Phil Robertson Refuses to Be Intimidated
It is refreshing to see a public figure with enough guts to take on the liberals in our society today. Most celebrities who are criticized for making a politically incorrect statement will fold like a tent and immediately issue an apology.
Such pandering is not in the make-up of Phil Robertson, start of the TV reality show Duck Dynasty. In an interview with GQ published in December, Robertson ruffled feathers when he commented that homosexuality was sin. He quoted from the Bible, specifically, 1 Corinthians 6-9.
Robertson recited Paul's biblical warnings, "Neither the sexual immoral, nor the idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves, nor greedy, nor druggards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherent the kingdom of God." For those comments, Robertson was suspended by the A&E network, which airs Duck Dynasty, for 9 days. The network distanced itself from the remarks and the resulting hoopla may have led to a ratings decline for the show.
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The negative reaction obviously did not discourage Robertson from his mission of spreading the good news of the Bible. On Easter Sunday, he spoke to the Whites Ferry Road Church in West Monroe, LA. During his 42-minute sermon, Robertson addressed the media's reaction to his interview and maintained his position that behavior such as homosexuality is sin.
Robertson remarked with irony, "The news media didn't even know it was a verse! They thought I was just mouthing off. Is homosexual behavior a sin? The guy asked me. I said do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don't be deceived."
If people have a problem with these comments, they have a problem with the Bible for all Robertson is doing is reiterating Paul's message. Now that the sermon has been posted online, the familiar response from liberals is that Robertson is "anti-gay." On the contrary, Robertson specifically told the audience that he "loves" everyone, including homosexuals.
Robertson is not being anti-gay; he is being true to his faith and consistent in his message. He obviously has a passion for his Christian faith and believes this country is headed down the wrong direction in many areas, not just the gay agenda.
As Robertson noted, he was once engaged in the behavior that, according to the Bible, will lead to damnation. He reformed his ways, turned his life around and dedicated himself to Jesus Christ. So, today, he is trying to convince Americans to follow his lead. Robertson admitted that the "list of sins covered me in my past life. We've all been there. The reason we're here today is to remind us of the gospel that's preached."
This is a man who cares for his fellow citizens and the plight of his country, not someone who is filled with hate. Nevertheless, the media is jumping on this new story to whip up animosity toward Robertson. Radar Online, which publicized the new video, believes that this is a "new homophobia scandal," which they hope will be the "final nail" in the coffin of the show.
It remains to be seen whether these new comments will hurt the program in the ratings or lead to more reprimands from A&E; however, Robertson has done nothing wrong. It is inspiring that in this suffocating climate of political correctness Robertson is willing to challenge the media elite and the liberals that try to stifle free speech.
Robertson has a right to air his views whether during an interview or at church. Thank goodness he is not bashful about exercising those God given rights.
