The Duck Dynasty family has just released an official statement on the recent controversy involving their “patriarch” Phil Robertson. Here it is:
We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E’s decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word. While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Phil would never incite or encourage hate. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right. We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm. We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty. Again, thank you for your continued support of our family.
(HT: Jim Smith)
12 Comments
James Stanton
“We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.”
A good, principled position on the future of the show.
“We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right.”
They are mistaken, however, as to the extent of the First Amendment.
buddyglass
Eh. They’re more or less correct in saying it’s Robertson constitutionally protected right to express his faith. That said, it’s odd to point that out since, as far as I can tell, nobody has said otherwise. What the 1st amendment doesn’t necessarily protect is Robertson’s right to keep his job after expressing his faith.
My gut says that if Robertson issues a public statement that contains even an iota of remorse then A&E reinstates him. The show is just too profitable for them.
Johnny Mason
he will not issue any such statement, because there is nothing to be remorseful over. If A&E wants to keep the Robertson’s, then they will be the one’s who will need to show remorse.
buddyglass
That “there is nothing to be remorseful over” often has little bearing on whether someone issues an apology.
Philip Miller
James Stanton, how is the family wrong on the extent of the First Amendment?
James Stanton
Philip, buddyglass addressed it quite well.
buddyglass
While its not a 1st amendment issue, if Robertson can show that he was fired for his religious beliefs then he may have a labor discrimination case since “religion” is a protected class.
Brett Cody
Seems like A&E needs a visit from the ACLU. The network needs more diversity since they are lacking employees that represent a Christian belief system. Isn’t diversity mandatory?
Roy Fuller
Your comment suggest that there are no Christian employees at A&E. How do you know that? Part of the challenge with all the “culture war” issues is that most everyone, including many in the media (though that is getting better), assume that there is only one Christian position on any given issue. While there are many who disagree, there are Christians who do not hold to the views expressed by Robertson.
buddyglass
No, in fact, diversity is not mandatory.
Brett Cody
Relax gentlemen, I should have noted the intended sarcasm.
Barbara Hall
It is a crying shame that we expose our families to sexually explicit shows, but when one show has the guts to have a Christian program on it, one of the characters is condemned for what he believes in. The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is a sin, but we don’t have the freedom of speech to say that in the media. What are we teaching our children and grandchildren?,Yes, I am a Christian and proud of it, but I am not the judge that these people have to face on Judgement Day. If one of Phil’s remarks was to harsh, maybe that is the only way to get someone’s attention. God bless you and your family, Phil. There are other ways to get the Gospel into the public. It is a shame that our great nation was founded by our forefathers on the belief that it would be a Christian beliefs and free speech.