I promise this is all I'll say regarding Phil. Most of it is directed towards my Christian friends, many of whose posts are laughably embarrassing to themselves and to the Christian community as a whole. However, I believe everyone can take something away from it (if nothing else but knowing my thoughts).
As I read through many of my friends' posts about the recent events concerning Phil and A&E, I can't help but notice a few common threads coming out that I would like to address.
First of all, "freedom of speech" is not the same as "freedom from criticism". Please keep that in mind, and review the text of the 1st Amendment and see if you really want to go that route with your posts (link here:http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment ). This is not a freedom of speech issue. If you truly think it is, please tell me why.
Another thing, I fail to see how this is religious persecution. He's not being attacked for sharing his religious views. He's being attacked for publicly insulting a very large portion of the population. The reaction would have been the same if he had made disparaging comments about the Jewish community, or network executives, or disabled veterans. Basically, anything that reflects poorly on the A&E brand.
And, just to be clear, A&E did not fire him. He's been suspended. Huge difference. And yes, they can do that legally. They can also choose to fire him...legally...provided that the contract they have with him includes a clause about comporting himself in a way that doesn't reflect badly on their brand. Due to his "celebrity" status and the nature of his relationship with A&E, I'm almost CERTAIN such a clause was included. In exchange for agreeing to those clauses and signing that contract, he's being paid something like $200k per episode.
Whether or not you agree with Phil's opinions on homosexuality is beside the point. In most of the discussions I see the topic of his views come up in with relation to this whole event, it has no business being included -- the exception being discussions purely revolving around whether or not you agree with his views. In all other cases, it doesn't meaningfully contribute to the discussion.
I found a few verses relevant to the main idea I'm trying to get across here, and I'd like to share them with you:
Proverbs 18:2
"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion"
Proverbs 17:28
"Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent"
Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
James 1:26
"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."
John 3:17
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."
If you want your words to make a difference, weigh them carefully. Inform yourself about the issue at hand.
To my Christian friends, is what you're saying going to convey the message of God's love? Are you preaching eternal damnation or eternal salvation? This incident is giving you an enormous platform to share your faith...will you use it?
