Ever attend a stoning?

Televangelist Pat Robertson is at it again. Apparently, he spends the last few days of the year in prayer, then he shares with the world what he claims God has shown him. Aren't we lucky? This year he predicts terrorism aimed at the United States will result in ''mass killing'' during the second half of 2007. News sources quote Robertson,''The Lord didn't say nuclear, but I do believe it'll be something like that — that'll be a mass killing, possibly millions of people, major cities injured.''

Given his track record, I'm not going to loose any sleep over it. Last year he prophesied storms would devastate America's coastline and the Pacific Northwest would be hit by a tsunami. He also predicted Bush would win his second presidential election by a landslide.

"I have a relatively good track record," Robertson said. "Sometimes I miss."

Let's take a minute to review what the Bible says about prophets who miss. "A prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death." Deuteronomy 18:20

We've all seen that entertaining scene from Monty Python's Life of Brian. They sure make attending a stoning look like fun, and we've got plenty of rocks around here. Well, before I get too carried away maybe I should also remember the scripture that says he who is without sin should cast the first stone. And I also need to remember that freedom of speech is one of our country's greatest privileges. This Robertson guy just gets under my skin. I think what bothers me most about it is there are people who hang on his every word, they watch his 700 Club Show religiously, and are quick to mail in their checks- probably so he can buy more Armani suits and fuel up his jet. People who are so easily led make Christians look gullible and stupid. I find American Christian's steadfast support of President Bush disturbing for the same reason. It's time to wise up, read the scriptures for ourselves, and pray and listen to God for ourselves, instead of taking any idiot's word for it.