"You could call it the Sodomite community, but that only affirms the male aspect (laughs). "Homosexuality" at least encompasses men and women." —Bill Keller

The first installment of The Devil's Advocate with Bill Keller drew lots of traffic and more than a hundred comments. Welcome to our second Q&A. I'll be playing the role of Devi's Advocate.

One of our most controversial religious figures, Pinellas-based Bill Keller is known for his incendiary rhetoric and unbending view of Bible-based morality. He believes homosexuality is an abomination, abortion is murder and … you can pretty much guess the rest. Click here for a bit more detail on Keller's ministry.

Today's Topic: Is Bill Keller a hatemonger?

The Devil's Advocate: Your adversaries often call you a hatemonger, or something along those lines. So I guess the most basic question is: Do you hate people who don’t conform to your Bible-based views?

Bill Keller: You know, that is probably the most laughable charge ever levied against me. If I hated people, nobody would know my name. The fact is, I love people. I love people enough to tell them the truth. If I didn’t care, if I was a hatemonger, I wouldn’t do what I do.

I don’t want to see people go through the tragedies of this life. I want people to be happy in this life and enjoy the life everlasting, and I know that’s only possible through Jesus Christ. The fact that I tell the truth isn’t an act of hate, it’s an act of love.

The way you say things about people — gays, Muslims, Mormons and the like — is often done with a harsh, judgmental tone. It doesn’t sound all that loving.

This article appears in Apr 1-7, 2009.

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