"Duck Dynasty" star and family patriarch Phil Robertson says he has been a Republican ever since becoming a born-again Christian 40 years ago. But he prefers to fight spiritual battles over political ones.
That didn't stop him from
speaking Thursday to the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, where he said God is the answer to the party returning to power.
"GOP, you can’t be right for America if you’re wrong with God," Robertson said at the gathering, The Washington Post reported. “You want to turn the Republican Party around? Get Godly.”
Appearing Thursday on Fox News Channel's
"Hannity," Robertson told host Sean Hannity that he and other pundits each argue their sides, but when it's all said and done, no one changes their minds.
Editor's Note: What the Bible Says About Investing (Shocking)
"With me it's all spiritual warfare," Robertson said. "I'm wanting them to give their life to God Almighty, Jesus his Son, and be saved from their sin – and be saved from the grave one day."
Hannity pointed out that Jesus threw the money-changers out of the temple and said to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God that which is God's.
Hannity argued that government takes too much of Americans' hard-earned money, government is too intrusive into their private lives, Obamacare is killing jobs and America should be energy-independent.
"So we've got to win those political battles, too," Hannity said. "I think they're just as important."
Robertson agreed with all Hannity's points, but said he just feels more comfortable dealing with the spiritual realm, "even with the persecution or whatever comes with it. I have a task to do."
Robertson came under fire in December when he told
GQ magazine that homosexuality is a sin. A&E suspended him from his reality show under pressure from gay-rights groups, but relented before Robertson missed an episode after conservative groups pushed back.
Robertson told Hannity he wasn't surprised at the controversy because Jesus predicted his message wouldn't be well-received by society at-large.
"It goes with the territory. Spiritual warfare," Robertson said.
Robertson travels the country preaching salvation, but most people don't know he started long before become a TV star, he said. He's actually preached in churches for 35 years, he said.
Robertson told Hannity his study of the founding fathers showed him that most were devout Christians, and he identifies with them.
Robertson said he became a Christian at age 28 after spending years drinking heavily and "living like a heathen." Once he turned his life around, he said he decided he should become a productive citizen and vote.
"I took the Democratic platform, and I read it, and I said, one thing for sure, I ain't no Democrat."
Then he read the Republican platform. "I said, well, they don't rip human babies from their mother's womb. They're not endorsing perversion. So I said, you know what, I think I'm a Republican."
Editor's Note: What the Bible Says About Investing (Shocking)
Related Stories:
© 2023 Newsmax. All rights reserved.