Wow, the web seems to have blown up in the last 24 hours over the whole A&E Networks vs. Phil Robertson debacle! It seems everyone has a distinct and polarizing opinion on the subject. In case you’re unaware entirely, Phil Robertson, the father of the family starring in the A&E show Duck Dynasty, said (in a nutshell) in an interview with GQ magazine that he believes homosexuality is wrong because the Bible teaches that it’s wrong. And what a hullabaloo that created! People are shouting from their virtual mountain tops on either side of the debate.
“Christians are haters!”
“Stand with Phil!”
“Ban Duck Dynasty because the Robertsons are bigots!”
“Ban A&E for banning Phil!”
Wherever you stand, one thing is clear: the subject of homosexuality in America is touchy, to say the least.
The Bible also teaches other, very clear principles: things like “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and “remove the plank from your own eye before you remove the speck from your brother’s” (Matthew 7:5).
But all of this racket has got me thinking. I have many, many homosexual friends. I have steered clear of the topic on this blog until now because I would never, EVER want them to feel hurt by something I might say in the heat of the moment. To be clear, I do believe the Bible’s stand is clear on the subject: it is wrong and a sin. But the Bible also teaches other, very clear principles: things like “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and “remove the plank from your own eye before you remove the speck from your brother’s” (Matthew 7:5). All this to say that if you are one of those Christians who claims to believe the whole Bible, then it would behoove you to apply the whole Bible. And what that means, in a very tiny nutshell, is that while sin is sin, the Love of Christ trumps it. And our calling as believers is to stand with truth, preach the Gospel, and LOVE our brothers, our neighbors, our enemies alike, just as Christ loves us.
If we’re incapable of doing both, then we shouldn’t call ourselves followers of Christ.
If we’re going to follow that line of thinking, we would all hate all people, all the time, for no one is perfect, no not one.
But I would daresay that the problem actually lies in a giant, societal assumption about most things Christian these days. There is an underlying message that if you believe something contrary to me, you must hate me. Look around and see if it isn’t so. And unfortunately homosexuality falls square in the middle of that line of thinking.
I would like to propose the idea that we, as humans, are perfectly capable of believing in certain principles and laws of God without hating those who don’t follow them. After all, the Bible also says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). So if we’re going to follow that line of thinking, we would all hate all people, all the time, for no one is perfect, no not one.
I’ll give a simple example. The Bible teaches to “honor your father and mother.” This is both an Old and New Testament principle (Exodus and Ephesians). My children, God bless them, have yet to master the art of honoring me and my husband perfectly all the time. Despite their sweet little faces, they can be real pistols from time to time. And while they fail at this clearly-stated Biblical principle, I don’t fail to love them for it. I haven’t decided to hate my children because they haven’t repented of their sins of dishonor. No, it’s quite the contrary. I love them all the more, because I know that love is the only thing that’s going to teach them that following said principle is even worth it.
And, my friends, the same applies to homosexuality. Do I agree with it? No, I don’t. There, I said it. But do I hate anyone who practices it? Absolutely not!! Absolutely not. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I love them dearly, because I know that they, just like me, are sinners in need of a Savior. And I don’t ever want any hate I might spew to ever deter them from finding that Truth.
When I read the words of Phil Robertson (all of them, not just the snippets that are being thrown around social media like a hot potato), I don’t see a bit of hate in them. I see a man who, when asked, shared that he agrees with the Bible on the subject of homosexuality. But he went on to say that, “I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.”
Does that sound like a man of hate? Indeed, it doesn’t. And perhaps we would all be better off if we remembered that just because you believe certain things about the world, about life, about your faith, it does not in any way imply that you hate anyone who doesn’t share those beliefs.
There is a growing intolerance for anything Christian these days. And we Christians would do well to remember that, remain calm, and show love anyway. Otherwise, we will just be joining the squeaky wheels in a useless cycle of name-calling and tantrums. And it won’t get us anywhere.
The majority of the world is a bunch of crazies that need to be locked up.
