Pat Robertson’s Comments Bedevil Christianity

Viewers Say Pat Robertson’s Comments On Haiti Bedevil Christianity

Flemington, NJ, January 19, 2010 – A new media study among 312 viewers of a news clip featuring Christian Evangelist Pat Robertson discussing the earthquakes in Haiti revealed that the majority of viewers indicated that Robertson’s comments position Christianity in a negative light.

The study was conducted during January 18-19 by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com® website, to obtain viewers’ perceptions of a news clip in which Pat Robertson claims that the recent earthquakes in Haiti may be a “blessing in disguise” and occurred because of a pact that Haiti made with the devil. To view detailed results go to: www.mediacurves.com.
A clear majority of viewers (86%) indicated that they disagree with Robertson’s statement that Haiti’s problems were due to their pact with the devil, and 68% indicated that they also disagree with Robertson’s statement that the earthquakes may be a blessing in disguise. In addition, the majority of viewers (76%) reported that they think the cause of the earthquakes is the sliding of the earth’s plates.
“Our automated response curves revealed that viewers’ believability levels plummeted when Robertson states that the earthquakes in Haiti are due to their pact with the devil.” commented Glenn Kessler, president and CEO, HCD Research.

Among the findings:

This news clip positions Christianity:

/ Total
Positively / 7%
Negatively / 57%
Neither positively or negatively / 36%

Please indicate the extent to which you agree with Pat Robertson’s statement that:

/ The earthquake in Haiti may be a “blessing in disguise” / The cause of the earthquake in Haiti was due to their pact with the devil

Agree completely / 6% / 4%
Agree somewhat / 26% / 10%
Do not agree at all / 68% / 86%

Please select the reason that you feel best describes the cause of the recent earthquakes in Haiti.

/ Before Video / After Video

Global climate change / 8% / 6%
Sliding of earth's plates / 77% / 76%
A pact that Haiti made with the devil / 3% / 5%
Other / 2% / 3%
Unsure / 10% / 9%

ENDS

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