Protestors in front of Chick-fil-A in Laguna Hills, CA
UPDATE (08.03.12): I have responded to a few of the most common objections to this piece in a new post and have given some more practical steps for the way forward.
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It’s hard to imagine that one month ago Chick-fil-A anticipated being in the midst of a maelstrom of political conflict. But here we are. By all means August 1 should be a day like any other. But in the wake of, president and COO of Chick-fil-A, Dan Cathy’s statements in support of traditional marriage buying a chicken sandwich on August 1, 2012 means something different. One CNN headline reads, “Chick-fil-A’s stance on gay marriage faces test.”
A test? Is that what this is?
“The row over same-sex marriage could see thousands of Christians flocking to Chick-fil-A on Wednesday, while same-sex couples will turn up at the fast-food chain Friday for public displays of affection.
Both events are intended as mass shows of support by people on both sides of the marriage issue and mark the latest round in a longstanding beef that gay and lesbian rights groups have with Chick-fil-A’s leadership, which has openly espoused biblical values, not only in its operating principles but in its conservative definition of family as well.” CNN
Former GOP presidential hopefuls Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum encouraged that others show their support for Chick-fil-A’s stance by creating “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.” Thousands have already committed to supporting the fast-food chain by eating at the restaurant on August 1.
But they are not the only ones who will be present that day. Thousands of supporters of marriage equality have vowed to protest the same day. Chick-fil-A, whether they asked for it or not, is in the middle of a political and cultural firestorm.
Politics aside (is that even possible?), I want to make some comments to Christians about “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.”
Is this what Christianity has come to? Everyday I experience a rising need in certain Christian circles to “take a stand” on issues.
Is there a time and place to hold tight to one’s convictions? Yes.
Is it August 1at a fast-food chain? No.
Here’s why.
In a recent post on this site about this very issue, Dave Hunsicker reminded us that often boycotts (and I would amend that to read “appreciation days” as well) aren’t effective. But actually I think they are effective, however it has nothing to do with the organization and everything to do with the people involved.
“Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” is not about supporting a restaurant with similar political beliefs. It’s about drawing a line in the sand and saying “Here’s the line. Pick your side. You’re either for us or against us.”
In short, it’s about division.
A local church moved mid-week evening gatherings to Chick-fil-A in support of the company
I am baffled by the amount of times we pass over (or perhaps willingly dismiss) those passages of Scripture which show us how Jesus Christ behaved. I hate playing the “What would Jesus do?” card, but it has to be played. We see Jesus time and again hanging out with the people we would not expect. Tax-collectors, prostitutes, lepers. He hung out with those people it would be controversial for us to hang out with today.
I’m not saying that anything and everything goes. I’m not saying that there is something wrong with having a particular worldview. This side of eternity we will never have consensus. I don’t expect to wake up one day to find that individuals agree on every issue. I’m not telling you which stance to take on homosexuality.
But for goodness sake let’s start believing that God did not send Jesus to condemn the world, but save it! (John 3.17)
Let’s stop making divisions.
Let’s stop drawing lines in the sand.
Making public spectacles out of one man’s (or even one organization) stance does nothing to love our neighbor as ourselves. In fact, it does just the opposite. It says, “I support this stance no matter who is ostracized in the process.”
When Christians show up in droves to events like this I wonder do these same groups put this much effort into alleviating hunger and thirst for those who need it? Do they organize with as much power on “Chick-fil-A Apperciation Day” as they do serving the homeless?
It worries me that Christianity (in particular American Evangelical Christianity) is becoming more defined by what it is against than for how it serves and welcomes the way Jesus did.
“Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” will not do anything to help the company (which does not endorse it) profit. But it will do a great job of adding one more example to the list of ways that American Evangelical Christianity has required that its members take a stand for God (via a political issue) while completely ignoring that the two greatest commandments Jesus gave were this “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12.30-31)
American Evangelicalism will fade into irrelevance if it continues to spend more of it’s time organizing against perceived enemies and judging others (without looking at the plank in their own eyes) than it does on serving those in need, loving others, and most of all making a place at the table for our neighbors.
What will it take for us to be more interested in building bridges rather than closing roads?
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UPDATE (08.03.12): I have responded to a few of the most common objections to this piece in a new post and have given some more practical steps for the way forward.
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Thank you so much for sharing this message of hope, faith, and love in a loving and compassionate way! May God grant us the wisdom we need to be more and more like our Saviour. Grace and peace.
Good point, however, I would say that supporting chick-fil-a, at least the heart behind it as I understood it, was supporting freedom of opinion, not condoning a political agenda or helping them ostracize gays (which I don’t see any evidence of in what i have read.). That being said, i wonder what it would be like for Christians, whether they went to Chick-Fil-A today or not, to also show up there on Friday, to fight hatred with love and to send a message that a person can disagree with a lifestyle but not necessarily have to hate or reject an individual.