So what does all of this have to do with Christmas? Everything, actually. The message of Christmas is that God loved us so much that He didn’t want to leave us the way we are. He saw in us something worth saving, worth loving, worthy dying for. So He sent His only son to earth that whoever would believe in Him, would have everlasting life with Him. Wow. Have you ever really thought about that? God. Sent His Son. To DIE. For YOU. So that you don’t have to stay how you are. You can have LIFE in Him. A life everlasting. Whatever our sins are, they are already forgiven by Christ. All we have to do is accept that. If we’ve all sinned, then we all need Christ. So it’s a good thing He came, isn’t it?
I love Christmas because I love Christ. And because I love Christ, I love everyone He loves. I may not like them all the time, but I love them nonetheless. And I’m determined to let everyone know who would listen, that Christ is everything we would ever need, if only we would let Him be. Does that make me an intolerant bigot? If I am, then so is Christ. And if Christ is, then millions, nay billions of those who have followed Him over the millennia were too. And if that’s the case, the majority of the world is a bunch of crazies that need to be locked up. And if that’s the way you feel, you DEFINITELY need Christ this Christmas! 🙂
Let’s all take a moment to remember what Christ did for us, and what we can do for each other in return. And let’s all calm down and stop crucifying anyone who might believe that, stand for it, and apply all that the God of the Bible teaches. Love bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails, after all. (I Corinthians 13:7-8)
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All I can say is WOW! Perfecty and amazingly said!!! I give you a standing applause!!
I agree! The Bible can be summed in two sentences- love God and Love your neighbors and self. Amen
The bible says nothing about loving yourself though.
Dan – “Love your neighbor as yourself”… it is implied…
Dan Jones, yes the Bible does indeed say love your neighbor as yourself. So that sir does address loving oneself. 🙂
I am in full agreement with living as Christ lived. Even when he was persecuted and nailed to a cross for every sinner including homosexuals, he didn’t say a word. However, it seems like Christians are the ones being persecuted here because when we stand for what we believe in we are called bigots, people want to boycott anything and everything. I agree we must love the sinner and despise the sin because ALL have fallen short. Christ never compromised what he was about and neither should we. We have the same rights as homosexuals. We have the right to state our beliefs without being called bigots. They have the right to live that lifestyle if they so choose. God has given us free will to make our choices and the understanding that with every choice there are results – good or bad. I do not agree that we should always be tippy toeing and apologizing for what we as Christians believe. Neither do I agree that homosexuals should be targeted or penalized. There will come a day when the only true and righteous one will judge this earth. Until then everyone has the right to stand for what they believe.
I think maybe Pope Francis has it right: “Who am I to judge?”
Couldn’t agree with you more seems like if you say I don’t approve of the lifestyle you are a hater or bigot, we are all sinners and as you say whom am i to judge.
First, the way I read this, the terms Christian and homosexuals were used exclusive of one; homosexual Christians DO exist.
Second, free will has nothing to do with homosexuality; free will only comes in to play when homosexual (and heterosexual) urges are ACTED upon. The homosexuals I know have always said there was no “choice” (free will) involved- they didn’t choose to be attracted to someone of the same sex; it was a “feeling” that always was. So, using this logic, only ACTING ON homosexual urges is a sin- one does have a choice in whether to embark on a relationship or have sex with someone; but simply being homosexual isn’t a matter of free will. Remember, one can be straight (not a choice or matter of free will) and celibate (choice) and one can also be homosexual (not a choice or matter of free will) and celibate (choice).
Third, “God has given us free will to make our choices and the understanding that with every choice there are results- good or bad-” great point. Logically though, that means that Christians who choose to comment about this matter should be aware that persecution is a possible “result” of others exercising THEIR freewill.
Fourth, welcome to the world of a homosexual- they’ve been “tippy toeing” around their sexuality in public for a lot longer than Christians have about their religious beliefs. Now knowing how it feels to have to do so, use that experience to show homosexuals the compassion The Bible directs Christians to show one another. Also, it doesn’t seem logical to say “Christ never compromised what he was about and neither should we,” without then making the connection that one should also be prepared to suffer the same persecution He did as a result of that choice.
Fifth, Heterosexual Christians do have the same NATURAL rights as homosexuals (regardless of religion)- Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. But guess what? Homosexuals, regardless of religion, don’t have the same LEGAL rights as heterosexuals, Christian or otherwise. Homosexual marriages are not recognized or allowed in many states, for example.
