Frankly, I’m surprised that people are surprised.
I remember reading an early report about GQ featuring an article on Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame. The article was not a positive review about comments Robertson made regarding his views on homosexuality.
Hours later, another report came out that the A&E network, which airs Duck Dynasty, has suspended Robertson “indefinitely.” From there, the firestorm of responses from both sides of this issue has spread throughout the land.
I am on record for being a fan of the show. I also am on record for writing in such a way that would be against popular opinion on homosexuality.
So what do I think about all the “hubbub” involving Phil Robertson’s perspective? Well, let me tell you.
Ask 50 people who are of Phil’s generation, faith community and upbringing, and I guarantee you a large majority would share a similar view. Maybe they won’t be as blunt or descriptive, but most will agree with him.
Phil has been open about his faith. There are many social media videos sharing his Christian testimony. He admits he has a desire to study the Bible and to live out its standards. It also has been reported that the production crew has expressed concern about how Phil shares his faith on the show, specifically in the trademark ending of each episode, which shows the Robertson clan at a dinner table with Phil voicing prayer.
The GQ writer asked him directly his views on homosexuality. Unless proven otherwise, I doubt Phil would have initiated such a perspective. Again, this goes back to people of similar “flock” as Phil. If the writer expects Phil to be honest with him, then honestly is what the writer should get.
So if all of this is known in the public spectrum, then why is this such a surprise? Could Phil have answered the writer in such a way that wouldn’t be so blunt or graphic? Sure, but isn’t this the nature of Phil that people have grown to appreciate on the show?
As of now, just a day after the story broke, I don’t know what ramifications will come. I’m sure it will continue to be a heated topic because the topic of homosexuality is so divisive right now. Gay rights groups will fester and portray Phil as a villain. The term “hate speech” will be overused, and so will “homophobic,” even though both descriptions will be used incorrectly.
I don’t believe Phil hates homosexuals. He did not speak in hatred, nor did he appear fearful of homosexuals. He just believes what the Bible teaches and developed his perspective accordingly.
Even though I am surprised that people are surprised, this could be a lesson for those who do hold to the Biblical teachings related to homosexuality. It will become increasingly unpopular to speak against this lifestyle. Things that have happened even this year have yielded more to the perspective in our society, including the growing acceptance of “same-sex marriage.”
But here again, it should be said that we should not be surprised. Jesus told us, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).
Learn from Robertson’s experience, especially as a mainstream media personality. And don’t be surprised if it happens again.
Photo credit: A&E