I think it has everything to do with that exact phrase. You say disagree with a lifestyle but not hate or reject that invidual. Christians always use the line, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” In reality, I think those that have to say it are those who need to rethink their reasoning behind doing those things, because loving the sinner and hating the sin, means you love me for who I am and not try to change me. That’s God’s job, not ours.
accepting someone for who they are is not love. its a misconception. when you really show love to them you arent afraid to tell them frankly that what they are doing is wrong. jesus loved the pharisees but was not gentle in his criticism. he also loved peter but at one point called him satan. by telling someone what they are doing is wrong we are actually showing gods love. god never changes anyone. he does not force his people into action. he leaves the options open in order to allow us to grow. if the popular christian action against gays was violence or verbal abuse (which does happen occassionally) the claim that christians hate gays would actually have a solid footing.
Matt- I agreed very much with your comment. I just wanted to let you know that Jesus wasn’t calling Peter Satan. He was actually talking directly to Satan whom Jesus knew was motivating Peter in that moment. This fact doesn’t change your valid point one bit but actually reinforces it. Jesus was able to see past a person’s words and deeds and see the enemy behind it. He knew where the real battle was. At the same time…He never shrank away from calling someone out on their own heart’s willingness to go along with the enemy.
This article really takes the stereotypical Hypocritical view of “Christians” way too far. It is simply someone wanting to point out that Christians don’t do anything but argue and fight against everyone who disagrees with them. That is simply NOT true! True Christians in today’s society have a harder time than ever living for Christ in a world of acceptance and tolerance. Jesus did teach us to love our neighbor, but he did not teach us that it was alright to ignore the sins in the world around us. We are to go out into the world and preach the gospel, to be an example of Christ in the world, and to Show others Christ’s love. But this idea of “acceptance” and “equality” have greyed out the obvious lines Christian’s are to live by. True Christians have no problem with the people, it’s the lifestyle and the constant sin that people live in that they are supposed to abhor and stay away from! It doesn’t mean Christians don’t love people, but they don’t love the sin… and neither does, you know, GOD!
Besides the ridiculous point that covers half this article being the a fore mentioned, CFA appreciation day is, and should be, truly about the freedom of speech that an individual living in America has as long as we still have it! Just because Cathy answered a targeted question honestly in an interview does not make him a bad person or have anything to do with his company! Christian companies operate on christian principles, gay and lesbian run companies are HEAVILY influenced by the lifestyle they represent, and so on. No one has a problem with that fact, but apparently, as a business COO, it reflects on the entire company, what personal views he expressed. Should he have kept his mouth shut? NO! Because this same tolerance that the writer of this article calls out for is NOT being extended towards Cathy and his (or the company’s) views! If people on the up side of the issue at hand really want tolerance practiced, then they should really think about the tolerance towards those on the down side of the issue.
“Christians” didn’t make the division or “draw the line in the sand”. Many simply took a stand because an issue of rights has been turned into an issue of religious tolerance where Christians will inevitably lose… A friend of mine literally said to me that she would never eat at CFA again because of “their” stance on gay marriage. This was of course not a cause of concern for me, or a surprise. What was a surprise was the fact that she could be so simple minded to think that CFA as a company had ANYTHING to do with Cathy’s statement. Christians and local churches are ALWAYS out helping the homeless, the poor, and the downtrodden, through collective ministries, missions, and of course time and effort. you never hear about it because no one really cares, But I urge you to go into your local evangelical or Baptist church and ASK what they are doing for the homeless and see their thriving food pantries and homeless ministries. ASK what they are doing for their local communities and see basketball ministries, youth groups, inner city camps, and local elderly outreach taking place. Look at their answers through a heart that id truly seeking God’s will and God’s use and then take a look at yourself and ASK them what YOU could be doing to help where you are needed. Don’t just assume that they do nothing because you don’t hear about it! The only reason this has become so big is because it IS a political issue gone astray and people on both sides feel the need to take a stand and show their support for their side of the issue. Unfortunately, the “Tolerance” being asked for is not being extended the other way, the TRUE issue of freedom of speech has been completely overlooked, and the expectation of this country for everyone to sit on their hands and try not to hurt each others feelings is completely one sided and absurdly against those who have chosen to live a life of Christ and abide by Biblical principles and truths.
It’s sad, but usually the ones who are most outspoken and loudest are usually the only ones who matter to a society of MTV generation twitterers who only care about the surface level of ANY topic of discussion and are easily distracted to the next big thing that it’s “cool” to be a part of, even if it is wrong or has been twisted so far from what it originated as.
Excellent article!!! Roberts is clueless on several issues that you addressed! thank you
Thank you for posting this! You put my feelings into words and so eloquently at that! It’s time to start walking the walk, people. Love thy neighbor. That’s all you need to know. Now do it!
This is not about free speech…Mr Cathy can speak his mind and find the top of the highest mountain to yell from..What this is about is the profit that comes from those chicken sandwiches going to organizations that *actively* push for legislation against gays and lesbians (or, as I like to call them, people).