I think the problem arises when people create or support laws that directly road-block the natural rights of another person. To reference gay marriage, if everyone has the right to pursue happiness, and a homosexual marriage would make someone happy (and not infringe on the life, liberty, or happiness of a heterosexual), how can one fail to legalize gay marriage?
Every person has the right to BELIEVE anything they want, and U.S. Law gives us the protection to practice whatever religion and beliefs we want, but people need to stop using the LEGAL system to impart their BELIEFS on those they don’t see eye to eye with.
Interesting the words you chose to capitalize”………..
Not that it matters, but I am totally on board with all of your very well- thought out comments except for the very last one. Not completely anyhow.
We do have the right to pursue happiness WITHIN the confines of the law, no matter what those laws are. According to your arguement on that particular point, if someone wants to be happy by setting up a meth lab franchise, then so be it. They should have the RIGHT to do that if they so please but that crazy law is preventing them from being happy.
I think their pursuit of happiness actually lies more in their ability to vote to CHANGE that law through the means that were set forth in that same document.
Great points though. Thanks for sharing.
The treatment Christians received at the hands of the Roman Empire, that was persecution.
What you are describing is disagreement, not persecution. Someone has disagreed with your opinion. You have not been harmed in any way that exists outside of your mind.
No one has suggested that homosexuals have any more rights, just that they be treated as you would treat anyone else. That’s not too much to ask.
You do not have the right to state your beliefs without being called a bigot if your beliefs are bigoted.
Why do so many assume that by calling themselves Christians they’ve entered a special club grants them unfettered wisdom? Grants them the right to tell others how to live.
There are other people in this world who don’t believe as you do. They have a right to live their lives as they please as long as it doesn’t impede the right of others to live their lives as they please. And how they live their life doesn’t impact how you live yours.
Amen! So well said. Thank you.!
The Bible is clear about the wages of sin. We are all sinners. We all fall short of the glory of God. But if we do not turn away from our sin then we are gambling with our eternity
Quite possibly the most rational thing anyone has said in the last 2 days. Thank you.
no matter what we say how we say it, wether it’s from the pulpit or media or private conversation it rubs the homosexual community the wrong way because of human nature being the way it is fallen and want its own way. You have stated this very well and very compassionately i hope when read people will really understand and see the heart of the father
Thanks for the clarity of the gospel in your words.
Thank you for your words, I see this in the right perspective now. God bless you! Gerry
Hi,
I really appreciate what you wrote about how we all need Christ.
However, Phil was likening homosexuality to beastiality. That is why people are saying he is a bigot and has hate. In the full article he goes on to say homosexuals and others will not inherit the kingdom of God.
You can read more of what he said in the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-duck-dynasty-phil-robertson-gays-sin-black-people-civil-rights-20131218,0,4998406.story#axzz2o56wytfs
Yes he did later say the nice stuff about love. He is basically all over the map on his views.
Coleen
Colleen, Phil said that “homosexuals and others will not inherit the kingdom of God” because it is written in the Bible, not because it is his opinion. Check it out yourself at 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
And then read 1 Corinthians 6:11
The verse you mentioned (verse 11) applies to a group of believers in the midst of a conflict. Paul was admonishing them to stop acting like those whose lives had not been purchased by the blood of Christ. He states that some of the original audience HAD ONCE lived that way…and they should stop acting as if they had not been changed.
Verse 11 does not apply to the entire world then, nor does it apply to the entire world today. To act in such a way as Paul–and recently Phil Robertson–mentioned is to show that Christ has no place in your life.
That’s the point Paul (and I think, Phil) was trying to make.
That link is to the LATimes, perhaps one of the most skewed pieces of media out there. Remember that these media outlets have one purpose in the their writing and that is to create a buzz. You have to read every piece understand that it likely does NOT contain both sides of the story. I mean, who would get excited about a well, written rationally thought out argument stating someone’s opinion against such a hot topic. No, they feel the need to pick and choose buzz words and phrases that will incite strong feelings in their readers, whether they are positive or negative. So, I’m not so sure that he’s all over the place on his views, I’m just sure that these articles were written to make him look that way. It’s important that we teach the general public to read these mainstream media articles with our best critical thinking skills and understand that, in principle they cannot just make stuff up and quote people as saying it, but they CAN pick and choose excerpts from the conversation to create whatever buzz, positive or negative, that they are aiming for. It’s a shame Phil got caught up in this media frenzy, but frankly, it’s about time people (Christians) got their feathers ruffled about someone being persecuted for their beliefs and went public.
