Separation of church and state, it’s written in the constitution but what about separation of church and entertainment. It’s seems like everywhere you turn today there is another actor or musician speaking out on their beliefs. Yes, it is in our constitutional rights to have freedom of speech and belief, but how far is too far? And is there room for beliefs in entertainment or should its sole intention to be to entertain the population?

Celebrities’ speaking out is nothing new and it will not be coming to an end anytime soon, but the most recent one that cause a stir cost guitarist of the self proclaimed Christian band For Today his career.

Mike Reynolds shared his thoughts on homosexuals by tweeting about how a state church that advocates the Lesbian Gay Bi and Transgender community was being developed.

Afterward he tweeted, “Don’t be deceived, homosexuality is a sin. This sin with all other sins is what Jesus dies for. He conquered so that we would be free.”

He then continued by saying, “No such thing as a gay Christian, the same as there is no such thing as a Christian who loves his sin.”

After these few tweets fans of the band as well as fellow bands started to speak out against what Reynolds had to say.

Rou Reynolds, front man of the Enter Shikari and no relation to Mike, released a statement a few days after the remarks were made saying, “The though that we actually toured and shared the same stage as this musician in 2011 now makes me feel a bit nauseous. If I knew he held views as embarrassingly archaic and morally disgraceful as this, we wouldn’t have ever gone near the band.”

Evergreen Terrace also released a statement saying, “This scene has always and will always be about acceptance. Homophobia and intolerance have no place here… Fully understand what bands you’re supporting with your hard earned dollars.”

The next day For Today released a statement that said Reynolds had left the band to pursue plans of missionary work with his wife in the Middle East.

Vocalist Mattie Montgomery went even further and posted a video apologizes to any and everyone who was hurt by what had been said. He also shared his phone number and invited any and all who were affect by the tweets to call and text him.

I personally texted Montgomery asking him about the situation and Reynolds departure from the band but I did not get a response.

Reynolds also released a statement, which you can read on his personal Facebook page. It opens with, “My sole concern is not what I said, but that via social network there is a gage chasm between what is being said and the tone of voice that I would use to say it face to face. There is an apparent disconnect between tone and the statement I made.” There is no form of an apology in the statement, but rather defenses of his tweets and his beliefs.

The question still stands though. Should there really room for musician, actors, or any persons holding a pedestal of popularity to speak their sometimes line crossing beliefs. And is it right for them to use their popularity to sway the people who look up to them into believing something that is not their own belief?

I’m going to open up the discussion for you to decide. If you have any thoughts or opinions on the For Today situation or whether or not there should be a separation of church and entertainment similar to church and state write me an email at fscsouthern@yahoo.com.

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