Conservative televangelist Pat Robertson has issued more than his fair share of controversial statements over the years, including asserting that the September 11 terrorist attacks were God's punishment because America tolerates abortion and homosexuality. However, Robertson’s latest controversial statement seems to have offended even his most faithful conservative followers as he recently urged a man to leave his wife who was suffering with Alzheimer’s, reports the LA Times.
Robertson was hosting his "700 Club" program on Christian Broadcast Network when a caller asked about a friend who had begun dating other women while his wife lies seriously ill with Alzheimer's, and is justifying it by saying that "his wife, as he knows her, is gone."
Robertson told the caller he agrees with his friend: "What he says basically is correct. I know it sounds cruel, but if he's going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again, but make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her."
Robertson’s co-host seemed shocked by this point of view and mentioned it violated the marriage vows - "till death us do part." Robertson responded saying that Alzheimer's "is a kind of death" and added, "I certainly wouldn't put a guilt trip on you" for choosing divorce in such a scenario.
Since his comments Robertson has been roundly criticised by other Christians on social networks.
On Twitter, Walter Price, who identifies himself as a pastor, said: "Pat Robertson is WRONG on his alzheimers statement. Un-Christlike; unbiblical; dead wrong! So sad!"
Another well-known conservative pastor, John Piper, of Desiring God Ministries, also commented on Twitter, writing, "Pat Robertson's view of how Christ loves the church and gives himself for her. Leave her for another."
And Russell D. Moore, dean of the school of theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., wrote in an article at Baptist Press News, "This is more than an embarrassment. This is more than cruelty. This is a repudiation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
The LA Times reports that Robertson refused an interview request with them in connection with this incident.