Tolerance is a Two Way Street

This past week Phil Robertson was suspended from his show "Duck Dynasty", which airs on A&E. Phil made some comments concerning homosexuality, which I found very blunt and far from eloquently phrased. But, honestly, isn't that what viewers love about the show?!

The Robertson's are not polished, politically correct, Washington politicians that will never tell you where they stand on a position or flip flop around depending who they are talking to. They are down-to-earth country folk, who believe we were all created in the image of a loving God. Our Heavenly Father, like any good father, gave us commandments or rules that would protect us and help us find happiness and joy as individuals, families, and communities in this life and in the eternal life to come.

While there are many individuals who now profess to believe that we crawled out of the oceans or swung down from trees, I disagree. I believe that the Human Family is more than just a herd of animals that must succumb to instincts and desires. Humans were endowed with the ability to think, to choose, and to change. Because our Father in Heaven gave us commandments, there is something called sin and it is real. Sin is the act of not following commandments and, therefore, acting against our Father's will for us.

Society as a whole, still believes in some of God's laws such as you shouldn't steal, kill, lie, etc. However, some commandments are losing favor in society. For instance the act of fornication (sex outside of marriage), adultery (a married individual having sex with someone who isn't their spouse), and the act of homosexuality (sex with a partner of the same gender) are all clearly outlined as sins by the Bible despite being viewed by many in society as acceptable.

Many claim that God has made them a certain way. Even a popular Lady Gaga song professes “I was born this way!” I believe that God has given all men and women different weaknesses, so we would be humble and turn to Him for strength. Some have a weakness for drinking, drugs, stealing, gambling, lying, adultery, etc. But does that mean God wants us to act on these weaknesses? I feel a lot of empathy for those who struggle with homosexuality, but I also believe the act of homosexuality to be a sin as is the act of fornication, adultery, etc. As a Christian, however, Phil Robertson also understands that we are all sinners. We all succumb to weaknesses, to sin, and therefore, all of us would be unworthy to stand before God without our savior Jesus Christ. I believe the saying to be true, “God wants us to hate the sin, but love the sinner.”

Did Phil belittle or attack an individual? No, he attacked a particular sin. Were people offended by that—you bet! Who likes to be told that what they are doing is wrong?! Does the statement mean that Phil hates homosexuals? Of course not! I’m tired of Christians being called bigots because they believe something is wrong. There are some bigots out there who profess to be Christian but are intolerant and insensitive, but that doesn't mean we are all that way. Most Christians are very tolerant and understanding.

So did A&E have the right to fire Phil? I believe they did, although I also believe if the tables had been turned, there would have been legal action. For instance, what if Phil had spoken out in support of homosexuality and he was fired for that? What do you think would have happened? Can you say lawsuit?! Unfortunately, there is a bit of a double standard when it comes to free speech and the “free market” system in our country.

Today we have the judicial system editing and even writing laws. We have a president who does the same. The separation of government has all but eroded. Yesterday, a judge decided to strike down Utah’s ban on gay marriage. Despite what a popular vote might say on the subject. One activist judge, who “knows better”, dictating for the whole state of Utah what an acceptable form of marriage should be.

So this is my final point. I believe in the institution of marriage. I have been happily married to my wife for 15 years—hopefully she would say the same thing. I believe that marriage was created by God and is between a man and a woman. I believe it is dangerous to endorse same sex marriage. Couples can live together, maybe even enjoy the same legal benefits, but I don’t believe that what they have should ever be called or legitimized as a true form of marriage.

I saw an individual holding up a sign recently that said, “All Love is Good!” But is that really true? Where do you draw the line? There are those who claim to be attracted to children, animals, multiple partners, etc. All would claim the same argument—that they were born that way. Should they just succumb to their instincts? It is a very slippery slope. Marriage is the foundation of the home, of the community, and of our great country! If we can’t save the institution of marriage, I shudder to think what will happen to us as a nation.

So to those that disagree with me, I ask that you please tolerate my position, the same way I tolerate yours. Tolerance is a two way street.