Most people are probably aware that, back in December 2013, Phil Robertson of the show “Duck Dynasty” was temporarily suspended from A&E Network for his comments on homosexuality. I tried to keep up with the debate by reading Internet articles and blogs, and by viewing reader comments posted after each article; and I was greatly disappointed by how so-called “Christians” were responding.
There were two streams of thought I noticed: 1.) There were influential Christian leaders who avoided addressing the content of Robertson’s remarks for fear of becoming a target of the media themselves; and they instead made it an issue about losing one’s freedom of speech. 2.) There were numerous reader comments posted by those claiming to be Christians, who said things such as, “I’m a Christian and I believe homosexuality is okay, because Jesus said that we’re supposed to love everyone.”
I would like to give us a proper perspective on how Christians should have responded to the remarks made by Phil Robertson; and provide some insight on how to act around those of the homosexual persuasion. First of all, we’ll look at what Robertson “really” said in his actual comments; and secondly, we’ll consider the remarks made by those who posted under the articles and blogs.
“The Christian Post” records Robertson as saying this: “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.” This appears to be the main statement that offended people, but keep in mind that these were not his own words. He was just quoting the New International Version of 1 Corinthians 6:9. Robertson testifies, “All I did was quote from the scriptures, but they just didn’t know it.”
Mainstream Christian leaders should have addressed what Robertson said and supported his comments, because he was proclaiming the words of the Bible (cf. Rom 1:24-27). The major issue wasn’t about losing freedom of speech; it was a matter concerning the truth of God’s Word. Keep in mind that Robertson wasn’t beating people over the head with the Bible. He was asked a question in an interview and he answered honestly according to his biblical worldview. Like Robertson, each of us as believers should uphold what the Bible has to say about the sinfulness of homosexuality.
Now, what about the reader comments such as, “Jesus loved and accepted everybody; and therefore, we should too”? Jesus did love and accept everybody; however, He refused to accept their sin. We don’t have to campaign against homosexuality and become a public spectacle; however, when asked about what we believe, we need to be open and honest. Love should compel you to share with people the hard truths. Robertson said, “If you give them the bad news, they’ll start kicking and screaming. But you love them more than you fear them; so you tell them [the truth]” (The Christian Post).
So, how are believers supposed to act around those who are homosexuals? Well, we should be cordial, kind, loving and accepting – though not approving of their sin. Robertson stated, “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” (The Christian Post). Well said. Love is the very thing that will soften hearts hardened by sin and open a door to share the truths of the Bible.
John Daniel, “12 Quotes: Phil Robertson’s Homosexuality Quotes and Defenses,” (posted December 23, 2013): http://ipost.christianpost.com/news/12-quotes-phil-robertsons-homosexuality-comments-and-defenses-12701/.