I was thinking about Pat Robertson’s statement a bit more and reflecting on my negative bias against him when I wrote my last post.
Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I said to myself: “Self, one of your favorite authors, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, was involved in an assassination attempt on Adolph Hitler. What’s the difference between these two?” This aspect of Bonhoeffer’s life is one of the most problematic for Christians to stomach.
Ironically enough, Robertson himself referenced Bonhoeffer is his own apology about his statement. Well, I thought, let’s think this one out.
So, here are a few thoughts on the two and why I still find Robertson’s statement offensive to the way of Christ.
1. Geographical/National Location: Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German citizen located within the nation in question – understanding both the intricacies of the political and social context. Also, Bonhoeffer was involved in trying to affect change within Germany for years prior to the assassination attempt. Robertson is an outsider coming from a position of luxury and affluence with little experience in attempting change within the Venezuelan regime.
2. Goals: Bonhoeffer was aware of the systematic elimination of Jews at the time in Germany (something many Germans did not know about) and was concerned about the long-term life of Germany as a nation for good. His goal in the attempted assassination of Hitler was the political and national salvation of Germany. Robertson, however, as you can see from his words in the context is more interested in saving oil resources and the monetary costs of a drawn out war a la Iraq. Bonhoeffer valued life and the common good. Robertson values American ease and the idolatry of time and money.
3. Ethical Struggle: Bonhoeffer struggled with his involvement in the assassination attempt. He eventually threw himself on the grace of God – like a good Lutheran – and decided that whether what he was doing was right or wrong before God, he would ultimately trust that God would cover his sinful actions in the grace found in Christ. He did not come to this realization simplistically but with great struggle. Robertson, on the other hand, seems to have said this without much struggle or thought on the matter. I cannot see the inner workings of Robertson’s soul, but I do not see any apparent struggle with the right or wrong of the matter.
If you have any thoughts on this matter, I’d enjoy hearing your feedback.
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Matthew Erickson 
Bonhoeffer is an icon, and Robertson merely a caricature, of modern Christianity.
I assume you read Moby’s take on the Robertson quote. (More of a rant; I appreciated your attempt to think through the haze.)
Bonhoeffer is an icon, and Robertson merely a caricature, of modern Christianity.
I assume you read Moby’s take on the Robertson quote. (More of a rant; I appreciated your attempt to think through the haze.)
I just read Moby’s comments and basically agreed with them.
How unfortunate that this is happening. I just read that missionary visas are being revoked in Venezuela in response to Robertson’s comments. Our friends there are in danger of being kicked out now. Egad!
I just read Moby’s comments and basically agreed with them.
How unfortunate that this is happening. I just read that missionary visas are being revoked in Venezuela in response to Robertson’s comments. Our friends there are in danger of being kicked out now. Egad!
Matt, I agree with you wholeheartedly on this issue. Especially the third point…Bonhoeffer realized that what he was doing in the assassination attempt was wrong. He could not justify his action. But, as you said, he left it to the grace of Christ.
I think there are many, perhaps, who are in positions of power or popularity (such as Robertson) who could take alot from understanding the situation with Bonhoeffer. He acknowledged that the act of taking another person’s life is wrong. I cannot see how it could be justified Biblically.
More importantly, people such as Robertson (and myself) should heed the words of Jesus, and take the plank out of our own eye before seeing to the speck in another’s.
I don’t mean to rant, but it just is disappointing that one man, who has an incredible responsibility as a leader within the Christian community, can express his views, frustrated or not, with such flippancy.
Matt, I agree with you wholeheartedly on this issue. Especially the third point…Bonhoeffer realized that what he was doing in the assassination attempt was wrong. He could not justify his action. But, as you said, he left it to the grace of Christ.
I think there are many, perhaps, who are in positions of power or popularity (such as Robertson) who could take alot from understanding the situation with Bonhoeffer. He acknowledged that the act of taking another person’s life is wrong. I cannot see how it could be justified Biblically.
More importantly, people such as Robertson (and myself) should heed the words of Jesus, and take the plank out of our own eye before seeing to the speck in another’s.
I don’t mean to rant, but it just is disappointing that one man, who has an incredible responsibility as a leader within the Christian community, can express his views, frustrated or not, with such flippancy.