk reactions have followed them from the cattle stall to the cathedral. They are a social movement, a cult, and they act like it. A real spirituality makes you question everything, a cult, a social movement, demands obediance to a dogmatic doctrine and discourages Seeking because it interferes with Authority. They some dirty punks.

Answer 5

Fear, lies, cheap underhanded tactics... That's how you see it... I'm sure that these Christians you are referring are not doing to to coax someone into the religion. They are just applying their beliefs to current affairs. It may seem like exploitation to you, but others, who do believe, will see it differently... Personally, I would rather hear thoughts from a pastor than Ja Rule...

Answer 6

As a Christian it disturbs me greatly as I believe our concerns and prayers should be directed toward the victims and the families and the people lucky enough to live through it but will be unable to forget it. What about the family of the perpetrator they must be in agony as well. For all we know this was a religious wacko. We just don't know what makes people act so evil but we shouldn't be surprised when they do.

Answer 7

I'm not a Christian, but any one who exploits a tragedy for their own grandiose purposes is a negative influence. They do not follow their own beliefs. And yes, I think they do use tragedies to further their "cause",use these situations to influence governmental policy, and get their "15 minutes of fame" (though, unfortunately it usually lasts more than 15 minutes).
Its a way to publicize themselves, it is a shame that they don't realize how it makes Christianity look.

Answer 8

I really wish you folks who don't believe in God would stop using TV ministers as the "norm" for Christianity. I am finding it so strange that this tragedy is turning into another reason to bash Christians. What is this? I live in Canada so be gentle if you answer. Over here we don't get bashed so much.

Answer 9

People who do that aren't real Christians. Fat Robertson and Jerry Fatwell are, IMHO, not real Christians, but hucksters who use religion to exploit the psychologically vulnerable...

Answer 10

It's because whenever something like this happens, the first thing everybody asks is, "Why did this happen?" So don't get offended when some people offer explanations. I'd hardly call that "exploiting" it.