When money starts flowing and turns into laws that cover the entire population, that’s not free speech anymore.
Yay! You get it! Cathy can say whatever he likes, but dammit, financially supporting hateful groups that discriminate is wrong, no matter whose god you do or don’t worship.
Exactly. Cathy absolutely has the right to express whatever opinion he likes, just as millions of people have the right to say that his opinion is rubbish.
And the argument that “it’s just his opinion” doesn’t hold water. His opinion is what guides how those profits are spent. And again, he has every right to spend those profits as he sees fit. It’s just that many, many people think that funding an unjust, discriminatory campaign against a historically persecuted group is wrong.
I love my Lord and savior. But I do not think that legislating my beliefs–in other words, legally forbidding gay couples from the legal ceremony of marriage–is the right way to gather people to the faith or to preach Jesus’s message.
Because really, the Bible’s condemnation of homosexuality can’t hold a candle to the recurring, all-encompassing theme of love and compassion that dominates the rest of the Bible.
We throw around the word “hate” so much, does anyone know what it means anymore?
I think the GLBT agenda will start to fall on deaf ears as the boy who cried wolf. If they keep calling the actions of those who disagree with them “hate” the word will lose its effect.
Such drama.
Seldom to I read these articles because they are always prejudiced one way and more times than naught, they are against those that do love and serve Christ. I am not sure why I read this article today nor why I read your response but I am glad I did.
Thank you Phil, I totally agree with your take on this. I believe with all my heart the Christians are being blamed for standing “with” someone that spoke his beliefs, which so happened to be that he believed in marriage between one man and one woman as the bible, “The Truth” tells all of us to believe. You are also correct, the Christians did not start the conflict, they are simply backing someone that had the backbone enough to state what they believe even if it is not with the current “agenda’s” support. I am sad when I think that many Christians find this support as offensive. I do not believe the COO intended to cause a national uproar. It seems I remember this happening to Kirk Cameron had approximately one year ago. He was being asked questions, he answered honestly and then he was crucified. Honestly most of all I am angered that people keep throwing in my face that I should “love others” pulling every scripture out of the Bible (out of context) and throwing them in my face.
I believe Jesus did draw a line in the sand. If I am understanding the Old Testament, God also drew many lines in the sand. The name “Lot” comes to mind here. My opinion is simply that, my opinion. However, I believe that loving someone does not always mean agreeing with him or her. We have to speak the truth and sometimes it hurts. If there, were those going to the appreciation day and “speaking against” others, shame on them. I do not support that at all. However, I do support 100% a company that has not compromised its morals simply because someone says they have rights. I am proud of those that will speak truth, even if it is not the popular opinion. I hope that I am never walking the fence when it comes to the truth and the Word of God.
Therefore, I want to thank you for speaking truth. We do need to love others. Nevertheless, we are never required to agree or side with them. Just as they have rights, I also do, or at least I used to before so many were willing to compromise or have fear of what they believed.
Before others condemn me let me say that I give a great deal of my time working those trying to get out of addictions, that have suffered from abuse or neglect, that are homeless and hurting, that find themselves pregnant, lost, and broken. I do not go to any of them and cram Christ down their throat, or require that they believe as I do. I simply love on them and allow Christ to shine through me. That is how I interpret the Bible in loving others. However, if someone asks, I will tell the truth. That is also what I am called to do.
@Phil – no one is persecuting you so stop crying! Bottom line Cathy is reaping what he sows. No one disputes his first amendment. Why would any gay person want to support an establishment that has a record of donating to organizations that dicriminate against them? (Family Research Council and Natl Organization for Marriage) How is discrimination Christ like?
Proverbs 22:8 ESV
Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail
It’s not a constitutional issue. No one is saying that Chick-Fil-A will have business licenses revoked or anything along that nature. Dan Cathy can have the freedom to say whatever he wants. And people have the freedom to eat there. And people have the freedom to NOT eat there and to say WHY. So at the end of the day, the backlash against the LGBT’s condemnation of Chick-Fil-A is about what exactly?
Phil, two points. You talk about “sin” with the clear assumption that homosexuality is a sin. Lots of people, including LOTS of Christians don’t think that way. Your understanding of Christianity isn’t the only one. You don’t have all the answers. Secondly, it’s not simply about freedom of speech. Would you organize a Chik Fil A appreciation day if Cathy said he opposed inter-racial marriage, or thought we should kill the Muslims?
lots of christians do not believe every word of the bible. the bible states that living the homosexual lifestyle is an abomination. christianity is defined by the bible and the will of god not by the opinions of american christians that are afraid to rock the boat. inter-racial marriage and killing muslims are not ideals supported by the bible are are therefore not christian beliefs.
I think the only serious issue in your post is “Just because Cathy answered a targeted question honestly in an interview does not make him a bad person or have anything to do with his company.”
