Can Liberals Be Christians?

I've been reading about the controversy concerning Phil Robertson and A&E. I don't just read the articles and blogs, I also read the comments and, while some are ridiculous and very funny, others are hateful, bordering on dangerous. So, here's my take on the situation.

I read the GQ article and Mr. Robertson did not say anything hateful about homosexuals. He paraphrased a passage in the Bible that condemns homosexual behavior along with other sins. I looked up the scripture and, he didn't paraphrase by much. It would depend on which version of the Bible you were using.

Conservatives have jumped on the bandwagon supporting him, but, in my opinion, for the wrong reason. His right to free speech was not violated, as this right protects us from the government for speaking our opinions. Yes, he has the right to say what he said. They are also blaming the "liberal media" for ramming the gay community's agenda down everyone's throat. While I believe A&E made an error in judgment with his suspension, he is an employee of the network, and there may be something in the contract that prohibits this. But, since A&E knew that the family is a Christian family and believes what the Bible says, I find this hard to believe.

I am a right-leaning liberal. I'm also a Christian. Many people think that the 2 are exclusive of each other. Liberals can't be Christian because they condone homosexuality, abortion, etc. Christians can't be liberals because they abhor homosexuality, abortion, etc. It's a cache 22.

As a Christian, I believe that Jesus died for my sins and I have accepted Him as my personal savior. I was saved in a revival at the local Baptist church when I was 10 years old, but I'm not a Baptist. That may be the topic for another posting later.

I believe that, as Christians, we are to love one another, take care of the poor, and help those less fortunate than ourselves. The Bible also tells us that we are to respect the leaders of our government, because God has allowed them to be placed in the position they are in. We are also to adhere to the laws of the land, as well as the laws of God. The Bible also tells us to hate the sin but love the sinner.

So, if I follow the Bible's teaching, if I'm to help those less fortunate than me and take care of the poor, that makes me a liberal. I don't condone homosexuality, yet I don't hate homosexuals. There are some in my extended family, and I have gay friends. Their lifestyle doesn't affect me. And, while I don't advocate abortion, I do think a woman should have the right to decide what's best for her.

Both conservatives and liberals resort to name calling and damning others for not agreeing with their argument. Isn't that what makes this country great, that we can agree to disagree and still get along with each other?