Just when we thought we had finally heard the last of him, Israel Folau has made an extraordinary comeback by claiming the bushfires devastating Australia’s east were caused by legalising same-sex marriage and abortion.
Dear, God.
In a video let loose on Facebook on Sunday, Folau can be seen delivering another sermon at his church in Sydney’s north-west, warning all of us outsiders that the disastrous fires are a “little taste of God’s judgment”.
“I’ve been looking around at the events that’s been happening in Australia, this past couple of weeks, with all the natural disasters, the bushfires and the droughts,” he said.
Over the course of 10 minutes, the disgraced athlete and GoFundMe fiend claims it’s no coincidence that the bushfire crisis has come so quickly after we voted and legalised same-sex marriage and abortion. And he’s got sources to back his argument.
He reads scripture from the Book of Isaiah that states disobedience of the law and the “everlasting covenant” has prompted a curse that’ll consume the earth: “earth’s inhabitance are burned up, and very few are left.”
But don’t despair, he’s spitting venomous vitriol “all out of love”. Because, yes, naturally that loving sentiment makes the hurt of lost homes, bushland, animals, and lives all the better.
Look how rapid, these bushfires, these droughts, all these things have come, in a short period of time. You think it’s a coincidence or not? God is speaking to you guys, Australia, you need to repent.
What you see right now in the world is only a little taste of God’s judgment that’s coming, it’s not even a big thing.”
That’ll just about do me.
At Least Everyone Is On The Same Side… Izzy, STFO
If there’s any good that can be taken from his heinous comments, it’s the unbridled outrage that has come from, it seems, the whole country. From his most devout allies – Alan Jones (telling Folau to “button up”) – to the gayest gays, and fellow Christians (including ScoMo and Barnaby, and an Anglican bishop). Who would’ve thought?
BREAKING: BOM map forecasts spread of anger and disbelief across Australian Twittersphere as it becomes apparent that Israel Folau has opened his stupid mouth yet again. pic.twitter.com/4nASDEuVYd
— Jason Murray (@JM77) November 17, 2019
Folau thinks the Australian bush fires.
Which killed six.
Are the result of Australian abortion and gay rights laws.
Medieval fool.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) November 17, 2019
Israel Folau is our punishment for ignoring climate change.
— Patrick Avenelllllllllll (@Patrickavenell) November 17, 2019
Anglican Minister, Peter Kurtil, spoke to Sky News, saying Folau’s “offensive and wrong” words had no right to religious free speech.
If God was angry, God’s aim was off.
Bushfires in Darlinghurst during Mardi Grass would really send a message.
Israel Folau’s god is shit at smiting, just quiety.
— Helen Murti ? (@HMMurti) November 17, 2019
Everybody:
Israel Folau: “It’s been a while since I reminded you all that I’m a 10/10, A grade cockwomble. Please, pull up a seat…”
— Kirsty Webeck ?️? (@KirstyWebeck) November 17, 2019
The Prime Minister, too – a committed Christian who didn’t vote for same-sex marriage when they were up for debate – has blasted Folau’s “appallingly insensitive comments” that will cause “grievous offense this would have caused to people whose home have been burnt down.
I support #Folau‘s right to say stuff, just as I support the right of a Muslim/atheist to say untrue & objectionable things. Indeed, given his denial of the Christian idea of the Trinity, this is how we should support him: as a non-Christian saying untrue & objectionable things.
— John Dickson (@johnpauldickson) November 17, 2019
God must be so proud of you, Israel Folau.
— Megan Hustwaite (@MeganHustwaite) November 17, 2019
If he never comes back to rugby (or whatever other sport he decides to switch to), he’s definitely got himself a job writing satire.
Introducing our new staff writer: Israel Folau https://t.co/Dv5uPoRBRO pic.twitter.com/jnkDGOqi68
— ??? ?????? (@chaser) November 17, 2019
BREAKING: Israel Folau blames stubbed toe on same-sex marriage https://t.co/J6ok9KLcWC
— ??? ?????? (@chaser) November 17, 2019
Most of us just roll our eyes at this ridiculous statement, but for kids who are beginning to figure out who they are and whether they’ll be okay, these horrible comments can have profound, lasting damage.
Ask anyone over 40.https://t.co/86wJNhelYl
— Sally Rugg (@sallyrugg) November 17, 2019
Israel #Folau looks at the fatal bushfires and sees the murderous hand of an angry God, as payback for same-sex marriage.
Yet when I look in the face of the man I’m in love with, I see kindness, gentleness, and unguarded love.
I prefer to see the world my way. #auspol
— Troy Simpson (@TroyPSimpson) November 17, 2019
We’re all done with it, we won’t tolerate his hate speech anymore. It’s hurtful to so many. The LGBTI+ community. Women who have had abortions. Not to mention the Christians who are being vilified by his words. And, of course, the survivors and victims of the horrible bushfires still burning across Australia.
Everyone just wants Folau to do one thing. Shut ? the ? heck ? up?.
Image Source: Twitter (@mana_kailani)