Words have consequences…free speech is an oxymoron-there is always a cost.
First things first, I am a born-again Christian attending a Southern Baptist Seminary. I am a staunch defender of Free Speech even in the most vile of circumstances. (see this article) so take that with a grain of salt. That being said, I fully defend A&E’s right to suspend and even fire Phil. Say What?
Let’s look at the arguments for keeping him and break them down….
A&E Violated Phil’s Free Speech
Sorry, but this is simply incorrect. “Free Speech” relates to the government and its people. The constitution says nothing regarding an employee-employer relationship. Employer’s have every right to restrict the speech of its employees with everything from gag orders to moral clauses in contracts. Phil said some things that A&E felt hurt their brand and so they suspended him.
A&E is persecuting Christians
While persecution is somewhat subjective, this argument doesn’t hold much weight. They have had this show for two years and shown the family praying on it almost every episode. If A&E hated Christ and Christians that much they would have simply cancelled the show a long time ago. Also, with people being tortured, killed, and rejected by their families on a daily basis, I personally find it hard to feel sorry for a reality show star who got suspended from his job for saying crude remarks.
Phil was fired for speaking Truth.
Not in my estimation. If you read the entire article…Phil was pretty crude. We are called to speak the truth in love. Just speaking the truth is not biblical. If I were to be questioned and said something like “I just don’t see how anyone can love gluttons…they are just so fat and ugly…people who treat their body as a temple are so much sexier…but hey, fat people are sinful…it’s illogical…it’s sin.” Well, that may be truthful in my eyes…but is it helpful? Edifying? Was Phil looking to win people to Christ or to bash homosexuals? Truth without love is loud, clanging symbols.
We Should Boycott A&E…
and Cracker Barrel…and Wal-Mart…and Coca-Cola…and everyone who says “Happy Holidays”
Look, its your choice what you boycott and where you shop. But aren’t we called to live in this world and demonstrate hope, peace, faith, and love to the people? Instead of telling people what we are for (Truth, Love, Peace, Hope all found in Christ) we have become a fear mongering political movement that is scared of our own shadow. The world is the world and will always love the darkness. Let us not be afraid of it or curse it…but shine a light for all to see. The light of Hope…the light of Truth…the light of Christ.
