Israel Folau, has caused controversy this week after posting an “offensive” and “homophobic” comment on his Instagram account. The rugby star’s initial Instagram post included a citation of James 1:2-4, which states:

Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, because the testing of your faith produces endurance… so that you may be lacking in nothing.

In the comments section, a follower asked Folau, “what was gods [sic] plan for gay people?” Folau replied, consistent with the Bible and 2,000 years of Christian teaching, by saying, “HELL.. Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God.”

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the exchange was quickly shared on Twitter before “going viral around the world.” Sydney Convicts, Australia’s first gay and inclusive rugby union team, responded to Folau’s comments by expressing their disappointment.

Former Wales captain, and first openly gay rugby player, Gareth Thomas also responded to Folau saying, “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions, but personally [middle-finger emoji].”

Last year Folau sparked similar outrage after he took to Twitter to announce: “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. But personally, I will not support gay marriage.”

This is the world we now live in. A Christian man takes the Bible seriously and the world responds with bewilderment and outrage. They cannot comprehend that somebody who claims to follow Jesus would actually believe what Jesus had to say about the issue. One can’t help but wonder, would they make such a fuss if Folau were Muslim?

Isn’t it ironic that the “inclusive” bunch want Folau out of the game for expressing a different view? That’s how the tolerance band works after all…