The issues that are swirling through the media right now with what Phil said are an important point of discussion. It is right for us to examine whether or not Christians have access to free speech, or whether it is automatically labeled "discriminatory" or "hate speech" for simply being from a historically orthodox Christian perspective.
I believe that Phil has the right to say what he believes, and to "stick to his guns" so to speak without feeling the need to compromise or dance around his convictions, and I appreciate anyone willing to take a stand when it could potentially cost them. It seems to be increasingly clear that Christianity is becoming too culturally taboo for America, and that is not just ironic, but tragic.
At the same time, I want to caution Christians who are ready, willing, and eager to hitch themselves to the back of the Duck Dynasty train, and ride it over whatever cliff it may go. These seem to be genuine guys with real testimonies of faith, and at the same time they are unashamedly guys who march to the beat of their own drum. For too many Christians, it seems that as long as the Duck Dynasty guys pray at the end of their show then that makes whatever they do or say not just okay, but a lofty example of Christianity. I doubt they would put themselves on that pedestal, so we certainly don't need to do it for them.
Phil was honest, but if you read the entire transcript of what he said he also made some remarks that were somewhere between unwise and downright crass. These guys love hunting, they love guns, they love being silly with one another, and they seem to genuinely love God, and have a desire to follow where He would lead them. At the same time, they are human, and for their successes there are also some flaws.
It's worth getting in line behind Jesus, and not being ashamed of biblical truth communicated rightly. That seems to be enough to get any of us thrown out into the street these days. In light of that, I believe Phil would not want us blindly lining up behind him, so let's be careful that we don't do that.
Johnathan you are right. "if you read the entire transcript" That is an important point. The news I read stated he was suspended for his anti gay remarks and not his crass remarks. As Christians how we deliver the truth can play an important role in how it is received. Would Phil still be in hot water if he made his point with less offensive language? I fear with today's society and media he would be. I have never seen the show. Often people are surprised to hear I do not watch TV programing at all. With stories like this I am sticking to this way of life.
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