Israel Folau has been a star player in the Australian Rugby team, but has now lost his job because of a recent post about gays. I believe this raises some concerns.
Firstly, there is the matter of accuracy; what did Israel actually write? The media constantly quotes him as saying that hell awaits gay people. In fact in a post to Instagram he said; 'Warning: Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolaters. Hell awaits you.' This is similar to what the Apostle Paul wrote in our New Testament when he said, 'Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6: 9,10). So in no way are practising homosexuals singled out from other groups, but are included in a list among many others. The media are the ones singling out gay people in this issue.
Secondly, I personally think that the post was very unwise. It lacks a context, and therefore can come across in a particularly harsh way. Israel is also a very well known public figure and could have considered the implications of that in making such a comment. I believe that we can all learn from this, to take care with what we say on social media, for there is a right way and right time and a right context to make big statements.
Thirdly, it seems that anything deemed 'homophobic' is the ultimate trump card. A few months ago EU President, Donald Tusk stated this in front of the Press and cameras; 'I've been wondering what that special place in hell is like for those who promote Brexit without a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely.' True, there was some mild outrage expressed. But did Donald Tusk lose his job for this inappropriate jibe? Of course not. I suggest among other possible reasons that he didn't is that deep down most people suspect that he doesn't really believe in hell anyway. I also suspect that many who've approved of the sacking of Israel Folau don't believe in hell either. But the one thing you can't do without strong sanctions being imposed is to hint at anything critical about gay people; its homophobia; it's the great modern crime.
FourthIy, where is the real moral high ground here? I quote Rugby Australia: 'In rugby there is not a place for someone who puts their views or position in front of everyone else.' This is somewhat self-contradictory for obviously there are those in Rugby Australia who feel that they have the right to put their views before those of Israel Folau. And how does Rugby Australia know for sure that Israel's views are different to 'everyone' else?
But all the above is introduction to my real reason for calling attention to this which is because of an interview on Radio 4 with a well known gay rugby player. He was pleasant, reasonable and while in total agreement with Rugby Australia's decision was also polite in the way he spoke of Israel Folau. During the interview he acknowledged Israel's Christian faith and also that the Bible disapproves of homosexual relationships. However he informed us that if the Bible was being written today it would take a different position on homosexuality and this was simply accepted by the interviewer. My first response is to ask how does he know that the Bible would take a different position if written today? But much more seriously is the matter of authority here. Christians believe that the writing of the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit and carries God's authority. By what authority does a rugby player (gay or straight for that matter) feel that he has the right to declare what the Scripture would say if written now? This is the real issue, that on whatever subject, and whatever our personal likes or dislikes, do we accept the Bible as our final authority or is it always our own personal opinion? It is how we answer that question which may prove to be the really vital factor in determining our eternal destiny.