When the 700 Club Host referred to an old story that Haitians had made a pact with the devil 200 years ago for help in driving out the French and therefore had suffered greatly over the years, Christians and non-Christians, liberals and conservatives reacted in horror. This was a bit surprising to me. Western literature, music and folklore is filled with this story. Why should the Haitians have not known the story? Their masters were Europeans; their religion was Christian mixed with elements of African pantheism. This story was not original with Robertson--was this black Haitian preacher also vilified for telling the myth and then unpacking it biblically? What sort of reverse racism, and anti-western thought is this? Or, conversely, why is it that poor descendants of slaves can't get as caught up in this story as sophisticated, educated Westerners?
The idea of making a pact with the devil is deeply ingrained in our culture--Theophilus, Solomon, Virgil, Simon Magnus, the Faust legend and the literature, music and poetry that surrounds it, and of course, the real Doctor Faustus, who was a contemporary of Martin Luther and Melanchton. And let's not forget Louisa May Alcott, Pushkin, Liszt and Berlioz. And what about Hollywood? Isn't much of that or any modern entertainment just a pact to postpone death in a never ending quest for youth, money or fame?
Friday, February 05, 2010
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7 comments:
It wasn't that Haitians had never heard of it. They (and American libbies) were upset because instead of pretending it was a "myth" like most people do, Robertson had the guts to point out that it's a fact. The devil is not a storybook character and this deal is an actual historical event. Of course Haitians don't want people to know that. The devil's followers never want to be found out.
And another thing, why are people criticizing Robertson for being "insensitive" enough to say that the Haitians brought it on themselves? Of course they did. You deal with the devil, you invoke God's wrath.
The left does believe in evil, demonic CEOs and fat cats making deals.
Why would people suppose the Haitians might not believe an exciting story and then live it out? Look how many Americans fell for Dan Brown's fiction! Where is their excuse?
Norma, you are changing the subject. It sounds like you don't believe the story (I guess you are a "modern Christian"), but I assure you that Pat Robertson does. Just read his actual statement -- he was not presenting it as a story but as the truth. The truth is what secular liberals are objecting to. It doesn't matter whether you, Norma, personally reject the concept of the devil. He is real.
At least you are admitting that the Haitians brought this on themselves by living out the story (which was an actual historical event). I agree with you that there is way too much sympathy for these people and I'm glad you're not afraid to say so.
You've read an amazing amount I didn't write into this post. Your comments reflect your beliefs not mine. No, I don't believe the story is accurate; I do believe Robertson and many Haitians believe it and therefore it can be self-fulfilling. I also believe that Robertson is taking the rap because he's a Christian, whereas others who believe in evil through literature and music aren't. I never said there is too much sympathy for Haitians, and can't imagine why you think I would believe that. I do believe that too much charity and aid going back many years has hurt them the same way that welfare for generations here hurts people.
I don't know if it is guilt or manipulation that has caused the U.S. to pour billions into that tiny country, but a pact with the devil couldn't have been more successful.
Very interesting revelation -
Turns out Barak Obama did read the erotic book by Russian famous author Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837) who was black. See http://russianliterature.blogspot.com
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