But the suggestion that Haiti 's historic woes stem from a deal with the devil comes from a 19th-century `` fabrication '' meant to discredit its slave rebellion and Vodou religion , a Caribbean scholar said Thursday . Televangelist invoked tale saying natives made deal with devil for freedom from France . Scholar : " The story is a common one in the Caribbean and Central America of an evil spirit who offers to free his captives if they will give him their souls. meant to discredit revolt , Vodou . Legend stems from belief that slaves could not have pulled off revolt alone , Kate Ramsey says . Spokesman denies Robertson said quake was God 's wrath , says he is praying for Haiti .
Televangelist invoked tale saying natives made deal with devil for freedom from France . Scholar : " The story is a common one in the Caribbean and Central America of an evil spirit who offers to free his captives if they will give him their souls. meant to discredit revolt , Vodou . Legend stems from belief that slaves could not have pulled off revolt alone , Kate Ramsey says . Spokesman denies Robertson said quake was God 's wrath , says he is praying for Haiti .