This title may be a bit harsh, but it is how I sincerely feel when it comes to Pat Robertson’s recent comments on divorcing someone who has Alzheimer’s. You can see his comments here http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110916/pat-robertson-alzheimers-patients-110916/20110916/?hub=EdmontonHome but, in short they state that it would be okay to divorce your spouse if they have this terrible disease because it is “a type of death.” Really, Mr. Robertson? So, are we now redefining death? Can you not see Pandora’s box in this situation? I mean if are “types” of death, then really is no life, if there is no life, then let’s end their life early. For that matter, when a disease is terminal, let’s not wait around - let’s just kill them now so those that are healthy at this time can get on with their life. Let’s not demonstrate to our children, to a lost world what the whole idea of what “in sickness and health” looks like. I know this is a very strange idea for you, and some members of your staff, but let’s take a look at what the Word of God says.
Malachi 2:14-16: “Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been witness between you and wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion. And your wife by covenant. But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks a godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. ‘For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence….”
God calls this a “covenant” when he speaks of divorce and says that it “covers one’s garment with violence” – in short, it is the murder of marriage….not something to be taken lightly. So, why is it that Mr. Robertson is the only one who recognizes this disease as a type of death? After all, when a persons contracts this dreaded disease the medical bills and care can be astronomical! Why is it that they are not issued a death certificate and the life insurance company pays up? Why? Because they are not dead! Why is it when a person contracts Alzheimer’s we don’t go ahead and have a funeral? Because there is still a preciousness to life, even if the individual can remember nothing, there is an opportunity for the spouse and family to glorify God in what is surely, the worse of circumstances.
We have a dear family who brings their loved one to church periodically, who has Alzheimer’s. To watch these sweet ladies deal with this man as they worship, while their heart is breaking, is also God honoring. It displays the fact that we are still one in Christ, and marriage is still a beautiful thing even in dark times. Marriage is not about me! Marriage is a living illustration of the love Christ has for His bride. His Bride who forgets his love, His Bride who forgets his statutes, His Bride who forgets His grace, but His Bride who, in spite of her forgetfulness, in spite of the results of sin that stain her, HE NEVER LEAVES HER OR FORSAKES HER. That is real love – that, Mr. Robertson is God’s idea of what marriage really is!
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