This statement caused much controversy. From my view point, I think one has the right to divorce who ever they would like. I personally don't believe in divorce, seeing as I come from parents that have been together for 30+ years, but I do understand there are circumstances you can't help, but in the eyes of many Christian beliefs, divorce is unacceptable. This Christian broadcaster did not have the place to cause such a controversial topic, especially while depicting a Christian television show. The controversy erupted when Robertson advised a call-in viewer that a male friend could see another woman after his wife began suffering from the memory deteriorating disease. See this article here. Divorce is uncommon among couples where one partner is suffering from Alzheimer's, said Beth Kallmyer, director of constituent services for the Alzheimer's Association, which provides resources to sufferers and their families. "We don't hear a lot of people saying 'I'm going to get divorced,'" she told The Associated Press.
Watching my grandmother battle Alzheimer's, I understand there are very difficult incidences that make it almost impossible to watch, but wanting to leave is never an option for me. If anything, it makes me wish I could be there for her everyday to help her get ready, and deal with day to day life. It makes me fear for my life, when I grow older. I know It would break my heart, if my spouse left me in a such a hard time of sickness. Isn't that what marriage is about? For better, for worse, in sickness and in health? Not "I'll love you until times get tough." I feel like this man does not need to be coaching anyone, seeing as couples in today's society are already so eager to be married and divorced in less than six months.
Pat Robertson also goes on to say, that this is a topic we should be discussing with our spouses. Alzheimer's is scary enough as it is to have to think about if you would want your husband to divorce you in the process. I understand it is very hard for the family, and sometimes I believe I wouldn't want my family around to experience it first hand, but the bigger part of me would want someone to believe in me, and provide support. Maybe it's selfish, but maybe, just maybe, I am believing that love is stronger, than the hardships we will come to face.
That's shocking! How sad for a christian leader to condone such behavior. I know that sickness can be hard to deal with, but if you've been with that person all your life and love them why would you want to leave. I like the notebook's theory better where the guy moves into the nursing home with his wife and helps her everyday. It would have been a horrible story if he said good riddens, you won't know anyways. I mean, what about loving eachother.
ReplyDeleteI don't give this story much merit. I mean, when you get to a point that Alzheimer's is destroying your spouse and your relationship, you typically are not in any kind of condition to run out looking for a new mate. I still think that the focus of the "divorce" issue should be on the young couples who try to play house and end up destroying their own lives, as well as their children's lives. Marriage is a life-long commitment, not a game. People of all religions should take it more seriously than they do in today's society.
ReplyDelete"...in sickness and in health..."
ReplyDeleteNothing more need be said. Pat Robertson is a selfish creep.