Whether or not it has anything to do with what kind of person he is would be an opinion, however, it DOES have something to do with his company because it’s this viewpoint that dictates where *company money* is allocated when it comes time to make donations. CFA has donated over $2million to organizations that lobby against marriage equality; that’s $2million that could have gone to ANY non-profit – to benefit foster children, battered women, homeless shelters, food pantries, cancer research, AIDS research – but instead was given to people (who I’m guessing have their health, a place to live, and aren’t hungry) trying to “preserve” marriage. I could be wrong, but I’m fairly sure one of the tenants of faith was helping those in need. No one is saying, “NO CHRISTIAN EVER HAS HELPED THOSE PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY!!” – but what they *are* saying is “CFA had an opportunity to live out all of the Christian morals the company is based on, not just in prayer at the beginning of the work day, but through action, by donating the money they had to people who’s lives will be fundamentally changed by it.”
Maybe it’s a different situation in your part of the country, but the food pantries where I’m at are *not* thriving, whether they are being run by municipalities or by church groups. There just aren’t enough people donating goods, money or time to make them run correctly. I’ll agree with you that they are thriving when they can support all of the starving people in the country.
Aside from that, people who classify as homosexual are not doing so because it’s a “lifestyle” they’ve chosen; they are chemically attracted to women, in the same respect heterosexual people are attracted to those of the opposite sex. So, when a group of people says that they have “no problem with [indivduals who may make up a marginalized group, like LGBTs], it’s the lifestyle”, the group that’s being spoken *about* doesn’t see a difference. So, when you say “the “Tolerance” being asked for is not being extended the other way”, I wonder how it’s supposed to be extended both ways. Would the gay community have to “ask” for tolerance if they were getting it in the first place?
Finally, let’s be really, REALLY clear on one thing – no one is saying that you shouldn’t be able to believe in what you’d like or practice your religion how you like. No one is saying that there can’t be religious freedom in America, but personal freedoms come first. If your religious freedom starts to encroach on another individual’s civil freedom, it’s not really freedom anymore and shouldn’t be protected. You can feel however you want about gay people, Jews, African Americans, Catholics, Muslims or Christians, but you cannot exclude them based off of these classifications. Marriage was held as a civil liberty in the anti-miscegenation laws in the 60′s by the Supreme Court, because it’s a civil contract being signed by two consenting adults – there is no difference here. Continue to bar gay mariages within your churches if you want; that’s your religious right. But, based off the Constitution, the government shouldn’t have to make concessions for your religion.
In your last paragraph you got to the problem. The goverment should not be involved in marriages in the first place. They should have civil unions and leave the Marriages to the Church. God Ordained marriage thousands of years before the goverment of the United States.
Its not about what Christians are standing for or against. It is what Christians in a free nation have the right to do which is to allow their voice/opinion to be heard. I would argue that because Christians for the past 50 years have sat down and shut up that we now have many of the problems that plague our society. If this is truly how you feel then I would encourage you to never complain about the ills of society. Don’t ever complain about what is or is not on TV, the movies, etc. Don’t ever complain that attendance is lagging in churchh, don’t ever complain about whatever aggravates you. Using days like chickfila day to bemoan the supposed lack of care displayed by Christians for the lost is nothing more than trying to throw cold water on fellow believers. You are entitled to your opinion, but I am entitled to disagree with your timing.
Just because you have the right to say something doesn’t make it right.
And I would argue that the declining church attendance is precisely BECAUSE this is how many (not all) Christians have chosen to align themselves.
And yes, you’re entitled to disagree. Thanks for the push back.
I would argue that it’s actually American Evangelicals not shutting up enough that has led to the problems that plague society today. Maybe if we took the time to do what this article is saying – show others the love of Christ by reaching out, listening, ministering to the weak, poor and needy – then society wouldn’t be so turned off by Christianity. Christ reprimanded the self-righteous religious folks who condemned but embraced and reached out to those marginalized, and told folks, in love and not condemnation, to stop sinning. I would highly doubt Jesus would be standing in a picket line in support of a corporation – he was too busy healing the sick, feeding the poor and yeah basically doing ministry.
because Christians have “sat down” and “shut up”?
please see Irene’s comment.
remember when Christ told the religious teachers that any of them without sin could thrown the first stone? John 8. please note that he didn’t actually take the time to reiterate (or if he did, it wasn’t recorded) that prostitution is sinful. i don’t think there’s much question that prostitution isn’t what God wants for anyone’s life, but Jesus didn’t try to yell it into the ears of all present until the prostitute finally said, “i give up, you’re right.”
we have the problems in our society that we do because society has ALWAYS had problems, because that is human nature. sin nature can’t be “reigned in” and tightly controlled until it’s “fixed.” it takes the transformative love of Christ to change anything, and Jesus’ love is NEVER forceful or coercive. that’s the point, you can’t MAKE someone accept it, they have to choose for themselves. so shutting up is actually a pretty good idea. actions before words… the entire book of James… etc. etc. the tongue being a double-edged sword, and so on.
