ABSOLUTELY WRONG!!!!

Pat Robertson, founder and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network, who speaks on "The 700 Club." On Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2011.  told viewers of “The 700 Club” on CBN that divorce would be OK in a situation that involves something as terrible as Alzheimer’s.  In answering a question of a viewer whose wife suffered with Alzheimer’s said, "I know it sounds cruel but if he's going to do something he should divorce her and start all over again," he said, "[and] make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her."  The famous evangelist was challenged by his Co-host Terry Meeuwsen, who asked "Isn't that the vow we take when we marry someone, that's for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer?" But Robertson responded, "You said 'till death do us part;' this (suffering from Alzheimer's) is a kind of death.
 
What Robertson is saying about marriage is wrong at so many level’s it is astounding.  What the bible teaches about marriage is pretty clear.  First of all, marriage was designed to be a monogamous relationship between a man and a women for life.  Secondly, divorce is permitted (not commanded) in cases of adultery or abandonment.  This is when someone leaves you and refuses to stay married to you. It follows from this that if their behavior is of such a nature that it forces separation:...such as illegal behavior, like drug use;...or when there is physical abuse – meaning you have to separate yourself for the purpose of safety or the safety of your children –...then they are forcing you to leave, to separate, so that is a form of physical abandonment as well.)
(Matthew 5: 31-32, Matthew 19: 1-8, I Corinthians 7)
 
Not abandoned because of sickness or hardship.  This comes down to a matter of a Christian keeping his or her word.  The marriage vows “for better or worse, richer or poorer and in sickness and in health” say just what they mean.  Jesus also had something to say about us keeping our promises.  “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5: 36)
 
As a pastor, I have walked with families who have faced the cruelty of Alzheimer’s and I in no way want to minimize the hurt and hardship they have walked through.  But I can honestly say that when I have seen families love and serve and sacrifice to care for a terminal family member (with the help of medical professionals and services) is when I have seen the hands, heart and character of Jesus shine the brightest.  Yes, it can be tough, and yes it is challenging but that is when as followers of Christ we choose to live by our commitments rather than convenience, we choose to follow Christ and not culture.  It is very disappointing that Robertson would say something as a ‘spiritual leader’ about something so important as marriage and divorce and not only be completely biblically wrong but I believe diametrically opposed to the heart of Jesus and the Christian faith.
 
I want to leave you with someone who I think reflects the heart of Jesus on this issue.  I want you to hear from Robertson McQuilkin whose wife Muriel suffered from Alzheimer’s when he resigned from Columbia Bible College and Seminary. This is part of his resignation speech.
 
I haven’t in my life experienced easy decision making on major decisions.  But one of the simplest and clearest decisions I’ve had to make is this one, because circumstances dictated it.  Muriel now in the last couple of months seems to be almost happy when with me, and almost never happy when not with me.  In fact she seems to feel trapped, becomes very fearful, sometimes almost terror, and when she can’t get to me there can be anger, she’s in distress.  But when I am with her she's happy and contented.  And so I must be with her at all times.  And you see, it’s not only that I promised in sickness and in health till death do us part, and I am a man of my word, but as I have said, I don’t know with this group, but I have said publicly, it’s the only fair thing. She sacrificed for me for forty years, to make my life possible.  So if I cared for her for forty years, I would still be in debt.  However, there is much more.  It’s not that I have to, it’s that I get to.  I love her very dearly, and you can tell it’s not easy to talk about.  She is a delight.  It’s a great honor to care for such a wonderful person. 
 
I think that is what Jesus meant when he said “Husbands, love your wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5: 25)
 
 
Bro.  Scott