Gera, direct quote:
“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”
-AND-
“Where we lived was all farmers. The blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I’m with the blacks, because we’re white trash,” he said. “They’re singing and happy. I never heard one of them, one black person, say, ‘I tell you what: These doggone white people’—not a word!… Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues.”
Regardless of the news outlet, the quotes are exactly the same. What I think is comical is you saying that the LA Times, one if the most respected papers in the country, is “skewed.” These are direct quotes. It doesn’t get any clearer than that….
If I were to say to you that crime starts with small things like petty theft and then can grow to bigger things like murder would you assume I was saying that all people that have ever stolen anything were murderers? I doubt it, but that is exactly what is being done to Phil Robertson. He never once in the quote you pasted above said that gay people were into bestiality, yet that is what lots of people are saying he was talking about. Why is this? Because people want it to be that bad to be a bigger story and more of a controversy because this country survives off of the tabloid journalism being demonstrated here. If any of us on here were famous enough to get interviewed by GQ it is highly likely we would say a few things that could be spun in a manner we didn’t intend as well.
This isn’t persecution. This is a disagreement about beliefs and a consequence that ensued. That is far from being persecuted. He didn’t lose life or go to prison or labor camp. Google things like “Christians in Syria” or ” house churches in China” or “voice of the martyrs.” THAT is persecution.
Persecution is the act of harassing, oppressing, or killing people because of their difference from society. Just because one form of persecution is less ‘severe’ than another form doesn’t mean it’s not persecution. The point is it has been open season to target Christians to ridicule and mock their believe system. This has been ongoing for a while in the states and the severity has been increasing. I agree we’re not facing the same level of persecution as those in some other countries, but we should be wise to recognize the early stages of persecution and where it leads to if left unchecked.
Spot on, Peter.
Colleen, Phil obviously believes his bible which clearly states God does not weigh sin. Sin is sin. If you look at another lustfully that is not your husband that is weighed the same as someone who commits adultery.
Very well said. Those who struggle with the Homosexual life only need to rely on Christ and agree with him that they are living in sin…and accept his forgiveness and ask for HIS help….He wants to help them be free from their sin, as He helps all of us find freedom from all our sins. From what I have seen, I feel the problem lies within the heart when the sinner won’t agree that they are living in sin. So that would be the first step to freedom, agreeing with God that they have sinned. Many don’t think they are sinning. 🙁 I pray they find agreement with our Lord and find freedom from sin with Christs help. He IS waiting to help ALL who call on HIM.
Linda, your words are wise and kind. Thank you for sharing! And God bless you!
For several years I followed everything you mentioned above. I admitted my sins, prayed about it, repented, asked for Him to change me. I can’t believe it took so long for me to realize that God loves me just the way I am. I walk with God every day, and I constantly serve Him and spread His love. I sin just as others do, by hurting someone with my words or actions, but my sexuality is not a sin; I have no choice in that.
Travis
Although we can agree to disagree on the sexuality and sin issue, Travis, I wanted to let you know how touched I was to read your reply about your relationship with Jesus. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard or read someone living a homosexual lifestyle put it so simple yet so eloquent. You are absolutely right. He loves you just the way you are. There is absolutely no reason you shouldn’t have the relationship that you have with him. I’m truly touched by your loving words!
Hands down the smartest commentary on this issue I’ve heard. God bless you!
While I generally agree with your statement, I think it falls far short of reality. It is fine to be religious, be it Christian or otherwise. It is fine to believe what you want. The problem arises when you decide the “sinner” needs to be “saved” by your standards. I do not share your religious beliefs, nor do I think the being gay is a sin. We can agree to disagree and go our own ways. What many Christians cannot do is leave gay people to be happy – to marry, to have equal rights with other married couples, etc. You see, I am Jewish and am tired of the “good, well intentioned Christians” telling me (and my children) that we are going to hell because we do not accept Jesus. It is the same analogy – and both leave a bad taste in my mouth. I would respect your views a lot more if you respected mine (not speaking to you personally). I do not want to share your beliefs. If i am wrong, I may pay a price. If I am right, someone else may pay a price for what they put me (and gays) through.