Please read John 8 again, first of all it was adultery she was caught in. He did show love and told her that he did not condemn her, but in verse 11 he said “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
Can we also please define what we mean by “Biblical Marriage”. Because the last time I checked Biblical Marriage included multiple wives, concubines, cousins, slaves…
Gen. 2:18, 21-24
The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him’…and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.
Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
This is what God said a marrige is. The others come from men and are in the bible but not approve by God.
Sadly the point of the support is completely lost on the author. I know of NON Christians that willingly support the concept of a persons right to free speech. The fact is there is a boycott on the company from the same sex community because of the CEO’s opinions. I would have no problem, showing up at a Ch. Fil et and showing my support at the fact the boycott is not going to hinder the business. I believe not that the line is crossed, but that it is a HEY it is OKAY to voice your opinion on matters.
We listen to supporters of gay marriage state their choices, their beliefs and their convictions (daily) so why is it such a surprise when a Christian company discusses what they believe? Sadly I think this is a tragedy, because most of the ‘christian’ companies will not be so vocal. You can still be loving, kind, gentle and still voice what the word of God says, and stand by your belief.
Yes, but Cathy’s opinion is literally “This historically persecuted group does not deserve the same legal rights that I enjoy.”
I am all for standing for the Bible. To attempt to legislate biblical views, though, will only produce hatred towards Christianity and its true message.
This seems like a better argument *for* drawing a line in the sand- just on the side that we all know is going to win instead of the side fighting a loosing, misguided culture war. Anytime we think something might be bigotry but don’t call it out, we de facto support the status quo. My two cents.
I see your line of thought, but I just don’t believe that this kind of political bickering (which is what it is) should be the hill that Christians die on.
i think a further issue is that “drawing a line” so often turns into “political bickering.” the two COULD, in theory, be separate, if we would draw our lines and leave them be, focusing more of our energy instead on actions that are loving and right.
WOW Incredible! In my little town in the Tehachapi Mountains we are fighting for our rights as Parents to say what can and canot be taught to our childeren. Because of an unfortunate insident that one of the students chose to do the rest of our childeren are suffering.The LGBT are trying to force our childeren to learn about thier life style choice’s and useing the cover of safe and inclusive schools to promote their agenda. Where are our rights no one cared that my child was bullied for being thin they called her the anerexic crack baby and threw food at her every day for two years. We have the right to teach our own moral beliefs to our childeren. No one should be bullied even the Christians have a right to promote buisness’s that they chose why do we have to lay down our rights and belief’s because you have a different agenda than ours. And if your going to mis qote the sciptures to fan the flames of you discontent shame on you. Jesus did love everyone and still stood against sin. Sin is disobedianse to Gods will for man, He didn’t distroy Sodom and Gamora for just homosexuality it was for all sexual sins sex with childeren,aniamls rape and yes fornication and adultry. The good news is this God forgives us of all our short comings and restore’s us if we acept his will and laws for mankind. He created us and knows better than us what works out for our beifit and what wont he wrote the manual for lives its called GODS word not yours and the Warentee was given to us when we acept Christ and follow his teachings. Remember Jesus Said “I did not come into this world to abolish God the father’s law but to complete it” The first five is how we are to show or love and respect to God who gave us the incredible gift of life the secound is how we are to love one another. Also remember when Christ turned over the money changers tables in the temple showing rightious anger? Evil FLOURISH’S when GOOD MEN SAY NOTHING.
So we’re clear, I am not opposed to free speech and Dan Cathy is more than free to give his opinion on the matter. As I said in my article numerous times I am not advocating for a particular stance on marriage equality. What I am saying is that its disappointing to me that this is how Christians have decided to respond.
Billy – when we’ve got mayors in our blessed country illegally threatening that they will deny building permits because a businessman exercised his first amendment right and answered a question expressing the same opinion our most liberal president ever professed even to hold up until May 9th of this year, things are going awry FAST in our culture. We are also followers of a bold LORD who overturned the money-changers tables in the temple and we should not cower to bullying tactics. It’s the reaction and backlash by such a supposedly ultra-tolerant sect of society that brings so much division and it makes it almost impossible to get to a loving dialogue (not that we should ever stop trying). Patronizing CFA today was not about ostracizing anyone and folks who chose to do so are not guilty of being unloving to their neighbor…it was simply a response in support of free speech and for Cathy being honorable in answering a question in a way that honored God and put Him first, rather than worrying more about how it might affect his business and pocketbook – not dodging like a slick politician for the sake of being politically correct.
Mr. Roberts,
May I ask you a question? In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Thanks for your question.
My reply would be in the form of a question. What does it take to keep someone from going to heaven?
Who decides who goes to heaven?
Does it require a one time prayer?
A commitment to following Christ?
Are their a certain number of sins that keep you out? Certain sins? Who makes that decision?
grt questions B Roberts. the answer is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and u will God to heaven. God says that.
