Pastor Alan Robertson, one of the members of the large "Duck Dynasty" clan, has shared his thoughts on the alarming erosion of religious freedom in America and suggested that there is a double standard when it comes to celebrities speaking out politically.
Robertson, the son of Duck Commander founder Phil Robertson, weighed in on religious liberty during a speech delivered to a room full of evangelical and social conservative voters at the Family Research Council's Values Voters Summit, according to The Christian Post.
"We are in a perilous time, where from positions of power, I don't know that if in my lifetime I have ever seen more of an attack on traditional values, traditional family and really, religious liberty," Robertson said.
"Everytime that I come and speak for anything associated with FRC or with Tony [Perkins], I get the most vile, vicious, mean notes on my social platforms that you could ever imagine because I am a person, obviously, that is in the public eye as a part our family," the "beardless brother" continued. "[We are told] that we are not supposed to talk about what we talk about. That's who we are in that sense."
Referencing the signification backlash he and various members of his family have received for their conservative viewpoints, Robertson suggested there is a double standard in Hollywood when it comes to politics.
"I guess it's OK for other people, but not so much for us," he said. "So, we are blasted. You know, it is interesting because I am asked why we keep coming back to events like this and talk about it or talking about it in interviews and take this abuse."
While their views regarding issues like same-sex marriage and abortion aren't necessarily popular, Robertson said he and his family will refuse to "run from a fight."
"We are right about what we are talking about," he said. "As dad said last night, ultimately, our conscience, who we are, those of us who are believers know that God has put us in position on this Earth to be a mouthpiece for Him in whatever role we are. You don't have to be a pastor. You don't have to be a preacher. You don't even have to be a prophet to be able to do that. You just have to be compelled for the right reasons."
He added that Jesus told His followers to expect to be persecuted for their faith: "We should be able to talk about that consistently and not be maligned," Robertson stated. "But we are. But you know what? That is OK because God also told us that we would be persecuted for living that godly life and speaking what we speak.
"For Jesus Christ, if it is good enough for Him to be persecuted then it is good enough for me," Robertson explained. "And, I am not going to back away from the fight."
Phil Robertson and Willie Robertson have publicly endorsed Republican presidential candidate, praising the billionaire businessman's extensive business experience, "no-nonsense attitude," opposition to abortion, and dedication to preserving the family.
During a recent interview with My Faith Votes, the "Duck Commander" told voters to consider biblical principles before casting their votes.
"I am going to leave that up to you to cast your vote. I would say cast your vote for the one that we have a better chance to remain the republic that we are," Robertson said. "So, I would just simply say: You have political correctness on the one side. Biblical correctness on the other. I am on the biblically-correct side. Therefore, I would tiptoe through the tulips but you just have to vote your conscience ..."
