NY Mets' Daniel Murphy Becomes Latest 'Anti-Gay' Target for Christian Beliefs; Billy Bean has 'Christ-Like' Response [VIDEO]

Daniel Murphy Photo
Photo of Daniel Murphy |

The New York Mets' Daniel Murphy joined presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson as an "anti-gay" target after the second basemen expressed his views on having a homosexual teammate following a clubhouse visit by openly gay former MLB player Billy Bean. The NY all-star is now in hot water because of some statements he made that backed his Christian beliefs.

In an interview with NJ Advance Media, Murphy admitted he would welcome a homosexual man as teammate, despite disagreeing with their gay lifestyle. This was in response to Bean's visit with the Mets dugout on March 3 as baseball's Ambassador of Inclusion. The goal is for him to share his story as an ex-MLB player who had to hide his secret of being a gay athlete, and how club houses can work together to make everyone feel included.

However, although Murphy was able to hear what Bean had to say, he stuck to his guns as a Christian telling NJ Advance, "I do disagree with the fact that Billy [Bean] is a homosexual. That doesn't mean I can't still invest in him and get to know him. I don't think the fact that someone is a homosexual should completely shut the door on investing in them in a relational aspect. Getting to know him. That, I would say, you can still accept them but I do disagree with the lifestyle, 100 percent."

He continued, "Maybe, as a Christian, that we haven't been as articulate enough in describing what our actual stance is on homosexuality. We love the people. We disagree the lifestyle. That's the way I would describe it for me."

Murphy further explained that he is not passing judgment on Bean because he, himself, is not perfect either. He revealed their are things in his own life that he is "trying to surrender to Christ," one of which is "pride" he admits.

"I just think that as a believer trying to articulate it in a way that says just because I disagree with the lifestyle doesn't mean I'm just never going to speak to Billy Bean every time he walks through the door. That's not love. That's not love at all," said Murphy.

Dr Ben Carson Photo
Photo of Dr Ben Carson |
(Photo : Youtube)
Photo of Dr Ben Carson

Another person who has come under fire for sticking to their Christian values is 2016 Presidential hopeful Dr. Ben Carson. His remarks had a bit more bite to them as he stated on the CNN morning show "New Day" with Chris Cuomo that homosexuality is a choice. It is something he "absolutely" stands by.

Carson's belief stems from what he has seen happen in prisons, stating, "A lot of people who go into prison - go into prison straight, and when they come out they're gay. So did something happen while they were in there?"

It seems both Carson and Murphy's comments made the media circuit on the same day, and although both are from entirely different worlds, their common denominator is Christianity. These two men chose to go against the grain of "worldly" belief and put their faith first, something which they may not recover from.

One of the main verses on their stance of homosexuality originates from 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 in the Bible. It is here that the Apostle Paul categorizes homosexuality as a sin. "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."

As Dr. Carson continues to speak out because of his political platform, Murphy can only speak through the handful of team reporters during spring training. The ballplayer feels his comments are being taken for more than they really are, and will hopefully be able to focus on his skills.

"I completely understand why someone who believes it is not a choice, that you're born with it, would take issue with my beliefs, that it is a lifestyle," said Murphy to the Daily News. "One thing that gets caught up a little bit when it comes to believers in Christ is that always, we're condemning. We condemn homosexuals...'God hates this,' or 'God hates that.' God doesn't hate people. He loves them. Jesus loves them."

Since Murphy's comments have become public he has received a lot of flack on message boards, papers, blogs, and from fans. As the sports world was waiting to hear some venom back from perhaps an infuriated Billy Bean, he actually took a quite "Christ-like" approach himself.

Bean wrote a column on MLB.com, and shared that he "admired" Murphy because he was someone who stood for what he believed in. The baseball executive, applauded the Mets player for missing opening day last year to witness the birth of his son. It was a move criticized by many, but Murphy decided to put his family first.

Furthermore Bean wrote, "After reading his comments, I appreciate that Daniel spoke his truth. I really do. I was visiting his team, and a reporter asked his opinion about me. He was brave to share his feelings, and it made me want to work harder and be a better example that someday might allow him to view things from my perspective, if only for just a moment."

He continued, "I respect him, and I want everyone to know that he was respectful of me. We have baseball in common, and for now, that might be the only thing. But it's a start."

Bean said there is a silver lining in Murphy's comments and that is him saying he would be open to "investing" time in getting to know a gay teammate. "It took me 32 years to fully accept my sexual orientation, so it would be hypocritical of me to not be patient with others."

Bean concluded his column by saying the locker room is now much more diverse than it has ever been. He thanked Jackie Robinson for opening that door by allowing African American ballplayers to become part of a team. Since then the doors have remained open for Latinos, Europeans, and an influx of Asian players. This "inclusion" has helped baseball become a global brand, which is what now is being wished for by openly or closeted gay players.

"Inclusion means everyone, plain and simple. Daniel is part of that group. A Major League clubhouse is now one of the most diverse places in sports," wrote Bean. "With a little patience, compassion and hard work, we'll get there."


What do you think of Daniel Murphy's stance on gay teammates? How do you think Billy Bean handled his remarks? Sound off in the comments and let us know where you stand.

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