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to the National Press | 8/26/05 
Pat
Robertson is the founder of numerous organizations and corporations including:
the American Center for Law and Justice, Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN),
the Christian Coalition, and is the host of the popular TV show The 700 Club.
By
Dr. Charles B. Nestor, Senior Fellow for Ethics and Public Policy
The National
Clergy Council
Washington, D. C. While the achievements of Dr. Pat
Robinson as broadcaster, educator, author, and religious leader are noteworthy,
his statement advocating the assassination of Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez,
fails to meet the basic tests for Christian ethics and morality. The taking of
human life is always to be viewed as wrong except in very limited circumstances,
and is regrettable always. Robertson's statement is immoral on its face
because it advocates the breaking of law. The United States specifically has enacted
legislation prohibiting the assassination of heads of state. Biblical Christianity
calls for the obedience of the civil laws of the state. The Apostle Paul indicates
that those who enforce the law even by the bearing of weapons are, in fact, ministers
of God. Historically, Christians affirm that only in self-defense, just
wars, or in legally established penalties for horrific crimes can the taking of
life be justified. The assassination of Hugo Chavez fails to meet these requirements,
and runs counter to fundamental ethical standards in all cases. Ethics
as a philosophical discipline seeks to answer the question what is the good. The
action called for by Robertson could hardly be characterized as good. It would
break the democratically established law of the United States, and would violate
the fundamental ethical standards of the Christian faith, for which Dr. Pat Robertson
has been an able advocate in many cases. Dr. Robertson should rethink and
rescind his statement. This would evidence his acknowledgement of his error, and
affirm the basic principle within the Christian church of accountability. While
he had every right to make a statement which evidences bad judgment, he also has
the opportunity to correct himself humbly. Such a repentant attitude would go
a long way. Christians everywhere advocate confession and forgiveness. In this
instance both are in order.
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