In Phil Robertson's first official comments since his controversial claims about homosexuality led to an indefinite suspension from A&E's "Duck Dynasty," the reality show patriarch defended himself Sunday during a Bible study at his home church.
Robertson allowed The Daily Mail to accompany him to White's Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La., where he stood by the claims that inevitably landed him in hot water.
"I love all men and women. I am a lover of humanity, not a hater," Robertson said while leading the study.
This undated image released by A&E shows Phil Robertson, flanked by his sons Jase Robertson, left, and Willie Robertson from the popular series "Duck Dynasty." Phil Robertson was suspended last week for disparaging comments he made to GQ magazine about gay people. (Credit: AP Photo/A&E, Zach Dilgard)
While addressing the small group for about 45 minutes, the Daily Mail reported that he spoke about sexual sin, among other issues.
"I have been immoral, drunk, high. I ran with the wicked people for 28 years and I have run with the Jesus people since and the contrast is astounding," he said. "I tell people, 'You are a sinner, we all are. Do you want to hear my story before I give you the bottom line on your story?'"
Robertson made additional comments about men and women and procreation -- statements that could further rile his ideological and theological opponents.
Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the "Duck Dynasty" TV series, center, leaves the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. Robertson was suspended last week for disparaging comments he made to GQ magazine about gay people. (Credit: AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
"Commonsense says we are not going to procreate the human race unless we have a man and a woman," he said. "From the beginning Jesus said, 'It is a man and a woman.' Adam was made and Eve was made for this reason. They left their fathers and mothers and be united to become one flesh, that’s what marriage is all about."
In speaking about sexual sin, Robertson said that people get mad when it is discussed, but that he believes it is important to share the Bible's message. As for the sins, themselves, the Robertson family patriarch said that human beings haven't changed much and that sin continues to plague men and women alike.
"Jesus will take sins away, if you’re a homosexual he’ll take it away, if you’re an adulterer, if you’re a liar, what’s the difference? If you break one sin you may as well break them all," he said.
This undated image released by A&E shows brothers Silas "Uncle Si" Robertson, left, and Phil Robertson from the popular series "Duck Dynasty." Phil Robertson was suspended last week for disparaging comments he made to GQ magazine about gay people. (Credit: AP Photo/A&E, Zach Dilgard)
Specifically addressing the controversy that broke out this week, Robertson added that he is educated, despite being called ignorant following his comments about homosexuality.
He also noted that he has been preaching about sin for quite some time and that his messages, which he said always put Jesus Christ at the center, are nothing new.
Wille Robertson, center, star of the TV series "Duck Dynasty" leaves the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ, in West Monroe, La. Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. Willie's father Phil, the patriarch of the Robertson family, was suspended last week for disparaging comments he made to GQ magazine about gay people. (Credit: AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Read more about the story here.
(H/T: Daily Mail)
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