http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100222/NEWS01/2220318
As the parent of a disabled child I find this incredibly offensive.
I must admit, I don't respect most Christians, at least when it comes to theology. But these types, I do somewhat respect.
They don't give stammering, incoherent, wimpy b.s. answers when asked how a loving God could allow earthquakes in Haiti, Down's syndrome, etc. They boldly state that if your life is horrible in some way, it's because you (or your ancestors) displeased God, and you are being justly punished.
It's insane b.s., but it's consistent insane b.s.
It makes sense. It's an easy way to know if you're doing right by God. Are you healthy, wealthy and wise? You're doing what God wants. Are you sick, broke or otherwise in pain? You're doing something wrong.
I've known a few Christians like that--the ones who believed in real, daily, measurable punishment from God. They basically saw humanity and God's relationship as much the same kind of relationship that fictional characters might have with an author. Stephen King might visit all manner of torture and horror upon his characters, and what right would they have to complain? None. They are merely creations, merely figments of King's mind. Any small mercy King might show upon them, they should rejoice for--King, as God of their world, has the right to do anything he likes to them, for the sake of his own entertainment, and the entertainment of his readers. Hardcore vengeful-God fundies view the Lord just like Stephen King, and earth as a novel that God is writing. Probably just a first draft, too.