Billy
Are you a Christian? How should Christians respond? People love mention how accepting Jesus is. Yes, he accepts all people. He DIED and ROSE for all people. However, He does not accept their sinful lifestyle. As Christians we are too emulate Jesus. That means that we eat with sinners (which we are all sinners) but that does not mean we support or enable them to sin. When a Christian supports gay marriage that can be inferred by others as meaning that Christian supports a gay lifestyle. Which we should be against.
No, the problem is “Christians” who simply decide not to take a stand for the truth (in this case true marriage and our basic constitutional rights).
I agree…this kind of attempt to shame other brothers and sisters in the body, therefore causing division within the body, is dangerous.
That’s the thing though; “true” marriage, which I’ll assume is a Christian wedding ceremony, is separate from a legal marriage. Legal marriage is a binding by the state, which confers certain legal statuses, rights, and benefits.
Otherwise, where do we draw the line? Do we outlaw greed, working on the Sabbath, and not going to church? Why persecute homosexuals when there are a thousand other sins that our scripture condemns?
Further more, why do we push this discrimination to such social extremes when in the grand scheme of things, “a man shall not lie with another man” is one single line within a thousand other pages that promote love and compassion?
Genesis 2:24
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
24 This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.
In my opinion I saw this as a way for people to support free speech and or also rally and show love towards our neighbor Mr. Cathy from the ridicule and backlash he received for stating, answering a question. I do agree we are called to love the way Jesus did and walk the walk we talk. Again in my opinion I was happy to see much support for freedom of speech and Mr. Cathy. I believe god uses all things for good and glory will be gods in the end.
By supporting Chick-fil-A on August 1, Christians are not putting a line in the sand nor are they taking a stance on what they don’t believe in. Christians are letting President & COO Dan Cathy know that he is supported, that people are proud that he answered the question honestly and didn’t back down from a question that could easily blow up in his face.
(Luke 12:51,52) – “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division.”
Those who stand up for what the Scriptures teach will be hated and mocked. That’s exactly what Jesus said would happen.
The church today is made up of too many people that think they are Christians yet have twist the words of the Lord to suite their taste. I hope there is more division and not just over things like the definition of marriage.
Jesus said if you are lukewarm he will spit you out of his mouth.
Just because I have a biblically based belief, and someone doesn’t like it, don’t expect me to be a door mat for you beliefs just because you don’t agree with mine and water down my beliefs. Some things are BLACK and WHITE in the Bible, and homosexuality is one of them. Passiveness on some topics are the same as condoning them. Jesus even saidLuke 12:51,52) – “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division.”
Oh, and it’s also about freedom of speech. When several mayors of different towns say to Chik fi la “Don’t come here because of your personal beliefs” that is the scariest anti christian/american rhetoric imaginable.
Billy, here are some verses that will hopefully answer your questions about heaven/salvation. If you don’t have a Bible close by, I can type them out for you. They are mostly in the book of Romans. It’s helpful to read them in this order: 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, 10:13. In summary, the verses say that we are all sinners and a penalty must be paid for our sin. God showed us how much he loves us by sending his son to die and pay our sin penalty. (John 3:16) Eternal life in Christ is a free gift of God! All we have to do is confess with our mouths Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead and we will be saved! The only sin that keeps us from God (and heaven) is rejecting Jesus. Once a person confesses Christ and sincerely believes, the fruit of that decision will automatically be a desire to please, follow, commit to and have a relationship with Christ. The Bible says that nothing nor no one can separate a believer from God’s love (Romans 8:34-39) and nothing can snatch us out of his hand (John 10:27, 28).
Hope this helps. God bless you!
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2012/08/01/why-the-chick-fil-a-boycott-is-really-about-jesus/
The Gospel Coalition seems to be consistently spot on, thanks for sharing.
here’s another article by the same author: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/05/10/why-christians-should-continue-to-oppose-gay-marriage/
Billy,
I halfway see what you are saying and halfway don’t. The part I “get” I appreciate, but I think you’re leaving out a few things that are better if not left out. In fact, it’s not as if “you” are leaving out a few things, it’s more like most people who take up “this issue” (i.e., “we’re showing the world what we are against and not what we are for”) are guilty of leaving out the other half as well. The Cathys are FOR marriage and family, not as the next Joe comes along and defines (or undefines) it, but as God has designed and defined it. Sure that also means that they are against gay marriage, but you neglected to mention what he stated he was FOR. In fact, this is the only issue I know about that the Cathys are against. However, I know a lot more of what they are for. So, it would be fair for you to state as much.
