Pat Robertson the head of Christian Broadcasting Network once condemned the Bush “faith-based initiative,” which is designed to give money to religious groups for social service programs. The TV preacher said he was worried that “cults” would exploit such funding.
However, Rev. Robertson apparently has changed his mind and accepted $500,000.00 from Uncle Sam for his “Operation Blessing” reports the Washington Post.
The grant to the Robertson charity was one of 25 dispersed yesterday by the Department of Health and Human Services.
There are many groups called “cults” that have programs, which they claim, are designed to help the larger community. Critics have charged that such programs are often little more than fronts for proselytizing.
Scientology promotes “Applied Scholastics,” which has been endorsed by President Bush Sr., Barbara Bush and Mr. and Mrs. Colin Powell. The Krishna Consciousness movement runs soup kitchens. And Rev. Moon’s Unification Church has sponsored abstinence programs through “Pure Love Alliance.”
It is not clear what “cult” organizations may receive a share of the $30 million dollars being doled out by the Bush program this year. But it is likely that some “cults” will at least try to get their own piece of the pie.
It seems improbable that religious groups known for fervent proselytizing can somehow compartmentalize their core beliefs when doing “social work.” But President Bush thinks so. And Pat Robertson once a staunch critic of this controversial formula, has now become its first “poster boy.”
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