You can defend homos til you are blue. I believe homosexual acts is a sin now and forever. You will not get in Heaven if you are a homo. The word of God stands firm about sin and sinners. Best to stop being ignorant and ask Him to forgive you.
S: Are you not sinning by calling someone “ignorant”?
No. Ignorant simply means, “without knowledge”.
The Bible doesn’t say you won’t get into heaven if you are homosexual. The Bible says that the only way into heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ. He forgives sin. All sin. Even the ones we don’t “clean up” ourselves before we die. That’s salvation by grace through faith. It doesn’t mean we should go on sinning. Not at all. But it does mean that we are covered by the blood, and therefore if we continue in a sin lifestyle after salvation, it means one of two things: we were never saved in the first place or two: we are not living the abundant, blessed life we are promised this side of heaven when we believe. Either way, homosexuality is not the determining factor in salvation. Jesus Christ ALONE is.
I am an atheist. I am also Jewish. I live my life working to repair the world which means, for me, spending vacations working at an orphanage in Africa, volunteering throughout the year in a literacy program for poor children without books in their homes, volunteering for an academy that provides artistic expression for adults with disabilities, and more. If salvation is found in Jesus Christ ALONE I am doomed. I do not believe that, however. I believe that our good work on this earth provides solace within ourselves because that is what we are meant to do. God and salvation really is out of the equation for me.
Well said,thank your lord for Grace we would all be doomed without grace because even our best is as filthy rags !
So sad that you use the disparaging word ” homos” Were you taught this prejudice or did you find it on your own ?Either way, during this holiday season of love, please don’t forget to repent for your sins.
That is not true. When homosexuality is referenced in the Bible, it is in addition to a list of other sins. According to YOUR version of the gospel, liars, adulterers, slanderers, and alcoholics will not get into Heaven. The Gospel is full of redemption. More importantly, Christ calls us to love. I want to encourage you not to use the term “homos” in regard to these conversations. It’s polarizing. And I guarantee that any who struggle with homosexuality will immediately stop listening. Is that what you want? Or would you like to eventually engage them in conversation?
Well said….
You do realize that the issue of gay marriage is being given to us as a vote right? I will not as a Christian vote contrary to my beliefs those who insist on me doing so infringe on my rights to freedom of religion. I apologize but God’s word isn’t just a story to me or something to pick and choose what’s convient for me to follow.
That being said, it was also written, ” Love your neighbor as yourself.” I dont like my neighbors encouraging me to sin why on earth would I place a vote to do that to others?
Joel, this is spot on! So well said!
It is not up to us to forgive you that will be done by God. We are taught to love the sinner and hate the sin
Great points about God’s love. Just one issue: “There is a growing intolerance for anything Christian these days.” I do not believe that to be true. There is a growing intolerance of the self-righteous tone of Christianity, yes. Being Christian is as noble as it ever was. As a pastor, I don’t feel any less appreciated or respected by those outside the church than I did 30 years ago. What i do hear, feel, and have sympathy with is the willingness of others to speak more directly and certainly against the expression of Christianity that always seems to be “shouting at the wind” over any number of issues.
First off he never said one word about hating anyone. He was quoting from Romans 1. It’s sad that so many don’t know that. And the verse you put her about the plank in the eye, goes on to say that we are to remove our own so that we can help others remove theirs. Not for us not to make judgements. But how to judge rightly without condemning & hating. Hate to burst your bubble blog, but He did just that..,what it seems you have not. Instead of warning your friends about God’s wrath on sin, you would rather sit by and be a buddy who’s silence will condemn them. Love shares the truth, cowardness stays silent so no one gets mad at them.
Just because I condemn the behavior, it doesn’t mean that I condemn the person. I have homosexual friends, but their behavior is sinful. I do not accept it, would never attend a homosexual ‘marriage’ or want to be subject to it. I also do not want to see my straight friends making out. Sexuality is private. Let’s stop talking about it altogether.
