"I think our problem is a spiritual one. Where there is no Jesus, evil always reigns." - Phil Robertson
So let's talk about the latest Duck Dynasty scandal. *GASP*
I decided to voice my opinion here based on my own naive philosophy that, the type of people that take the time to read blogs are usually half-way intellectual. (Lets not prove me wrong folks!) There are a plethora of angry, half-thought opinions being blasted on Facebook. That's just not my style. I want to think before I speak. Such a revoluntionary idea...
So where am I at on this whole thing? Well... I think A&E was wrong, and stupid. But mostly wrong. Every red-blooded American has the right to free speech. EVEN if the majority is against them.
Does the bible speak against homosexuality? - Yes, in modern language translations there is language against homosexuality.
Do I believe the bible? - Absolutely. As a Christian, I believe the inspired word of God, even the hard parts.
Does that mean I hate gays? - Absolutely NOT! I am a lover of all people! Even people different then me.
So what does all that mean?
It boils down to one simple thing. Christians, just as much as anyone else, have the right to voice their own personal opinion. Phil Robertson was stating his belief. He wasn't campaigning any hate crimes. Since when did freedom of speech become reserved for the ultra-liberal and hyper politically correct? There are parodies and opinions on the media daily bashing Christians, Religion, and Jesus. But do you see me trying to shut them down? Have those speakers fired? Of course not. Why? Because like I said, EVERYONE deserves the right to speak what they believe, even when it is opposite my beliefs.
No one should be crucified for their beliefs. Just as much as the homosexual community shouldn't be persecuted for their culture, Christians shouldn't be persecuted for theirs.
I decided to voice my opinion here based on my own naive philosophy that, the type of people that take the time to read blogs are usually half-way intellectual. (Lets not prove me wrong folks!) There are a plethora of angry, half-thought opinions being blasted on Facebook. That's just not my style. I want to think before I speak. Such a revoluntionary idea...
So where am I at on this whole thing? Well... I think A&E was wrong, and stupid. But mostly wrong. Every red-blooded American has the right to free speech. EVEN if the majority is against them.
Does the bible speak against homosexuality? - Yes, in modern language translations there is language against homosexuality.
Do I believe the bible? - Absolutely. As a Christian, I believe the inspired word of God, even the hard parts.
Does that mean I hate gays? - Absolutely NOT! I am a lover of all people! Even people different then me.
So what does all that mean?
It boils down to one simple thing. Christians, just as much as anyone else, have the right to voice their own personal opinion. Phil Robertson was stating his belief. He wasn't campaigning any hate crimes. Since when did freedom of speech become reserved for the ultra-liberal and hyper politically correct? There are parodies and opinions on the media daily bashing Christians, Religion, and Jesus. But do you see me trying to shut them down? Have those speakers fired? Of course not. Why? Because like I said, EVERYONE deserves the right to speak what they believe, even when it is opposite my beliefs.
No one should be crucified for their beliefs. Just as much as the homosexual community shouldn't be persecuted for their culture, Christians shouldn't be persecuted for theirs.
"So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."
Romans 14:12
New International Version Bible
EACH OF US. Not just the Christians. Not just the non-believers. Every single person on this earth will give account for every action, every thought, every deed. I think it's high time we start considering the hatred we throw at each other...
But I will jump off my bible clad soap-box for a moment.
Speaking from a human heart. For the secular and Christian cultures a like; This isn't a hate issue. Far from it. This is a rights issue. Phil Robertson, just as much as the next joe-blow on the corner of 2nd street, has the right to voice his opinion regardless of the majority of other American's in his corner.
My only hope for the remainder of the shenanigans to come through this, is that it will open the eyes of all people in our nation to the fact that no one should be censored. Of course in a perfect world, it would be lovely if we could set our hatred aside to come to that realization together. But alas, this is the world we live in.
And for Phil Robertson, my prayer and encouragement for you is this...
But I will jump off my bible clad soap-box for a moment.
Speaking from a human heart. For the secular and Christian cultures a like; This isn't a hate issue. Far from it. This is a rights issue. Phil Robertson, just as much as the next joe-blow on the corner of 2nd street, has the right to voice his opinion regardless of the majority of other American's in his corner.
My only hope for the remainder of the shenanigans to come through this, is that it will open the eyes of all people in our nation to the fact that no one should be censored. Of course in a perfect world, it would be lovely if we could set our hatred aside to come to that realization together. But alas, this is the world we live in.
And for Phil Robertson, my prayer and encouragement for you is this...
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
Matthew 5:11
King James Bible