Loose Ends
The big story on the internet is the suspension of Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” by A&E for basically repeating the biblical view on homosexuality.
What remains of “free speech” in this country means that you’re free to speak, but if what you speak offends the oligarchy they will ruin you.
What remains of “freedom of religion” will soon be only the freedom to believe and teach what has been ruled to be the new cultural norms.
The state religion says you may believe what you wish as long as you don’t oppose those norms…just a pinch of incense to Caesar.
Theologically liberal Christians are busily playing Thomas Cranmer to A&E’s Henry VIII…and the marginalization of conservative Christianity continues.
They will all dance with the beast…until it turns and devours them.
I guess their consolation is that they will be eaten last.
The other story is the ongoing saga of Mark Driscoll and his penchant for plagiarism.
Mark’s take on the narrative is that he’s so busy doing so much good for so many in the kingdom of God that such ethical trivialities shouldn’t matter.
My take is that unless you are walking in the ethical precepts of the kingdom, you are tearing it down.
The job of the pastor is not to be successful…it’s to model what it means to live as a servant and follower of Christ.
Sometimes that will mean modeling how to repent and receive the forgiveness and grace of God.
If they won’t do it, we won’t do it.
On the celebrity level they ain’t and we aren’t.
In the meantime, we ignore this...
Joy to the world…
All comments are moderated and will be approved as I’m able.
The sword cuts both ways. If churches want the right to fire someone for expressing a Moral Opinion, then other businesses have that same right. If you don’t want people being fired or punished in the workplace for expressing a Moral Opinion then you have to abide by that standard equally.
Personally, as a Libertarian, I could care less if you have “relations” with a man or a sheep (assuming the man or sheep is of age and consenting) and if you express that you think it’s morally right or morally wrong, it shouldn’t affect your employment and you shouldn’t suffer job recrimination for your moral opinions in either direction.
Free Speech is a right in the Bill of Rights and should be protected. It’s what makes us uniquely American. Moral Opinion should be protected speech, but it has to be upheld equally to all. If someone in church employment comes out and says homosexuality is morally right in their opinion, then they shouldn’t be fired or punished either.
I read this at the Wartburg Watch:
In the January issue of GQ, the Duck Dynasty star also comments on growing up in a pre-civil-rights-era Louisiana.
“I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any black person,” Robertson claims. “Not once. Where we lived was all farmers. The blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I’m with the blacks, because we’re white trash.”
He adds, “They’re singing and happy. I never heard one of them, one black person, say, ‘I tell you what: These doggone white people’—not a word!… Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues.”
This whole Duck Dynasty thing is about someone who forgot Jesus’ words about being wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
…and again, Jesus needs new PR
“If they won’t do it, we won’t do it.
On the celebrity level they ain’t and we aren’t.”
People are responsible for their own actions, Christians shouldn’t be looking up to celebrity Pastors anyways. That’s their fault for making heroes out of men, no one belongs on that type of pedastol save Jesus Christ. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling! I say Christians need to stop hero worshipping Pastors and read the word for themsleves as the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth not a Man! If some Christians are so guillable as to allow the actions of these big wig CEO Pastors to determine the way they carry themselevs then that’s on them. Not every Christian looks up to the Greg Laurie’s, Rick Warren’s, Brian Broderson and Mark Driscoll of the world.
My understanding is that the Duck Dynasty folks had/have a contract with A&E that limits what they can say in press junkets, apparently this subject was on the taboo list.
Phil has free speech up until he signs a contract for big bucks that limits his free speech.
A&E is a business that is well aware of the public controversy over this subject and how some comments can negatively affect the biz.
I don’t see the big deal – didn’t all the churches boycott Disney and ABC (Disney owned) because they had Gay Days at the park?
Isn’t that they same?
We only have free speech as it relates to the government. The constitution prohibts the government from regulating speech – it does not have anything to do with A & E and how they control speech.
People in my office don’t have free speech – they have the speech I allow them.
The job of the pastor is not to be successful…it’s to model what it means to live as a servant and follower of Christ.
The job of the pastor is not to be successful…it’s to model what it means to live as a servant and follower of Christ.
The job of the pastor is not to be successful…it’s to model what it means to live as a servant and follower of Christ.
