The title of this article includes several sets of scare quotes because that is what is necessary to convey the idea that the usage of certain terms by Brandan Robertson, who identifies as a “gay pastor” and writes for Baptist News Global, a major news source known for attacking traditional Christianity while claiming to be “Baptist.” Robertson recently stated that he intends to have a “marriage” ceremony as both a “gay Christian” and a “gay pastor.”

Brandan Robertson has been in the headlines quite a bit in the last year or so as he is an openly gay, self-described “pastor” who opposed traditional, biblical theology while installing himself as a biblical scholar and theologian. Robertson is an advocate for sexual immorality and teaches that premarital sex is “good” and “healthy.” Of course, conservative Bible-believing Christians would never consider Robertson’s claims to Christianity valid, but the world sees things like this and brings reproach upon Christ.

It is unclear why Sean McDowell decided to platform Robertson to give him a voice to continue to “explain” his aberrant and ungodly teachings, but he did. And though McDowell was clear he disagreed with Robertson on issues, he left enough ambiguity in his conversation with him to leave viewers to believe that Robertson was perhaps still a brother, but maybe just some wrong beliefs. At no time during the conversation did McDowell rebuke Brandan and call him to repent of his idolatry and heresy, so we’ll do it for him.

Brandan Robertson, repent and believe the gospel.

During the conversation, Robertson explained how Jesus “made mistakes.” One example he gave was that in Mark chapter 7, Jesus used a racial slur. In an absolutely heinous display of biblical stupidity, Robertson says that because this woman was willing to buck up to Jesus, Jesus changed his mind and repented of his racism.

This was similar to a previous argument that Robertson made in another video on TikTok. In that video, he stated:

Did you know that there is a part of the gospel of Mark where Jesus uses a racial slur? In Mark chapter 7 there is the account of the Syrophoenician woman–a woman who is Syrian and Greek–both of which there were strong biases against within the Jewish community.

And she comes to ask Jesus to heal her daughter who is possessed by a demon. And what is Jesus’ response? He says, “it’s not good for me to give the children’s food [meaning the children of Israel’s food] to dogs.” He calls her a dog. What’s amazing about this account is that the woman doesn’t back down.

She speaks truth to power, she confronts Jesus and says “well you can think that about me but even dogs deserve the crumbs from the table.” Her boldness and bravery to speak truth to power actually changes Jesus’ mind. Jesus repents of his racism and extends healing to this woman’s daughter.

I love this story because it’s a reminder that Jesus is human. He had prejudices and biases and when confronted with it he was willing to do his work. And this woman was willing to stand up and speak truth.