‘Duck Dynasty’s’ Phil Robertson Defends Himself: ‘I’m A Lover, Not A Hater’
Duck Dynasty’s star Phil Robertson is defending himself against the backlash following his controversial comments on homosexuality, saying: “I’m a lover, not a hater.”
In the most recent development concerning one of the year’s hottest stories, Phil Robertson, the embattled patriarch of the Duck Dynasty series is speaking out, but not backing down.
On Sunday, the Duck Dynasty clan, including Phil Robertson, attended their Bible study group at the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, Louisiana.
In remarks that are sure to bring even more attacks, Robertson, 67, told the small group:
“I love all men and women. I am a lover of humanity, not a hater.”
However, Robertson says he is not backing down from controversial comments he made to GQ magazine. The remarks earned him a suspension from A&E for an undisclosed amount of time, although Duck Dynasty is scheduled to air its new season in January.
Those who thought the negative feedback Robertson has received would make him backtrack on his remarks will be disappointed. The family patriarch added on Sunday:
“I will not give or back off from my path. Common sense says we are not going to procreate the human race unless we have a man and a woman. From the beginning Jesus said, ‘It is a man and a woman.’ Adam was made and Eve was made for this reason.”
It is worth noting that Christianity, Judaism, and Islam prohibit homosexual relationships in their religious texts, but whether gays, lesbians and others are accepted may be up to each person’s personal beliefs.
Many Christians suggest that Jesus associated himself with sinners, and as such, we should follow his example and be more tolerant of those we don’t agree with.
Even though Pope Francis blasted same sex marriage when he was a Cardinal, he recently said the Catholic Church is “obsessed” with homosexuality and abortion, and instead should become a “home for all.”
But back to Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson, he stated that his goal with the remarks he made was to enlighten his critics, reportedly saying:
“I am just reading what was written over 2,000 years ago. Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom. All I did was quote from the scriptures, but they just didn’t know it. Jesus will take sins away, if you’re a homosexual. Jesus Christ was the most perfect being to ever walk this planet and he was persecuted and nailed to the cross, so please don’t be surprised when we get a little static.”
The Duck Dynasty’s star new comments will surely continue the debate and firestorm of controversy that has garnered him not only the suspension from the network, but attacks from gay advocacy groups like GLAAD.
GLAAD has led the offensive against Phil Robertson, demanding he be removed permanently from the show, and also contacting Duck Dynasty sponsors to insist they stop advertising on the program. This has resulted in accusations that GLAAD is trying to deprive Phil Robertson of the right to earn a living, and a massive backlash against the Gay Rights organization.
Phil Robertson also has millions of supporters, who started online petitions and forced restaurant chain Cracker Barrel to reverse its decision to pull all Duck Dynasty products from their shelves. Meanwhile, the Facebook page to reinstate Phil already has 1,076,800 likes, and GLAAD has received thousands of angry calls and emails slamming them for “attempting to limit free speech.”.
The battle is raging, and how this will turn out remains to be seen, but this much is sure; the Robertson Family is standing by their man, and Phil is not backing down.