… bears repeating.
MLD – the benevolent dictator.
DD isn’t about Jesus. They end each show with a family meal, proceeded by Phil giving thanks, and that’s as deep as they get. It’s a show about a family of self-proclaimed rednecks with a ton of money, having fun and doing stupid (and really cool) stuff. The family is full of “characters”, and is A&E’s top rated show.
I’m sure that the contract is tight, and that A&E is within their rights to fire an employee, and that the Robertson family has to fulfill their contract without Phil.
While I admire Phil for speaking his mind, I don’t agree with everything he says, nor do I think that he displays the wisdom to choose his words carefully while considering his audience.
I hope that when their current contract expires, they give A&E the boot. These guys are media gold and can write their own ticket.
Josh, doesn’t your employer control your speech? Are you allowed to say anything you want to the clients? Can you tell them where to go? Can you call you clients stupid? We all control speech?
My wife tells me I cannot address her as “hey babe” at the office. 🙂
The link at the end of Michael’s article puts the DD issue into a real perspective. …. and in the long run, may prove to be prophetic of days to come in post modern America….
I’ve never watched DD, have seen a few clips and the I am Second interviews… unique folks, fo sho, kinda like ’em….
Better PR for Jesus? I think what is needed is the Holy Spirit. Fact is, Jesus Christ is radical from the Sermon on the Mount to Gethsemane…. radical. I constantly need to re-read.
I saw a post on Fb that really spoke to me…. “Keep Christ in Christmas? How about keeping Christ in Christians?”. I like it…..
Jim, I agree with your assessment. I especially agree with the importance of “considering his audience”. There is a time and a place to share what we believe and while some of what Robertson said was correct, it wasn’t the time or place to share what he thinks. There’s much to be said about being kind before being right. When what we think about Jesus pushes others away instead of drawing others to Him then we fail as ambassadors. It is for this reason that living like as a servant and follower of Christ is wise counsel.
“Mark’s take on the narrative is that he’s so busy doing so much good for so many in the kingdom of God that such ethical trivialities shouldn’t matter.”
This is my CC brother’s view regarding me. I’m a triviality. Should I ask for my Christmas gift back?
Why am I being moderated?
oops. I missed the disclaimer. Sorry.
The link about Syrian Christians …. that’s persecution of a sort that I hope I never have to see in America. Brave people, God Bless Them.
While I am not saying that what’s happening to Phil from DD is NOT persecution, its a matter of degrees. Glad he had the cajones to speak the truth no matter what the cost.
And there’s the ever present Driscoll machine.
“Better PR for Jesus? I think what is needed is the Holy Spirit. Fact is, Jesus Christ is radical from the Sermon on the Mount to Gethsemane…. radical.”
Radical, not an American characture of redneck backwardness and mysogeny.
This employee of a “reality” TV show has no wisdom and has no idea of the damage he’s done to “the cause of Christ”, and that is what I mean by Jesus needing new PR. We are His PR in how we embody His love and how we speak our minds.
When someone who is a reporter asks anyone who is religious, “What is sin, to you?” the person being interviewed has every opportunity to edit what comes out of their mouth and this guy decided to shelve his wisdom.
Cranmer did not escape the fate of Latimer as he also ended up at Smithfield. It seems that the courage and convictions of Latimer helped Cranmer overcome his compromise and cowardice in the end as he followed his brother in the same manner into glory.
There is hope for the liberal Christians if we can stay true to conviction with compassion and without compromise. Nonnie, if I ever make it to your neck of the woods that is the first place I want to go and pray and worship.
It has always seemed to me that Phil Robertson was ambivalent about the whole TV show thing. I always got the feeling he was a reluctant participant. He is a multi-millionaire (as are all the Robertsons) and this show was just a lark for them. They are not ruined and I suspect they are now more popular than ever, not that it would matter to Phil. Phil missed the memo (or got it and tossed it in the trash) where it said the goal of life is to embrace political correctness for the sake of fame. I always wondered what a real Christian would do when their paths crossed the paths of Hollywood and now I know.
God bless Phil Robertson!
