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Most Americans probably do not recognize the name Ian McKellen, but most would recognize his face. That’s because he’s spent the last decade of his life making two fictional characters very famous: Gandalf the Grey (from The Lord of the Rings) and Magneto (from the X-Men films).
He’s also known for making his stance on homosexuality very famous, as well.
The English-born actor is a very talented one; he’s been nominated for multiple awards on both sides of the Atlantic for his work in front of the camera. When his latest film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, was released to a worldwide audience in December of 2012, the British actor sat down with TIME Magazine to give his thoughts on several topics, including the Bible’s stance on homosexuality.
You’re playing Gandalf again in The Hobbit. If Tolkien were alive, what would you ask him?
Well, I don’t know. He is of a time gone by. Would he still be smoking today? Would he be the sort of Catholic who wouldn’t understand why someone like me would be openly gay and think myself God’s creature as he was?
You’ve been a longtime advocate for gay rights. Had it been legal, would you have liked to marry?
I always thought the one advantage of being gay was that you didn’t have to get married. But who knows? If someone gets down on one knee and asks me, it might be irresistible.
Do you still rip Leviticus 18 out of hotel Bibles?
Yes. And I have people who send me the page, tied together, saying, “If you want to hang that up in the smallest room in the house, that’ll do.”
Ripping out the unpopular parts of the Bible isn’t a good strategy for changing God’s mind on matters of human life. Sir Ian, as he’s known in Britain, may disagree with God’s Word – and even mock it by referring to it as toilet paper – but he will be judged by it, nevertheless.
Resource’s Origin:
Belinda Luscombe. “10 Questions.” TIME Magazine, December 24, 2012: Page 62.
Topics Illustrated Include:
Bible
Celebrities
Culture
God’s Word
Homosexuality
Influence
Marriage
Mocking God
(Resource cataloged by David R Smith)
