Weighing In on Recent Events

All of the noise surrounding the recent events about a reality show on the Arts and Entertainment Network are worth discussing and evaluating.  Most who know me understand that my political slant is pretty conservative.  I think the rule of law trumps most, but common sense trumps all.  I try, most days, to live by Christian values and these values mean forgiveness and love.

As we are all now aware, A&E Network suspended Phil Robertson for stating what he defined as sin in an article written in GQ Magazine.  The U.S. media has created a circus around this issue and many have taken sides--one, pro-Phil, the other pro-A&E's decision.  Many found Phil's comments to be bigoted and vile, others believed he was simply stating his Christian beliefs.

Here's my take on the issue.  I'm a First Amendment man.  In fact, I'm a Constitutional man.  I'm a business man.  I'm a man who loves his family and friends.  I'm a church going man.  So, how do I reconcile the A&E/Phil Robertson issue in my own mind?  It's really pretty easy for me.

A&E made a business decision and I stand by their right to do so.  Yes, I said it.  I stand by A&E's decision to suspend Phil Robertson for making remarks they found controversial that could potentially effect their viewer ratings.  I stand by Phil Robertson's right to state his opinion on a subject (by the way, the question didn't have anything to do with homosexuality or race, it had everything to do with what Phil defined as 'sin').  As a consumer, I stand by my right to not watch A&E again.  That's called free market, and I love it.

Now, many will take that statement as one that supports Robertson and his position.  Before I delve into that, let me say that he wasn't comparing or equating homosexuality with bestiality, although many were quick to say he did.  He was defining, in his mind, what sin is. 

Personally, I think A&E could have handled this situation much differently.  They could have put out a statement stating they did not agree with Phil Robertson and his position, but respect his right to state his personal beliefs in a magazine article.  Instead, A&E caved to a special interest group that pressured them into their knee jerk reaction.  I disagree with what they did, but stand by their business decision.  Does that make sense? 

Now, let me tackle the whole homosexuality/sin nonsense.  This may come as a shock to many of my friends and family, but I'm going to say it anyway.  The Christian Bible is comprised of many books and is divided into two distinct sections.  The two sections are what separate us, in part, from Jews and Muslims.  The Old Testament defines many things that God frowned upon when dealing with his creation: mankind.  Original sin, murder, incest, homosexuality, bestiality, idolatry, etc., were listed as things God didn't want and smote individuals and cities accordingly if they broke his laws. 

Enter Christ and the New Testament and significant controversy abounds!  Christ preached love and forgiveness.  He preached tolerance.  His rhetoric was so intense that many times he spoke in parables because 'Godly' speech probably would have confused his flock. 

I don't feel like I have to forgive homosexuals.  Why would I?  What have they done to me?  (Well, there was that one guy who came onto me my freshman year of college....and it kind of wigged me out, but that's another story for another time.)  I have friends and family who are homosexual.  They're very good people.  They're very nice people.  I love them all, no differently than my heterosexual friends and family.  While I don't purport to understand homosexuality, I'm not going to hate people who are.  It's just not in my heart.  I may make fun of a guy prancing around in tights with Mardi Gras beads around his neck during a gay pride parade in New York City, but you know what?  I make fun of straight people doing ridiculous things too. 

So, folks, that's my take on the whole thing.  I love Duck Dynasty and support Phil's right to state his beliefs.  I support A&E's right to make a business decision (even though I think it was the wrong one) and I support a person's right to love any way they want. 
You have a right to disagree with me and that's okay.  I won't be mad at you either way. 

Have a Merry Christmas everyone....and a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year.