@18; your arrogance never ends. Jesus doesn’t need PR and telling the truth (PR was asked in an interview) is always a good thing. If you’ve ever watched DD, the family tells the truth in love and refelct the values of Jesus in a secular setting. Nothing wrong with that. You (G) have tried–and are trying–to lead people into an abyss where truth no longer matters. I have read the horrible thingas you have written for several years now. You, like PR, are entitled to your opinion but you continually demonstrate your arrogance about the real Jesus. Remember, you have no right to make Him conform to what you think He should be. I know you won’t stop but perhaps you could do so a little less confidently. Get to know the real Jesus. You’ll like Him…
been around here a long time,
You are absolutely right.
I am a horrible person.
Thank you for showing me how it’s done.
May you and your tribe increase so that the whole world and all of heaven are filled with you.
You are the best illustration of the love of Jesus Christ I have seen, ever.
Some modern people are embarrassed by Jesus and the Bible and what they teach. They wish the Bible was more like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book and that Jesus was more like Anderson Cooper.
I’m amused that the conversation becomes personal attacks against me as a person by both X & BAHALT.
How Phoenix Preacher can ever progress and become anything close to Michael’s vision is entirely up to you.
I agree with Ricky Bobby @ # 1. Our form of government was crafted so that liberty applies equally to all. On the one hand liberals want Robertson ousted, and on the other, conservative Evangelicals want to craft laws that keep gays from getting married and enjoying the same benefits and legal protections as straight folks. Both sides of the divide don’t seem to get it that you can’t have your cake and eat it too under the laws of our land.
Christians need to tell the world “you are right, we are not like you – we are called to be different.”
But then by the same token, we must be willing to accept the consequences.
I don’t think my friend G is attempting to lead anyone anywhere. He consistently invites people to (re)consider their presuppositions and conclusions in light of the Gospels. He has less of an agenda around here than nearly any regular poster, yet reserves the right to state his current opinion without fear of censorship. While I don’t agree with all his positions or statements, he represents fruit from conditions and experiences that have shaped his viewpoints. I appreciate his thoughtfulness and candor.
“an American characture of redneck backwardness and mysogeny.”
No one can live up to the standards that G sets up.
He has more law to his views than a lot on here.
#2
It is worth mentioning, that Phil’s son Willie has an adopted son who is black.
A bit more to the story than meets the eye.
Interviews never give a full picture and you never know what gets left out.
But, when we caricature people that is usually what we get, one dimension.
For the one trying to reach me…
phoenixpreacher@gmail.com
I haven’t received any email and the phone # I had for you was disconnected.
Let the homosexuals get married by the State, however they will never be married in God’s eyes.
I actually agree with SolRod on that one.
Solomon,
If you read the article you will see that the entire blog is moderated.
Derek,
I think part of the caricature is self imposed by the Robertsons. It IS reality TV, which means mostly scripted.
Thanks Filbertz.
Derek, how does my objection to redneck backwardness & mysogeny suddenly qualify me as a person steeped in “law” when it is the grace of Jesus Christ that bids us who name Jesus as Lord to progress, stop being backward and stop marginalizing women? And why do you feel the need to attack me personally instead of dealing with the ideas and perspectives?
Is this what you want Phoenix Preacher to be, a place where ideas are secondary to the bloodsport of personal attack?
In my posts today I have only addressed the article, shared my view as to the damage the gent has created from his unwise lack of self censorship.
Perhaps you could state your opinion as well without continuing the personal attack against me?
No, I know a lot of people that are a lot like that.
Which is why the Robertson’s resonate with people.
Why does G always feel the need to put people like that down or is it only G and his more spiritual group that can do PR for Christ?
When did Christ need PR?
That in itself is just some little phrase to make his group feel as though all other Christians can be looked down on.
It isn’t hard to see.
If we are talking about attacks why does G feel the need to attack Phil Robertson anyways?
See, what is good for the goose is always poopooed by the “G”ander.
Back to Jim’s observations, show business being what it is, this show jumped the shark when a principal character dares to be so short sighted as to not take into account who he’s talking to or that someone has asked him a loaded question.
The issue isn’t as much being anti-gay as it is lacking the foresight to weigh consequences. It’s one thing to live out one’s beliefs and it’s quite another to make comments which link ones world view to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is about welcoming, acceptance, and then instruction and guidance as one becomes a follower of Jesus, focusing in on Jesus, what He teaches, what is in those Gospels.