As for everyone going and eating at Chik-Fil-A today, I went, so I am one of the people you mentioned above. Yet, somehow, you have totally missed the reason as to WHY I went. First, I didn’t go because I hate gays and gay marriage. I didn’t go because I am against any particular thing. I went because I am for marriage as God has defined it. I went because I am for the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion and the freedom of public discourse and the freedom of the press and the freedom of thought and conscience. Every single one of these freedoms was squelched by the mainstream media in general and the homosexual movement in particular. They (the homosexual movement) fling vitriole like its nobody’s business at anyone who suggests that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. And WHAT, pray tell me, IN THE WORLD IS SO WRONG WITH BELIEVING THAT??? The homosexual movement is the nastiest talking bunch in the nation and they seem to be happy to trash talk any decent person who has a different view of the world than they do. Character assassination and degrading speech are their modus operandi, and the more public the platform the merrier they are to abuse them with their words (not to mention death threats). So, it is clear to me that they are against the aforementioned freedoms should anyone try to exercise them in a way that is contrary to their views. This is what I absolutely oppose. Their militant, KGB-styled, vicious attacks are what I wholeheartedly oppose. Their deep-seated INTOLERANCE that they call “tolerance” is what I am against. It is because Dan Cathy simply shared his personal opinion and religious belief on a matter (freedom of speech and religion, remember?) that they sought to harm his business and smear his name in the mud and mar it beyond recognition (meanwhile presenting themselves as the holier-than-thou “tolerance” police). Then, several high-profile individuals in governmental roles did essentially the same thing (showing themselves to be corrupt politicians and not men of fairness). Maybe you simply haven’t stepped back to consider these things, I don’t know. But my intention for eating “mor chikin” was quite simply a show of solidarity with Dan Cathy. The abuse he has received for his personal views is out-of-bounds, and I wanted to show him that I believe as much through my patronage. While the wave of intolerance towards Chick-Fil-A sweeps the nation, I wanted to let it be known that I stand with him being able to exercise his freedoms of conscience, thought, religion, press, and public discourse without his opinions being labeled or treated like “hate crimes” (it’s hard to think of a crime that is not a hate crime). It was a show of solidarity to him that I went. I didn’t ask anybody else who was at the packed out restaurant, but that was my reason. I wanted to show the victim of hate crimes that I was for him and his liberty.
Lastly, are you sure your narrative of Jesus is representative of the narrative of Jesus found in the Bible? You allude to some other things as if they are secondary matters, but treat your presentation as the primary thing. Do you have a justifiable reason to quote John 3:17 while leaving out John 3:18,19, and 20? Would you oppose an evangelist who calls out sins by name and tells people that God has commanded all men everywhere to repent and believe in Jesus or face His wrath and perish? (Because that is what all the apostles and Jesus himself did.) What about Jesus entering the temple with a whip and flipping over tables and driving everyone out? Where does that sort of story fit into your beliefs and presentation of them? Of course, there are lengthy discourses Jesus has with those who replace God’s word with the traditions of men, and Jesus’ words are not what would be considered “loving” or “tolerant” by the standards I have perceived you to have (the emphasis here falls on me and my interpretation of your beliefs – I would be very happy to hear I have entirely misunderstood your beliefs). Yet, these are all part of the picture of who Jesus is and what the God of truth has revealed about Himself. The crazy thing about it all is that we may entirely agree about everything theological, but I have learned that without theologically covering the bases thoroughly enough, it is easy to stir up unnecessary confusion and arguments. We all have much to learn and no one walking on Earth today has arrived at mastery. Thankfully, Paul left us a love passage that lets us know there will be a day when Christ’s perfection will be our experience (1 Corinthians 13).
I will say that you wonderfully asked a wonderful question above: “When Christians show up in droves to events like this I wonder do these same groups put this much effort into alleviating hunger and thirst for those who need it?” That is a GOOD question! (And especially so if asked in a sincerely inquisitive way as opposed to a condescending rhetorical fashion.) I can tell you are a thoughtful person who cares. I hope you are doing your part to feed the hungry. If not, join me and the many like me who are giving to the neediest of the neediest. (http://www.gfa.org/sponsorachild/)
God’s richest blessings to you.
One more thought… The apostle Paul said the same thing Dan Cathy said, yet not in nearly the same watered-down fashion Mr. Cathy said it. He spoke clearly on the matter (in a somewhat private letter to a church). Cathy spoke in a somewhat private conversation with a man from a newspaper that represents a large group of churches. I don’t think you would question my motives for wanting to go to “Appreciate Paul in Prison Day.” Is there not at least a little parallel here?
Paul’s words: (verses 18 and 26-27 in particular)
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
I think you made some good points, but you can take a stance against homosexuality – the bible is very clear that it is wrong.
I think Christians rallying around chick fil a is not spiritual, it’s fine if you want to go but it’s not important. People who live the gay lifestyle – this act shows them that we are against them as a people, which we are not – love them, don’t agree with their sin, but be kind.
Loved this except what I said in beginning ..
Than you for this wonderful and thoughtful article.
Just a humorous observation…
This post says Christians should stop drawing lines in the sand. This post encourages Christians to walk in the way of Jesus and consider (essentially) “What would Jesus do?” This post cites John’s gospel (John 3:17 – by the way, thank you for the reminder!).
