Haitians need us to stay focused, not confused

Many people who have heard the Haiti-Satan pact story in the past are curious to know if it is true. The preacher, owing to his role as one whom the masses turn to for answers would at least try to verify this particular story.

In the wake of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, there has been an outpouring of emotion from all corners of the world. Understandably, many are concerned for the many victims still buried under the rubble, wondering if it is not too late to save them. Other people, however, have decided to use the tragedy for their selfish goals.

When the suffering of human beings is used as a launch pad for hate, the world must take a stand and castigate insensitive agents of confusion. Such people include the likes of American televangelist Pat Robertson.
The preacher’s comments about the cause of the tragedy are spiteful, to say the least. The famous personality, who is many times in the news for controversial statements, told his TV audience on The 700 Club:

“Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it … They were under the heel of the French ... and they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, ‘We will serve you if you’ll get us free from the French.’”

He was probably referring to an age-old tale that has been woven into the lore of many cultures that Haiti, a northern Atlantic island country, is where the Devil lives and it is the place with the most potent sorcery. It all sounds fine when one reads such stories on the pages of fiction thrillers but when they jump to the top of the news then something has gone terribly wrong. The comments continue to draw anger from Christians and non Christians alike. But as Ugandans, we need to take the lessons that we need out of this storm.

Mr Robertson and his ilk are examples of those that would repel potential converts to their faith. This kind of behaviour, punctuated by vindictiveness and the strange belief that one’s truth is the absolute truth and therefore ‘everyone else is going to hell’ is at the heart of many catastrophes that started out as good causes. Speaking on his influential show, which is reportedly watched by many Americans, Mr Robertson did not give any evidence for his utterances. From previous comments he has made in the past after tragedies like the September 2001 terrorist attacks in America, he probably wouldn’t have been expected to do so.

Many people who have heard the Haiti-Satan pact story in the past are curious to know if it is true. The preacher, owing to his role as one whom the masses turn to for answers would at least try to verify this particular story.

It is because of careless comments like this that many Haitians are probably going to be ignored by those who would have helped at this time of need. It is comments like these, steeped in ignorance and hate that drive masses to act in frenzy, chopping neighbours they’ve grown up around.

For nonbelievers teetering on the brink of acceptance of the Christian doctrine, watching the devastation in Haiti and then at the same time, listening to the likes of Mr Roberston would seal the deal. What kind of God, if that’s the God Mr Robertson is preaching about, creates people and then punishes them in such a manner?

As a country with a growing Christian revivalist movement, we need to look out for our own Robertsons. Many pastors were in the news for the wrong reasons last year but that did not create a considerable dent in the Ugandan revivalist church attendance.

What it tells us is that the church is very influential in our society and we need to watch out for people who would dangerously control the minds of their followers.

The writer is a Sub Editor with Daily Monitor
stendo@ug.nationmedia.com