“When someone who is a reporter asks anyone who is religious, “What is sin, to you?” the person being interviewed has every opportunity to edit what comes out of their mouth and this guy decided to shelve his wisdom.”
Why not just actually saying what Sin is instead of watering it down
“The issue isn’t as much being anti-gay as it is lacking the foresight to weigh consequences. It’s one thing to live out one’s beliefs and it’s quite another to make comments which link ones world view to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is about welcoming, acceptance, and then instruction and guidance as one becomes a follower of Jesus, focusing in on Jesus, what He teaches, what is in those Gospels.”
The thing is, in reading Jesus red letter words, he can be pretty harsh. I don’t really see this Hippie Jesus that the World trys to make him out to be.
If asked in an interview about how you viewed homosexuality, what would your answer be?
Most Christians, it wouldn’t be that different than Phil’s. Maybe a little more nuanced, but basically the same.
If I was asked I would be the one on the hot seat, not the national one, but I guarantee, they way this culture is getting, some “thought nazi” (not aimed at G) would be there to make sure I was “getting right in the head”
A lot of the things I have sen include the parts that appear to be provacative, without showing his statement about the kerfuffle:
“I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior,” he said. “My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together.
“However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.” ~ Phil Robertson
But sometimes, caricatures are easier to attack than real live people.
His words were kind of crass to be sure. And his thoughts on race were highly uninformed.
Wow, this is how a family stands together!
http://duckcommander.com/news/robertson-family-offical-statement
Official statement of the Robertson Family:
We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E’s decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word. While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Phil would never incite or encourage hate.We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right.We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm. We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty. Again, thank you for your continued support of our family.
I very much love that response.
Participation required. I’d like to know if any of you have had your posts moderated other than when the whole blog has been moderated. The only 2 I know of are me and RB.
Great and encouraging response, yes.
This family is as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.
They are all moderated right now, Stu. Cause of the blow up yesterday.
No, stu, I was moderated a good bit for a while.
A&E thought they had tamed themselves some pet rednecks who would act just like everyone else who gets caught in the headlights of TV fame but they are discovering that the Robertsons are not so easily beguiled.
I don’t mean temporarily moderated like Michael is doing now. I mean censored like RB.
Can I ask why were you moderated?
I couldn’t care less what Robertson believes or doesn’t believe about gays. I would be far more interested in whether or not he knows some good tricks for luring crappies away from the weed patches so they’ll bite on crawler baited hooks.
I don’t know what you mean, but there was a time when I was constantly moderated and nobody else was. I figured out why after a while.
A couple of people have been completely banned over the years, including RB a few times. I don’t think you are among those numbers.
Stu,
I’ve had all the controversy I can stand.
If you want to discuss moderation with me feel free to email me at phoenixpreacher@gmail.com
Muff, I guarantee you he could hook you up with that information 🙂
Before Duck Dynasty, they used to make all kinds of hunting and fishing videos on their own.
???
Josh Hamrick and Steve Wright, I just wanted to say, thank you for your support and heart. Sorry to be off topic, but you know what I mean. I really appreciate it. Steve, you can get my info from Michael if you want. I am no longer on FB. God bless you all.
Jeff, I was very late to the party but in catching up know that myself and I’m sure many others support you and your service to God. Hope your Christmas is blessed.
I watched a video online about the duck family. I found it interesting yet I’ve never watched the show. I knew they were believers and that the show was a huge success but that’s about it.
I guess if I was asked about homosexuality I’d agree with him but my words would have been less colorful.
It’s easy to see it’s been open season on Christians for quite some time so in that sense none of this surprises me. I suspect this will continue and increase incrementally. Thank God we don’t face the persecution our brothers and sisters around the globe face daily.
While living my life out as best I can I look forward to the day when Christ returns and sets up His eternal kingdom. Then and only then will the world be as it should. Meanwhile each of us seek to live out God’s will for us in our lives as we draw closer to Him on a personal basis.
I have a very early morning coming, so moderation approval is over for the night.