I wonder if Phil also believes these things:
“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.” (Leviticus 12:2)
“But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.” (Leviticus 12:5)
“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (I Corinthians 11:3)
“For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.” (I Corinthians 11:8-9)
“Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:22-23) << If you aren't familiar with Revelation, this is what Jesus said in remark to adulterers. He will kill their children. Pretty peaceful, huh?
There's also Judges 19:24-25, I Timothy 2:11-14, Ephesians 5:22-24, I Corinthians 14:34-35, and many more that I am curious if he believes. A lot of these originated from a time when women were being heavily suppressed and were generally on the same level as slaves. Birth control and safe sex were also a bigger issue to control back then, versus today. I'm not a Christian, but I could see how you could justify a change in the times… and homosexuality being a predisposition, I think that could definitely fall along those lines as well as women's rights, because I'm pretty sure your wife/girlfriend/sister/mom wouldn't appreciate that kind of treatment.
Stephanie, thanks for your reply! Be careful to remember that you are taking scriptures out of context and using them as evidence of your own interpretation of Divine laws and prophecies. Without taking the whole passage, as well as the whole Bible in context, anything can look strange or “ungodly.” I encourage you to read the whole Bible and utilize the knowledge of someone well-versed in the Book (a pastor or scholar would be recommended) to help you understand context. Then, I would venture to guess that the Holy Spirit would begin to move in you in a way that you would not be able to help but give your life to this almighty, life-giving God! I am praying for you, and I send all my best! And thanks for reading!
Regardless of the sin, the point is simply that sin is sin. One must realize sin, admit to the sin, and the key is rebuking the sin. Stop the sinful behavior. Yes, belief in God, belief in Jesus, God’s Son, sent to earth to save those from their sins that believe in Him. But one cannot continue to sin. Homosexuality is a sin. Adultery is a sin. They are equal. Each is temptation of the flesh. But the key is to seek forgiveness and in doing so, turn away from the sin, meaning to cast out adulterous and or homosexual behavior.
Hi everyone! Your comments are welcome and I’m glad to read them. But please let’s all remember that although we feel like we have the luxury of anonymity on the internet, the truth is, words hurt, whether we know the author or not. Let’s keep it clean, kind, and avoid name-calling, shall we?
Phil is a loving man who doesn’t hate homosexuals? He’s been misunderstood because there is an unfounded vendetta against Christians? Care to explain this commentary?
“Women with women, men with men. They committed indecent acts with one another, and they received in themselves the due penalty for their perversions. They’re full of murder, envy, strife, hatred. They are insolent, arrogant, God-haters. They are heartless, they are faithless, they are senseless, they are ruthless. They invent ways of doing evil.”
http://youtu.be/Fk5VmM4pRhM?t=17m56s
He makes that statement starting at 17:57. You can watch the whole thing for context, if you’d like.
1. Context – He is speaking on society putting God aside as a whole, Worshiping idols of birds and animals, given over to their lusts, they do not see, etc. That is the build up for the example of the summation of the result of judgement that passed for those who sin. These are direct examples from Romans under the title God’s wrath against mankind. These are not examples that are singularly homosexual.but a warning against the depravity that results from losing sight of God.
2. Biblical context – It’s Romans, at the height of their empire. Temple prostitution, every unimaginable act that a human can fall into. They had no moral code, lawlessness, whatever they wanted to do they did. This book in the Bible was an example of what happens when you rule yourself without consequence. “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”
To make a bold statement on what the interpretation of what Phil is stating you need to know the context of the passages he is speaking of, and you need to know the context of the Bible to comprehend that they are both speaking on the lack of morality and the depths of sin which humanity has ensnared itself in the past. This is a varied list of warnings to a great number of people.
I do not think this man hates homosexuals, as much as everyone would like to make it out that he does. I believe he speaks out against all manner of sin equally and that does not include watering it down to appease anyone. Sin is sin, plain and simple, there is no greater or lesser degree of it.
Wow I read the newsletter. I’m proud of Paul what he said that he follow the Bible & stand for the Bible. Keep strong stand what follow the Bible show you….
