I'm not posting this to get in a debate about Phil Robertson's comments, but I think the article below by Jonathan Merritt speaks truth that needs to be said in this whole matter. I disagree with many of my Christian brothers and sisters that this is a mere "freedom of speech" issue. As Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians, just because we are free to do something/say something doesn't mean we should. Robertson's comments about homosexuality were crude and not thoughtful, which begs the question - what was his point in saying what he said? As believers, we need to ask ourselves that question in everything we say and do. Are we helping people see Christ and furthering His purposes by our words and actions? Just saying what we think for the sake of saying it isn't good enough. I sincerely doubt Robertson's comments on homosexuality did much to bring people closer to knowing the love of Christ.
But for me, as this article points out, the thing that's bothering me the most are Robertson's comments on race - and how little the Christian community is talking about this. By speaking of race as he did during the Jim Crow era, Robertson perpetuated his own personal stereotypes and assumptions. He allowed himself to speak for an entire race and generation of people for whom he has no right to speak, and gave blanket statements borne out of his own views that perpetuate racial stereotypes about that era and this one.
I'll admit, I have never watched Duck Dynasty, and I won't write off the show or the family based on this one man's statements. But this is a good lesson for the Christian community, and a good example of why I am so hesitant of the Christian pop culture that tends to idolize certain public figures: we need to be careful how much we identify with certain public figures, and not automatically support what they say just because we all call ourselves Christians. For me, as a Christian, this situation is not an issue of free speech - it is a reminder that we as believers need to be thoughtful and graceful at all times in actions and speech, examining the motives behind what we say, making sure we are purposeful about speaking words that are glorifying to God. We are called to think deeply about what it truly looks like to be "salt and light" to the world in each situation.
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/12/the-real-em-duck-dynasty-em-scandal-phil-robertsons-comments-on-race/282538/
"But
in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an
answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
- 1 Peter 3:15
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