I’ve read about the atrocities in Syria and I am at a loss for words. Knowing this is happening elsewhere to believers and non believers alike is very sobering. I recall when I went to the Holocaust museum in Los Angeles many years ago. The tour itself was heartbreaking and I remember vividly that on the third floor they had an exhibit about what was happening in Bosnia. Reading and looking at the graphic photos was like a slap in the face as it brought to life for me the reality of the immense suffering taking place.
We will soon be celebrating the birth of Jesus in the comfort of our homes unhindered as we overeat and visit with family and friends. For this we should offer thanks and remember those whose circumstances are beyond our comprehension lest we have been through them ourselves.
I see a gigantic pot that satan has prepared for all believers who wish to participate. He bids us to jump into the warm water of lukewarm. As we splash about the temperature gradually rises until we become full of compromise as our hearts and desires are filled with empty pursuits. It’s only by the grace of God we aren’t in the pot already and if we don’t realize that we are ripe for the picking.
Thank you erunner!
You know I walked away from tv about six months ago, cable, Satellite, local etc. As long as I was able to get RFD tv with the trains and tractors and the farm reports I was happy. TV is an utter waist of time and it sucks the brain cells out of your brain. I will admit I miss the worship channel, the late night music with scriptures and I miss law and order. I also admit I have Netflix and maybe order Hulu. I like the medium but could not take the well I could not take it. I have given up law and order for a while because I began to see an bias lol ie it is contrived with the anti gun, pro fill in the blank rhetoric. Barf. But its tv. I tried watch breaking bad but gag drugs are bad and people die go make your money else where. Online is awful with the porn and stuff so one needs to be careful. I love podcasts and can listen to NT Wright, and JI Packer all day long, I actually do at times.
A confession I love praise music and I will dance around at times cleaning up the house with youtube vids. My cat loves the aquarium fish vids and x files. Go figure. I gave up south park even though I loved their sarcasm and reality but I just could not watch some of their stuff, it was wrong to watch it thinking myself above being twisted. So I got rid of much of the media I once watched. I did not miss it I find much more enjoyment riding my bike and watching the real people, whom I find much more interesting. At times I get to offer help, hold a door open offer a cell phone to a person with a broken down car. I also get to see the colors in our world the glint of the sun the clouds the wind in the trees and the smells. TV is a cheap side show compared to the real life that is all around us. I learned that from my students. God bless them.
Phil, knew exactly what he was doing and yet Christians continue to ignore the plight of our oppressed brothers and sisters. http://voiceofthepersecuted.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/largest-massacre-of-christians-in-syria-ignored/
“The difference between Pope Francis and Phil Robertson comes down to this. When the pope looks at a gay person, he sees a human being. Phil’s comments in GQ suggest that when he looks at a gay person, the first thing he sees are reproductive organs being put where he thinks they shouldn’t.
And that’s a problem. Because whatever you believe about homos*xuality, people are so much more than who they sleep with or who they’re wired to be attracted to. Pope Francis gets that, even though he maintains a conservative view of s*xuality.”
https://benirwin.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/phil-robertson-and-pope-francis/
The reason the plight of Christians in the Middle East is being ignored by evangelicals/ fundamentalists/ Reformation types is because they do not believe the majority of Christians in the Middle East are actually Christians because most of them are some flavor of Eastern Christianity (Orthodox, Coptic, Byz Cath, Maronite, etc) and, according to my former CC pastor, these are “not systems that lead to salvation.” The entire history of evangelicalism/ fundamentalism/ Reformation churches has been one of vitriolic anti-Catholicism and by implication, anti-Orthodox. Same stuff to hate: icons, prayers for the dead, veneration of the Saints, etc. Scarcely a sermon went by that didn’t contain some anti-RC comment (listen to Chuck’s tapes for examples) and as for the Reformation people, they have entire podcasts dedicated to why Orthodoxy is not Christian.
They may feel concerned that human beings are being slaughtered but make no mistake: many evan/funda/Reform do not consider the Copts/Orthodox to be brothers and sisters in Christ.
Xenia, I really want to disagree with you, but I am afraid that you are correct. God help us!
Just for a different view…my primary teacher is the very Reformed J.I. Packer…and he has led entire classes in dialog with both the Eastern and Roman traditions.