I love the show but the Robertsons to get out of the stone age
Actually if you were to follow the bible completely you wouldn’t celebrate Christmas… you would in fact be disgusted by it. It is not the day of our savior’s birth nor is it a day we are told to remember or keep by our creator. It is a paganistic holy day for the sun god Tammuz, and it’s roots stem from the Saturnalia celebration which our creator I’m sure saw as disgusting just as he sees xmas. This holiday was instated by men and is a tradition of men which we are specifically told not to follow.
If you’re going to follow the bible I encourage you all to follow every last word which starts by reading the law of the old testament for how we are to live. The savior was sent to us for two reasons, to provide grace for our transgressions of the law and to show us how we are to live according to the law. These man made traditional holidays are not the way our creator wants us to live. I’ll be glad when the king returns and puts an end to these days.
Let’s not forget that when this issue came up Mr. Robertson was answering questions relating to his own sexual misconduct and just so happened to quote the same verse in the bible that mentions other sexual sins, not just homosexuality. Unfortunately that was the part that stuck.
Fantastic!
Here is a Quote by Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty:
“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men….Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers–they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right,”
When an organization shuts a man who says things like this down, it is never a personal attack necessarily, its about a network setting a standard of what they will and won’t accept for this country. Their programs are pumped into homes 24/7 and with that comes a responibility. Those aware of the sociological climate at A&E are aware of the fact that It is talk like this that puts pistols in the mouths of 13 year old americans who are looking to be understood but feeling like the worlds is against them.
This article states that my sexual orientation (that I can change no more than the fact that I am Tall or that I have Blonde hair) is a sin and that it puts my relationship with god at risk. I cannot fathom this mentality or the people that perpetuate it. Its absolutely mortifying, and I am not upset by this, really I am not. But when I see something like this being spread online for thousands to see, I take it as a personal responsibility to counter it. There is undoubtedly a young man or woman reading this right now that feels like they aren’t loved for exactly who they are and how they were naturally made by God, and there is nothing wrong with them. They are remarkable, beautiful creatures with in-tack respectable souls. I am not damaged goods. I am no different from you or anybody that you love.
All of these coomments are so well-thought out, seriously, some good content here. The point that has been missed in all of it though……yes, indeed, Christ’s love is more powerful than ANY sin on this earth, in this world. However, and I’m starting with myself, God holds me to a higher standard in my relationship with Him. Christ Jesus himself not only loves us in our sin-nature, but He constantly calls us to repentance from sin, period, doesn’t matter what sin, one’s as bad and harmful to our salvation as another, even the ones in our our secret closets. Repenting, turning from that sin, and living a life that God and only God alone would be pleased with, makes us a better individual. Therefore, let’s focus off Phil and look at our own souls, and ask God to be with us on our journey!.
I agree. We’re accountable first for our own heart’s attitudes. As for Phil, I think the focus should be praying for him and his family. They need much wisdom as they are in the spotlight. I believe they genuinely love God and are doing what they believe to line up according to His word. What they’re facing is something most of us will never have to face. Well said, Larry.
Very well written and it is hard, as a Christian, to understand any other biblical interpretation of sin as a whole. No sinful action is more sinful. And, as we a called to not judge, to view any sin as more sinful or wrong, is but a sin in itself. The one repeating principle of the bible is to “Love one Another”.
I did not read everything above. So I apologize if my comments are the same as someone else’s. When you equate homosexuality to the other sins of the bible, you imply that being gay is a choice. You choose whether or not to honor your mother and father. You choose to be a glutton or a drunkard. You choose to be a liar or a thief. Being gay is not a choice. I know most christian groups think it is, but it is not. If you have gay friends, as you say you do, ask them when they KNEW they were gay. It typically happens in elementary school, or before. I ask you, what 5 year old chooses to be attracted to the same-sex classmate? Who chooses to embark on a life littered with hatred, lack of acceptance and violence? No one chooses it. We all commit sin every day that we are alive. That is a fact. Being gay is not a sin. That is the issue. But for gays everywhere, thanks for your ‘forgiveness’ of our particular sin. Much appreciated.
Thank you for saying this Paige . I think a lot of you bible readers need to get out of the stone age . you need to talk to some one that is gay you all are a bunch of morons they are born that way so your god made them that way so it cant be a sin .
