2nd Opinion: God’s word and Duck Dynasty controversy

Al Robertson, oldest son of Duck Dynasty stars Phil and Kay Robertson, stated, “We are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is his word.” He cut through to the real issue involved in his father’s condemnation of homosexuality: “Do I accept man’s word, or do I accept God’s word?”

Jerold McBrideIt is as plain and simple as that.

One’s choice is his right and, thus, should be respected, whatever it may be. But a person cannot pledge allegiance to both man’s word and God’s word.

A liberal is one who says, “The Bible is inspired in spots, and I am inspired to pick out the spots.” Such a person accepts passages like, “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1) or “In My Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:1) but reject 1 Corinthians 6:9, which states: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals.”

When Phil Robertson quotes this passage, he is simply stating what God’s word says. Therefore, if a person vents his anger, it should be directed at God and not Phil.

The Apostle Paul goes on to say, “Such were some of you; but you are washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:11). This is good news to all of us. Christ can change what we “were” into what he wants us to be.

Greg Hilburn reports, “But others are offended by (Phil) Robertson’s stance that homosexuality is a sin.” These are “offended” not by what Robertson says but by what God’s word says. One day we shall all stand and give an account of ourselves to God, not to Robertson. 1 Corinthians 6:9 makes clear that to believe God’s word is to believe “homosexuality is a sin.”

There are a number of difficult passages in the Bible we cannot explain or understand, but our inability does not make those passages any less God’s word.

The most intolerant people in the world are those who accuse others of being intolerant simply because they state a belief different than their own.

It is just as much Phil Robertson’s right to state his belief as it is for the homosexual and lesbian community to state theirs. Some try to force acceptance of their lifestyle on us with public demonstrations, lawsuits and censorship of all who disagree and then become offended when we quote God’s word.

Jerold McBride, of Winnfield, La., is former pastor of First Baptist Church in San Angelo and former president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.