Why It's A Good Thing Phil Robertson Got Banned

Jesus loves gay people. Jesus loves Phil Robertson. Whether you agree that homosexuality is a sin or not, everybody is a sinner regardless. Let's keep that in mind.

Now, while most of my Christian and/or conservative friends are crying foul over Phil Robertson getting kicked off of A&E, I actually think it's a good thing. Here's why.

For the past few years, the LGBT community, although still a minority in America, has advanced their control over this country. Let's face it, when you read the evening news, don't you get the impression that anyone who disagrees with alternative lifestyles and gay marriage is automatically a bigoted, outdated, and delusional idiot? As a result, most people I know are afraid of quoting Bible verses that clearly and emphatically denounce homosexuality as a sin for fear of being labeled as a hateful, homophobic, religious nut. 

Then comes along Phil. Sure, we've had people on media before who have suggested that maybe the gay lifestyle is not a godly lifestyle. But-in my opinion- none have had such a big spotlight on the issue as Phil has. As a result of him being banned, hundreds of thousands have stood by him and plan to boycott A&E. 

Why is this a good thing? In my opinion, Phil has given people more courage to  stand up for their beliefs. In a liberal-dominated media (I don't even like Fox News and I can say that), this outrage over Phil's banishment has shown this country that there are still people who disagree with the LGBT community. 

I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's imprisonment. At first glance, it seemed Paul could no longer be a missionary. But this is what he said:

"Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.  And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Philippians 1:12-14

In the same way, A&E has inadvertently provided the Christian Church an amazing opportunity for boldness and grace. Boldness in the sense that we can tell the world that we stand with Phil on his beliefs. Grace in the sense that we can tell the world that we can forgive them for banning Phil, because Jesus forgave us.  

I hope that A&E will reverse their decision. I hope that Duck Dynasty can continue with Phil. If they do, I will be happy, happy, happy! 

But I more sincerely hope that this opportunity will give courage to those, like me, who believe that God loves everybody, but that He has also made marriage and sex in a heterosexual context. We don't have to be afraid of sharing our convictions to a world that does not hold them. But let us do it with grace, knowing that Jesus loves the world, however wicked or opposed it may be to Him, and let's try to respond to it with grace and love and humility.