The bible clearly says homosexuality is a sin. Gay marriage is a sin. God sanctified marriage between a man and woman. If you don’t believe homosexuality is a sin then you don’t know the bible or don’t read it. Just because we are a couple thousand years removed from Jesus’ time doesn’t mean we need to adapt our thinking and beliefs to the current times and accept more sin. God’s word stands for all time and applies to the past, present, and future.
There’s currently no evidence that one is ‘born gay’. Studies have been done in hopes to prove your point. In all these studies, none support people are born gay. I think the current hypothesis is an individual primarily develops their sexual orientation based on their surroundings / influence in their early childhood development. Basically, we’re not 100% certain why people identify with one sexual orientation over another. However, should science find a ‘gay gene’, this would mean absolutely nothing from a biblical perspective because all people are born into sin because of the fall of man. Everyone leans towards sinful behavior in different ways. Someone looking at the opposite sex in a lustful manner is… sin. And if they were ‘born this way’, it would still be sin. It should be noted, Jesus did not to eradicate the law (old testament), but to fulfill it and He set the standard even higher. As far as it being a choice, I think it’s a combination of factors and has been oversimplified by some Christians and for that I apologize. I believe the oversimplification and lack of understanding has created a rift. One’s up bringing, experiences, emotional make-up, etc, probably all play a factor. It is very complex, that’s why we still don’t know with certainty, but this is besides the point. It should be made clear though, that having feelings towards the same sex is not the sin, it’s the acting out of it in the mind (entertaining it) or physically. Christ was tempted, but didn’t sin. The bible says we can get angry, but not to sin in your anger. From the biblical perspective, we’re all fallen creatures that need a redeemer, all of us, but I believe for myself (and everyone who chooses to place their trust in Him) that God is able to change my heart / desires, so I desire to please and obey him, not out of fear, but because He loves me and His plans / laws are there to protect me and give me the best possible future, not just here and now, but for eternity. And the best possible future is eternity with Him, but sin will not be permitted in His presence, thus I need a Savior(Gospel). There are definitely days I don’t feel like ‘picking up my cross and following Jesus’, and sometimes I don’t, but I have 2 choices, believe what makes me comfortable is truth or what God’s word says is truth. I understand this is a sensitive subject and I appreciate your candidness, so my intention isn’t to offend, but to shed a little bit of light on the subject matter from what I believe is a biblical perspective of ‘sin’.
I apologize- forgiveness is not the word I meant to use in the last sentence. Tolerance is the word. Thank you for tolerating this sin.
Many people confuse loving thy neighbor as the cure-all for sinning. Loving thy neighbor is a commandment of God just like not being a homosexual. The bible clearly states a long list of sins that we need to abhor, including homosexuality. Committing sin and staying in sin means you are not in Christ. In order to go to heaven you must be in Christ, not in the world. We are all sinners but we can have forgiveness. Asking forgiveness is not enough though. Hearing the word, believing the word, believing Christ is God’s son, repenting of your sins, and being baptized are all required to become a Christian. Being nice to your neighbors or just asking for forgiveness isn’t enough. If you are homosexual and continue to be, asking for forgiveness won’t clear you to go to heaven. You must turn away from all sin. According to the God’s word, homosexuality is sin. Christians are to abhor all sin. We are all human and make mistakes, but let’s not confuse loving homosexuals as our duty because God said love thy neighbor. God will judge all that has fallen short.
Thanks for this thoughtful article. There is another article on the subject that I think is a good compliment to what you have written here. Your article aptly points out that people can believe different things and still love each other, and this is important for anyone who is claiming to follow the teachings of Scripture. This article goes on to point out why the Bible might say the things it says about homosexuality: http://www.pathsofreturn.com/how-phil-robertson%E2%80%99s-lifestyle-settles-the-debate-on-homosexuality/
In all the firestorm about tolerance we often lose sight of the big “why” behind these controversial statements in the meantime. Your article and this other article help to regain some perspective in the madness.
Homosexuality is a sin . so is living together without the bonds of marriage. So is having affairs while married. So is lusting after some one in thought. We all are sinners , maybe now maybe in our past . Prayer is the only answer to sin. So instead of attacking people try loving them by praying for them
We hate the sin, but not the sinner. We just want all people to see their Heavenly Father when their life here is over. We all sin, but repent and ask God for forgiveness. He did not make man and woman for no reason. He wanted us to multiply!