About that Duck guy

I'm finally getting around to writing about my take on the gay controversy that has been sweeping the nation as of late, and it has garnered especial attention due to the remarks of a certain Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty. In short, the situation boils down to this:

1) Mr Robertson made uncouth and socially controversial statements about his view on homosexuality.

2) A&E's removal of the show from their station as a result of his remarks are seen as "religious persecution" by some in the Christian community. 

Oboy.

From my observations, it appears as though some conservatives and some christians are having aneurysms over Mr Robertson's violation of free speech and the apparent religious persecution that he is experiencing. The thought path goes something like this: "due to the fact that A&E plans to remove Duck Dynasty from the air in light of Phil Robertson's comments, we can conclude that liberals hate Christians, violate our first amendment rights,  and we ought to protest." 

Ugh.

a) Mr Robertson's comments were explicit.
b) The removal of a television show from a station because the station doesn't like a show's views doesn't constitute religious persecution, IMO. In light of the actions of the Romans, Islamic radicals, the Inquisition, and similar examples, "persecute" carries way too much weight for this situation.
c) No one's First Amendment rights were violated, put in danger, etc. In fact, those rights were safely practiced by both parties. Mr Robertson said what was on his mind. A&E reacted in a manner which they pleased.


That's that. 

But there's a deeper problem beneath the surface that I've observed and it is indirectly related to the aforementioned reaction of some conservatives and Christians. I see among my Christian family a tendency to react to the confrontation of their values with poorly directed fervor. 

Let's not make the problem our constitutional rights. Let's not excuse the fact that Mr Robertson's remarks were unprofessional. Let's not say this is persecution when we have a pastor in Iran on the brink of execution for his faith. 

Let's remember that homosexuality is no greater a sin than the premarital sex the heterosexual couple had, and that those sins are no greater than the lie you told yesterday. Let's remember all required the death of a holy Christ. Let's remember no one was every saved by an internet argument. Let's remember that no matter what society says, we can all calm down because the Christian knows God doesn't need defending.

Keep Calm and Quack On.