Pat Robertson Fallout Shows Hypocrisy of Christianity

Christians who try to distance themselves from Pat Robertson’s assertion that the recent earthquake is payback for a pact with the devil are practicing the height of hypocrisy, Richard Dawkins writes. “Dear modern, enlightened, theologically sophisticated Christian, your entire religion is founded on an obsession with 'sin', with punishment and with atonement.” Robertson, "obnoxious" as he is, is at least true to his faith.

“Where do you find the effrontery to condemn Pat Robertson, you who have signed up to the obnoxious doctrine that the central purpose of Jesus' incarnation was to have himself tortured as a scapegoat for the 'sins' of all mankind?” he asks “educated apologist” Christians in the Washington Post. “Robertson may spout evil nonsense, but he is a mere amateur at that game. Just read your own Bible.” Christian theology “is one long celebration of suffering,” and Robertson at least “holds up an honest mirror to the ugliness.” You “middle-of-the-road theologians” are “nothing but a whited sepulchre.” (More Richard Dawkins stories.)