Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson defended himself Sunday in church, according to reports, and won’t apologize for his now-infamous anti-gay comments. In fact, Phil reportedly doubled down on them, insisting that his remarks are rooted in the Bible and even suggesting that Jesus Christ can save gay people. “I love all men and women. I am a lover of humanity, not a hater,” Phil Robertson , 67, told a small Bible study group at his church in West Monroe, La. But the bearded leader of the duck-hunting clan surrendered no ground in his ongoing battle against critics who disagree with his view of homosexuality. “ I will not give or back off from my path, because you conquered death, Father, so we are not worried about all the repercussions,” Phil Robertson said. “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious,’’ he said. “Sexual immorality is No. 1 on the list. How many ways can we sin sexually? My goodness. You open up that can of worms, and people will be mad at you over it.” “I am just reading what was written over 2,000 years ago. Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom. All I did was quote from the scriptures.” “But they just didn’t know it. Whether I said it, or they read it, what’s the difference? The sins are the same. Humans haven’t changed,” Robertson added. Wearing his trademark camouflage headband, the bearded Duck Commander founder spoke to a small group at White’s Ferry Road Church for about 45 minutes. “Jesus will take sins away, if you’re a homosexual,” he said, adding: “Jesus Christ was the most perfect being to ever walk this planet and he was persecuted and nailed to the cross, so don’t be surprised when we get a little static.” He appeared to address his detractors (like Charlie Sheen ), as well, noting, “I have a degree from Louisiana Tech. But this week I have been called an ignoramus.” Phil Robertson Breaks Silence on Anti-Gay Controversy Afterward, Robertson joined the congregation for a religious service during which his eldest son, Pastor Alan Robertson, reflected on the week that was. “Well, we’ve had quite a week. Shot some ducks, done some shopping, ignited a national controversy,” Alan quipped to the 1,000-member congregation. It started when Robertson told GQ that “a vagina, as a man, would be more desirable than a man’s anus” and compared homosexuality to bestiality. “Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong,” he said. “Sin becomes fine. Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there.” “Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman, that woman, that woman and those men.” “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers.” “They won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.” A&E suspended Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the wildly successful Duck Dynasty, indefinitely, in large part due to the network’s gay employees . Will the show go on? Likely not without Phil, at least not on A&E. The family has implied as much, though it’s unclear what the nature of his suspension is. Robertson is still on the network day in and day out, and there are no plans to remove him from new episodes that have yet to air on the channel. Weigh in on his comments below and vote in our surveys … Phil Robertson: Should he have been suspended? Yes, obviously. He was way over the line. Maybe. I can see why A&E decided to. No way. He’s just stating his opinions, people! View Poll » Should he apologize for his coarse comments? Yes. I respect his free speech and religious views, but he offended people. No. It’s his opinion! Don’t bow to the pressure, Phil! View Poll »
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Phil Robertson: I’m a Lover, Not a Hater … But I’m NOT Sorry (P.S. Gays Are Still Sinners)!
