Jesus, Love, And Duck Calls

If you're on social media in any form, watch any news programs, or simply open your email's homepage you have probably seen the news about Phil Robertson's GQ interview and in repercussion his suspension from his show, Duck Dynasty.

On my Facebook page I've seen many varying comment and posts about it from my many friends, conservative and liberal alike. I've seen some hurtful things said on both sides, which honestly hurts my heart concerning those friends.

Rather than post a ten word status or share a link, I thought I'd blog about what I'm thinking through all of this. So, here we go!

Let's start with this. My political views are neither conservative nor liberal, neither republican nor democratic. Let me also say this, the first amendment which so many people are quoting, protects your free speech from the government, not friends, family, or employers. Just to put that out there.

Let's also put Phil Robertsons' direct quote here. (You can click HERE to read the full interview).

“It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”

Mr. Robertson has also come under fire for allegedly racist slurs, but let's read that quote real quickly...

“I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any black person. Not once. 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. We’re going across the field.... 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.”

Now from my personal newsfeed I've seen people ranting and raving and going so far as to say that Phil Robertson is a racist who denies the civil rights movement. I do not believe he says anything similar to that in any form. He was raised in the deep south, and that is his memory of what life was like growing up then. You cannot say that the people he encountered were mistreated or not. You were not there, he was, and that was his recollection. Can we just look at that objectively?

I wish we could look at this whole thing objectively but I don't think that will happen unfortunately. No matter the opinion or belief, everyone believes their way is the correct way and isn't open to anything else. And that's alright, if you're going to believe in something you need to be willing to stand up for it wholeheartedly.

Which, if you look at this objectively, is exactly what Mr. Robertson was doing. Voicing what his belief and opinion is.

Now myself... oy. This is such a heavy subject that weighs on my heart often. So I plan on being open and honest and I hope you can bear with me, regardless of religious beliefs, spiritual beliefs, or sexual orientation. I'm sure I'll come under fire either way from both sides, so why not be honest.

I personally do not care who marries who or who loves who. Of the many friends I've had over the years, many were heterosexual and many were homosexual. Who am I to say who they love? I am not them, I'm not in their head, and I've not had their experiences.

That being said, I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus, and the Bible. And I cannot deny what my God has said on that subject. That would be wrong, and not standing up for what and who I believe in.

I also believe, however, that as a Christian we are not called to judge those who do not share our faith. Which is why I will not judge how a person who does not believe in my God lives their life, it's not my place.

“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?” - Phil Robertson

Mr. Robertson has come under fire for that comment as well. Folks, I don't believe he was saying being gay is like terrorism. As a Christian we (most of us) believe that all sins are equal, there isn't one worse than another. I am as guilty as you, vice versa, and I believe that's all he was trying to say.

Anything anyone says in writing can be taken the wrong way and twisted into something else. It can be printed or repeated out of context and you cannot correctly express emotion or tone. We don't know where exactly they were in conversation when those quotes were expressed nor do we know what else was said afterwards, because it wasn't shared with us. Same goes for TV interviews which are often edited and things are removed and placed in different areas. Point being, unless you're face to face you generally aren't getting the whole story, tone, or the reason behind it. Especially when someone writes and article about you who clearly disagrees with your beliefs and opinions; they can spin it anyway they want. And people will perceive it that way.

 "I myself am a product of the '60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, 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." - Phil Robertson's statement after his suspension

My point here is this, the Bible is known for  it's stance on homosexuality. I don't understand why people are still shocked when a Christian expresses their belief in the Bible, that's our guide, our manual.

I have nothing against LGBT groups. I honestly don't. I have no hatred or dislike of them. And I know God doesn't hate them either. God has SUCH love, for everyone He created. Everyone. Oh such love. So powerful and amazing, and I wish everyone knew it and felt it.

I don't know why God said what He did in His word. But I cannot go against what He says. It's my faith. I may not understand why, some things may be confusing, but He is my Savior and I live under His grace and New Covenant.

I may not understand everything He says, or why, but I know He says what He does for a reason and for my best interest. Just like any parent may set rules or guidelines for their children's protection or safety that they may not understand, I believe that God said what He did for that same reason. I may not know why but I obey that.

Now that is me. Because I am a Christian. I will not condemn someone who is not a Christian for living a different lifestyle or having different beliefs. Phil Robertson said that too.

One of my friends on Facebook posted today that she hoped anyone who liked or followed the Robertsons would unfriend her, she wanted no part of any who would be derogatory. I hope anyone reading this knows from the bottom of my heart, I am not being derogatory or hateful, and I do not believe Phil Robertson was meaning to be either.

I would hope that anyone reading this isn't offended, but being that it's the internet I'm sure that its nearly impossible to not have stepped on any toes. But know that I am not saying anything out of hate, or anger, but out of a hope to spread understanding. I'm sorry if anything has hurt anyone in anyway. But I can't lie about my beliefs to please someone. Because that would offend the person I love most, above all.

I am friends with a variety of people. I have atheist friends, pagan friends, religiously Christian friends, spiritually Christian friends, Islamic friends and while we have separate beliefs that doesn't mean I care for anyone any less. The same goes for Christian friends I disagree with on what certain verses may or may not mean, or parents who disagree with my parenting style and beliefs. Just because we live differently or believe differently doesn't mean we cannot coexist in peace, respect, and love for one another. That was after all, Jesus great commandment, yes? To love one another?

It's not fair to demand freedom to live how you want, do what you want, say what you want, if it's not the same for everyone to have that freedom also. That goes to both sides. You will not win anyone over, or change minds, or at least garner support or respect if you are hateful to those that are different.

With all of that, I will still watch Duck Dynasty. I'm a fan of the Robertson family, and while I do not know them in person, I imagine they are a very loving group of people who stand firm in what they believe in. I leave you with the Robertson Family's official statement (which you can read again HERE.)

"We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support.  The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E's decision.  We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word.  While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Phil would never incite or encourage hate.We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right.We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.  We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty.   Again, thank you for your continued support of our family."

34 I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.

35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

John 13:34-35

Amplified Bible (AMP)