Pat Robertson Talks Oral Sex and More

Everyone knows that Pat Robertson is well-versed in the dark evils of homosexuality, the hell-bent destructiveness of feminism, and the frightening colonial agenda of Islam, and with his direct hotline to God, Pat has also proven himself to be a prolific, if not always accurate, prognosticator.

Lately though, conservative Christianity's most famous jack-of-all-trades has upped the ante, showing a depth and breadth of knowledge that none of us would have thought possible. In the last six months, Robertson has revealed himself to be equal parts Dear Abby, Abby Hoffman, and Doctor Ruth, by providing personal advice on divorcing your Alzheimer's-stricken spouse, advocating for the legalization of marijuana, and now...giving us guidance on how we should feel about oral sex.

Preach on, brother Pat.

In Defense of Pat Robertson. Really?

In the event that television evangelist Pat Robertson said something stupid (he has) or something hurtful (he did) and he needed to be defended (as if that were possible), there are overwhelming odds against the person who spoke out on his behalf being me. But, here we are.

On his 700 Club television show this week, a troubled man asked Robertson's advice on what to say to a friend who, in light of his wife's advanced Alzheimer's and severe dementia, wants to see other women. After some clear consternation, Robertson essentially says that the situation and disease are horrible, and that he wouldn't blame the man for being lonely and needing companionship. He also advises, and I am paraphrasing here, that if the man were to pursue other relationships, then he should divorce his wife rather than act in violation of his marriage vows.

It would be easy to blow this whole thing up and frame Robertson as a gutless and heartless bastard (and I'm not arguing whether or not that's ultimately true), but if you review the specific language and the context of his statements in this delicate and difficult circumstance, the reality is that this comments don't support that assertion.