Thursday, December 19, 2013

Phil Robertson and Duck Dynasty:

I decided to write a blog on the hot topic of the day - Phil Robertson.  For those of you that do not know, Phil Robertson is a television star on the show Duck Dynasty.  He was suspended indefinitely by A & E for recent comments that he made in an interview with GQ magazine.  The comments under discussion have to do with his beliefs about homosexuality.  I am not going to go into direct quotes here, however, what I will say is that Robertson is a Bible-believing Christian.  He indirectly quotes 1st Corinthians 6:9-10 in his comments and believes what the Bible teaches concerning sin - which is this - sin separates us from God.  If we live in unrepentant sin we will be condemned.  Homosexuality is sinful according to the Scripture - intrinsically so.  Now, Robertson expressed his opinion colorfully, to say the least.  However, what he said was not outside the realm of reason.  Homosexuals [specifically within his comments male homosexuals], must use body parts for reasons other than for their created use.  He makes it clear that Homosexuality is opposite the natural order of things.

To me, this is downright plain.  However, to the secular world in which we live, this is terribly offensive.  Therefore, A & E dismissed Robertson indefinitely.

Now, before I go further, I would like to highlight one error that people are making.  I do not believe this to be a 1st Amendment problem.  Here is the text of the 1st Amenmdnet - "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  Please notice the first word in the Amendment - Congress.  Congress is the federal legislative branch of government.  The 1st amendment prohibits the activity of Congress.  Congress, nor any branch of the Federal Government, has taken any action against Phil Robertson to this point; an independently free enterprise agency - the television station A & E, has taken action.  According to the Constitution they can suspend whomever they wish.  Phil expressed his views - and A&E has expressed theirs.  No governmental problem here. [Though of course I believe A&E has made a poor business, moral, and financial decision - but it is theirs to make]

The real issue is that we as Christians have got to understand something - our country is becoming militantly secular in education, governance, and pop-culture.  Anything that offends the sensibilities of this powerfully secular elite will be dealt with harshly.  We must understand this.  As Christians this is the 1st step - understand that we are, "aliens and strangers" in this world.  This is not our home - heaven is; and this place will react violently to Christian viewpoint.  If Satan is the, "prince and power of the air" than he will attempt to intimidate, thwart, and stop any truth from being spoken.  Jesus Himself makes this clear when He says in Matthew 5:11-12, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  Remember something - Our Savior was killed, 10 of the 11 Apostles following the suicide of Judas were martyred, John was exiled, and the Apostle Paul was martyred.  History is filled with accounts of a hostile world persecuting Christians.  Jesus said this would happen.  Sadly, we are seeing but the beginnings of this in our country; and make no mistake - I believe this is only the beginning. 

Our country enjoyed many years of prosperity based upon a foundation in a Biblical worldview.  This is simply no longer the case.  We must gird our loins for this is simply the beginning of birth pangs.  The question now is, "how do we respond?"  I believe we ought to make our voice heard.  Yes, write A&E.  Yes, voice your opinion.  However, more than this, tell other people about Jesus Christ.  I cannot stress this enough.  Getting in big fights about homosexuality saves no one.  This is not to say that we should hide our view - but remember the issue is not really homosexuality.  The issue is Christianity.  Christianity teaches us to repent of our sin [and yes, to be clear, homosexuality is intrinsically sinful] and embrace the forgiveness given by God in Christ.  If you really want to have an impact on how our culture views Christians and the Christian viewpoint, then you must introduce them to Jesus.  Will some of the culture react cruelly?  Yes.  Will some try and silence you?  Yes.  Should that stop you?  No.  Speak the truth in love.  Do not be ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God.  

I personally know people who have lived the homosexual lifestyle, repent and believe the good news of God, and now embrace heterosexuality.  I know others who recognize their desires to be sinful and are battling them through God's power.  I pray for them as I pray for others who struggle with any form of lust. [including heterosexual lust].  The key here though is to make Jesus the tip of our sword - for it is Jesus who will change lives - and this culture.


4 comments:

  1. Pastor, I really appreciate your unapologetic expression of what we believe and your articulate way of explaining things! Thanks for being you!

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  3. But there's nothing here about his racist (blacks were "happy and singing before Civil Rights") comments. That's getting overshadowed completely.

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  4. @ali - Amen and thanks - @Samantha - you are correct in saying that the blog doesn't address any other statements. The reason for this is because it was his statements concerning homosexuality that promptly was met with his dismissal. I also do not highlight their business, their praying in Jesus' name before meals, etc....and their many other activities. The blog is limited to a discussion about homosexuality and his dismissal.

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