Australia’s highest-profile rugby union player Israel Folau has again courted controversy after posting a link on social media to a video that warns against “tolerance” of same-sex marriage.
The video posted to Twitter features an 11-minute sermon by late American evangelist David Wilkerson who warns of “sexual perversions beyond description”.
Folau tweeted the video on Tuesday along with a message asking people not to close their hearts and while stating his actions were motivated by love.
“With great love, I wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it,” he said.
“Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don’t harden your heart.”
Folau took to Twitter again after the post to respond to a message from a fellow Christian critical of the video and his tweet, who requested apologies for the LGBT and Christian communities.
The star ignored the request saying his message was a warning motivated by love.
“Warning people of eternal punishment if they continue to live in their sin isn’t judgmental. It’s called love,” he said.
“I won’t apologise for believing and following the word of God. May God open your eyes to what a true believer is. God bless!”
The evangelical video is called “It’s time to get right with God” and features the Wilkerson’s fire-and-brimstone sermon.
Wilkerson, who died in a car crash in 2011, had long preached about homosexuality as an abomination, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Rugby Australia opted not to sanction Folau in April after he used Instagram to suggest gay people would go to hell unless they repented their sin, despite sponsors, including Qantas, raising concerns over his anti-homosexual views.
Wal
Roar Guru
Still doesn't protect them from losing their jobs if their employer (Australian public) or their colleagues (Party) decide what they have said is offensive or in the case of the later only cost votes.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Mango Jack, I watched the video too. And you are right that the homophobic lines are very brief, confined to vague references to sins beyond description and same-sex marriage. Wilkerson spends much more time criticizing young straight people partying on boats and beaches. Not to mention pictures of pigs and snakes to illustrate sinful behaviour. So we probably should be condemning Folau for his attitude to straight people. I believe he genuinely believes he is helping people to change their sinful ways, even as I disagree with his premise. I think he should keep it to himself.
anon
Roar Pro
He would argue that it's a lifelong process, he's a work in progress. He's certainly changed his life for the better through Christianity. I suppose the issue of homosexuals strikes a chord with Folau because the gay marriage vote was one of the most debated issues in the country last year. I think all religion is rubbish, but he's entitled to his beliefs and his views. He's not advocating death or harm to non-believers, just expressing a view. There's no hate or malice attached to his beliefs.
Peter Kelly
Guest
The bible has something to say about those who judge others must be prepared to be judged by the same measure as they would judge. It's not his religious views which offend me but his preaching about sinners needing to repent, his unwillingness to include gay people in the marriage club. He hasn't removed his tattoos which the bible talks about, he has horded wealth which is also a sin, I hope he and Maria are celibate till they marry and finally stop judging others with his opinion and hiding behind religion.
Peter Kelly
Guest
God didnt write the bible, it was written by man to suit those that wished to rule over us. Only certain texts have even been included others were not allowed, it was then proclaimed that nothing shall be added or taken away also a proclamation by man. There are also the old and new testaments which considerably softens the original message.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Totally agree anon.
Fadida
Guest
Because those Christian view seriously harm and offend millions of people. The Christian view is that is ok to have slaves. Is that ok by you too?
Fadida
Guest
I didn't mention Jesus MJ. I'm talking about God, supposedly the father of Jesus. There is no evidence God exists. Many loonies have claimed to be the son of God over the years. It doesn't mean they were. If Jesus existed, magic tricks aside, there is no evidence he was related to any god
Taylorman
Guest
Oh please, turn it up. This defending the obviously indefensible is clearly seeing some struggle with their consciences. Dignity and courtesy on account of being human? For real? This aint complex at all.
anon
Roar Pro
As we are inundated every week with a new sex or drug scandal in our football codes, it's bizarre that there's so much hand-wringing about a devoutly Christian bloke expressing an opinion that many Christians hold in a predominantly Christian country. Folau is an actual role model and someone children should aspire to be like. The guy has changed his life for the better with Christianity playing a big part in that. I think it's disgraceful how a bloke who has committed to living a clean life, who doesn't abuse his body with alcohol or drugs, a family, is treated with such contempt for his Christian views.
Cassandra
Roar Rookie
Raze and rise Ms Castle. It's time to raze and rise.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
Not quite true, fadida. Most atheist historians acknowledge that Jesus existed. Whether he is god or not is a matter of faith.
The Battered Slav
Guest
Yep, good point, and goes straight to what Lorry was saying above
PeterK
Roar Guru
you can add parlimentary privilege to that A politician is protected from any legal action for whatever they say in parliment
Lorry
Guest
Good points Battered Slav and Wal
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Ah, but isn't it said (by religious folk, usually upon the death of an infant) that: "The Good die young". Therefore, Wilkerson must be 'Good' and it was within God's plans (possibly to have a new advisor) to take him.
Wal
Roar Guru
I caught a great bit recently on the Islands struggles @ the 2007 RWC, With a section on the 5th Tualigi brother Julie. It was presented really well, as no big deal at all. Manu's take is pretty great too "He is known back home in Samoa, in the South Pacific, as a fa’afafine — the native term for a cross-dresser. Rugby union ace Manu — who is due to play for England against Ireland today — says: “It’s just the way he is. “He lives the life of a woman — he has the eyelashes, eyebrows and make-up done and wears a bra. It doesn’t matter. He’s our brother and a great guy.” Religion is a huge part of these guys lives as well, they chose a more inclusive version that all.
fadida
Guest
That's exactly right Piru. Sadly, even though god is fictitious,society allows people to be bigoted and hateful while hiding behind the teachings of this mythical god creature. If we replaced god with Santa would I be able to say te same things? Both mythical, historical characters.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
It is the Church of Mindaroo and the later day Saint Andrew, Everything you need to know is in a pamphlet called "WatchForce" We will be going house to house delivering it to you. Watch out for 2 burly guys or girls in freshly ironed rugby tops with their names emblazoned on the back in bold letters. Probably Simmo, Macca or Cuzzie. They are all great people, invite them in and listen to their message. They are quite partial to sandwiches and party pies.
fadida
Guest
I'm calling him a half wit because he is blindly following what he has been told from birth to be true, and in doing so again offending many many good people. By all means think these things privately, but he needs to shut his mouth, which a more intelligent and "good" person would do.