The ordinary people in the pews of your typical evangelical/ fundamentalist church are more familiar with the writings of Dave Hunt than the activities of JJ Packer.
Again, Xenia is correct.
Xenia,
I’m trying to fix that! 🙂
To be fair…most Orthodox writers have nothing good to say about my tribe either.
Your point still stands…sadly we don’t recognize other family members from different traditions.
My posts keep vanishing. I don’t think I am being moderated, though.
Xenia,
We got hacked really bad last night and I was working on the back end…I’ll see if I can retrieve anything
Couldn’t find anything to retrieve…
Being hacked is awful. We were hacked on a credit card and charged for things we never purchased. Thankfully it is being worked out, but Oh! what a hassle!! Praying for you, my friend.
Nonnie,
That’s worse than having the blog hacked.
I went in this morning to write the TGIF and there were a bunch of porn articles ready to post…
I type something, hit “post comment” and get a “You are timed out” message or else it just disappears. I don’t think they ever got to your side.
That shouldn’t happen anymore…shouldn’t.
All I had wanted to to say was the I was not exactly faulting the evan/funda/Reformed folks for acting on their beliefs, I was just offering an explanation.
My take on the whole duck thing:
http://heavyforthevintage.com/2013/12/20/duck-diplomacy/
http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=844528
Now, quoting from the bible is “anti-gay”.
Not the best of sermons and too much about the Founding Fathers for my taste, but the part the media is now concerned about is Romans.
Another article about how we should be clones of Pope Francis…yawn.
at the risk of parroting Paul’s talking points . . .
I agree with what Derek Thornton has posted, and I share the yawn inducement, but must add that it’s hilarious that the applause for Il Papa’s silences are indistinguishable from the applause from his actions. “It’s about what he’s not saying as much as it was he is saying/doing.” He’s a humble guy, you know, for a guy who is the Vicarious Christ. Oops.
I’ll quote Steve Brown’s idea: folks are burning the bridge between God and man when the Word of God is shunted and silenced. There’s no difference between me and any other sinner, except that my sins are forgiven and I set aside my righteousness and am accepted based on the righteousness of Christ.
Another big problem with Robertson’s Xtianity is his lack of understanding race in the context if history
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/news/duck-dynasty-star-oblivious-to-the-suffering-of-african-americans-during-pre-civil
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2013/12/20/race-reconciliation-and-phil-robertson/
A man’s religion should inform him about the dignity of his fellow man (and woman).
Good link, Derek. The link below yours was worthless. read the first sentence. That’s enough.
Before yours, that is. ahm tard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzFt9MvDZbo
Much better sermon Phil gave at Saddleback
See actually this is a “freedom of listen” conversation.
Everyone knows that A&E can hire and fire who they want.
But then comes, the “freedom of listen”, because they fired someone people actually want to hear.
People are exercising not only their “freedom of speech” to talk about A&E, but also their “freedom of listen”
People realize they don’t have to listen/watch A&E as punishment.
See, Phil is real. He may be on a reality show, but what you see with Phil is what you get.
People see genuineness and they respond to it.
People see conviction and they respond to it.
People see truth and they respond to it.
Phil could give less of a hoot whether he is on TV or not.
People respond to that too.
This is why people are up in arms and exercising their “freedom of listen” without Duck Dynasty, 14 million people just flip over to something else.
They see a genuine person being shafted and they say let’s stand with him.
When they see the family say that life without the TV show is fine with them, they say “Yes!”
Genuineness is a commodity that is much lacking today.
Phil Robertson has it.
“Theologically liberal Christians are busily playing Thomas Cranmer to A&E’s Henry VIII…and the marginalization of conservative Christianity continues.” Some blogs I have long frequented have taken a turn that way and I am grieved. Of late, I find myself wondering how much my ‘on line’ travels really benefit me.
The Robertsons will have the last laugh on this deal. Larger platforms await, while I guess
A&E can show reruns.
Thank God there are Christians who can still speak truth.
Speaking of loose ends. Yesterday my cohort of doctoral students all graduated at United Theological Seminary. All but one that is…
None of them was lost save the son of attrition…
True Dread
Were you supposed to be with them, Dread?