Rev. Pat Robertson: God Sent John Wilkes Booth

Christian television evangelist Pat Robertson, speaking on condition of publicity, told his viewers today that “In 1865, the good Lord sent John Wilkes Booth to be his messenger, and punish Abraham Lincoln. I think most people know that. Lincoln presided over a divided America, which was not mentioned in the Bible because North and South America did not exist back then. But if it had, God would have wanted the United States to remain united.”

Robertson, who earlier suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s stroke was a punishment from God, elaborated further about Lincoln’s sins. “Even a casual reader of the Bible knows that there is slavery throughout the text. By trying to abolish slavery, Lincoln was daring God to smite him, and he did. It’s not surprising that he called upon an actor to perform such a foul act, but Booth served his purpose.

“In fact, I’ve long believed that Venezuela needs more actors,” Robertson added, referring to his earlier call for the murder of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Reverend Robertson did not mention whether God was personally requesting Chavez’s assassination, but he did add, “several prominent angels say, the Lord likes Indianapolis by five over the Seahawks, give the points.”