Phil Robertson Controversy

Phil Robertson has created a controversy and gotten himself fired from his second job.  He has done this by voicing his opinion of homosexuality and quoting the Apostle Paul in the process.  Ignoring the biased nature of the outcry against him and the further bias in A&E's response, this brings to the forefront the state of Free Speech and Freedom of Religion within the United States.  Numerous news outlets have written about this media event, often through the lens of their perspective political leanings (yes, ALL news agencies are politically biased).  This news source describes Phil Robertson's words as "comments on homosexuality."  Other news sources described them as "anti-gay" comments.

Here is the link for the Robertson Family response on the matter (be patient with the link as many are anxious for the same news).  I am thankful that they are showing solidarity in the face of this persecution.

The fallout from Phil's interview with GQ will be more than one man being suspended from a TV show about his family (my assumption is that the entire family will leave Duck Dynasty).  I pray that the Christian Church in the United States will no longer think that persecution only happens on other continents.  The truth is that the Church will meet a great foe in the name of Civil Rights and its detractors will not only come from outside, but inside as well.  Even now I can think of a few friends who regularly attend Church and would characterize Phil's comments (and my response) as theologically inaccurate and hateful.

The truth is that with this comes a real issue within "the Church" today, a question that must be addressed shortly, lest further destruction occurs: is the Bible real and accurate?  If it is not, then a "progressive" view of what is required of the Christian can be accepted, where certain passages and commands are seen as "cultural" and "timely" as opposed to indefinite.  If it is, than every Christian today needs to start worrying and praying for the state of the Church and for their own sinful nature as we are truly far from God in our hearts and actions, despite our words.

Therefore, the Church must prepare for persecution as it becomes abundantly clear that Free Speech does not include the Bible and to believe in sin is deemed hateful, not factual.  How a Christian acts when facing someone of differing beliefs will continue to be ignored while the Truth of Scripture will be attacked.  The fact is that all will be judged by the one righteous judge, Jesus Christ.  It is not the place of the Christian to deem one person a sinner and damn them to hell.  It is the place of a brother or sister who is in relationship with another to lovingly hold them accountable for their sins and open themselves up for the same (i.e. greed, lust, lying, or coveting), but that involves confessing your sins, one to another and Church discipline, things easily forgotten or avoided outside of gossip and slander.  It is also a distraction from the point at hand.

Jesus promised persecution for His name, the Western Church has forgotten this fact and therefore must prepare to show it is not ashamed of the Gospel and then preach the truth that Jesus died so that ALL who have sinned might have everlasting life.

I do not adhere to all of the views stated, but here is further reading: click here and click here.

Please make sure to look at the hyperlinks throughout this post as I have attempted to present some very good information.