Humorous irony: John’s gospel alone records the incident where Jesus drew a line in the sand. (John 8) That incident involved sexual sin and the religious instructors. That incident demonstrates both Jesus’ confrontation of sin and compassion for the sinner (think: cross-centered relationship).
You mean that story where Christ stood with the prostitute when the Religious crowd was feeling so righteous about condemning her and her lifestyle? Yeah, that is pretty ironic. It’s almost like Christ was standing right there at Chik-Fil-A…
sorry, that’s supposed to say John 8 in parenthesis.
Matthew 23:24. Heck, all of Chap 23. Let’s fight for free speech and insist the world meet our standards…and in the process, completely forget the priorities of God. I have to think Jesus is sick with grief over this.
This article has some good points… But I think it fails to acknowledge that Christians aren’t attending this “appreciation day” because they’re fighting same-sex marriage directly, but because they want to support an organization that isn’t afraid to show its principles and stand by it no matter what pressure gets thrown at them. It’s not that Christians hate all gay or lesbian people, but they HAVE to be against same-sex marriage; that is in the Bible, along with all the other things mentioned in the article. To be supportive of gay marriage would be a sin in that sense. Many Christian people are great friends with homosexual people, and these gays can be absolutely wonderful people. But Christians won’t go against God simply because others think that they’re intolerant.
So the article is right that we are creating a division, and that Christians are now mostly seen for the things they are against than the love they show to everyone. but clearly the motives that this author throws on Christians is wrong, and although this author writes with examples from the Bible to support the argument, he fails to really see the whole story, and to see this from a Christian’s viewpoint. We don’t hate gay people, but we can’t be supportive of their cause, and I truly am sorry for that.
Imagine if the Chick-fil-a chief had said he was 100% in support of gay marriage. Anyone who said they disagreed would be labeled as antiquated, with no knowledge of the “progressive” way of things.
The would be strung up in the court of media opinion: “Those right-wing/extremist/fundamentalist/backwater Christian folk (probably out to “overturn Roe v. Wade”) and “turn the clock back”.
Of course, this is in no way intolerant. It’s progressive. It’s…Chris Matthews and company already.
I want the two way street to actually work two ways.
2 Chronicles 7:14
American Standard Version (ASV)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Let’s humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face. Let’s turn from our wicked ways!
America didn’t become what it has because we didn’t protest more. It’s because we grew complacent and because we left our first love. We became lukewarm in our love for Jesus.
Let’s seek Him, be still in His presence. Wait for the Lord to act. Fruitfulness flows out of hearts that only do what they see their Father doing.
I agree to support Mr. Cathy, but let’s go back to our first love for we wrestle not against flesh and blood.
I don’t see this issue as just one if gays/gay marriage vs biblical views. What I think really got to people were the various mayors and politicians who criticized the personal opinion of a corporate leader. When these people used their position to push a personal agenda they politicized it and created a public outcry. I do not disagree with your statements but this “personal opinion” of Chuck-Fl-A’s CEO was l labeled the corporation’s position and im not sure that is correct.
Christians have sat on the sidelines for too many years allowing the social climate of this country to go down the toilet allowing celebrity Christians to do the talking, often with miserable results. Yesterday was just an easy way to show people are tired of what is going on in our country.
I agree with your comments about Christians and how they should show the love of Christ to different people instead of drawing a lines, but I also think people often draw the line over Christians telling them what to say or not say, telling them they are idiots and bigots, people are not open to even hearing what they have to say because they too, are often pre-judged. I know there are those crazies out there that ill represent what Christians stand for BUT there are those people who want to stand for what’s right but still have love and compassion for people who need it…we live in a “anti” Jesus world- if you even mention Jesus someone will get hurt type deal. I feel that what Christians wanted to do is show that we too can stand up and have the freedom of speech as anyone else who may do so for anything they want to stand up for. I feel like since Dan Cathy’s statement, Christians have been unnecessarily bullied and mocked SO I feel like for that reason everyone who went to Chickfila simpIy bought food to symbolize that we too can make a public stance for our rights and freedom in a peaceful non aggressive way…no one was hurt, blamed, looked at funny, bullied or mocked…they just grabbed their meals and made their statement (cause they could). People have this wrong perception that is you are a Christian you should do nothing or that you should take ridicules and take the punches because if you don’t, we will use those things against you….No, Christians are human and they have breaking points…they have the right to voice what they believe just like ANYONE does!
Also, I know of a lot of Christians that have traveled into the most horrible places to love and serve people. If a Christian is NOT loving and serving as Christ OR living according to God’s word then PLAIN & SIMPLE they are not living the way that they should. If Christ followers ill represent Christ then they are wrong. With that said, I do not think Christians ill represented Christ with a purchase of a chicken sandwich.
Today I feel a broken heart. My faith has been shaken. Some people think this is about freedom of speech. It’s not. Christians like myself (we who were not going to CFA yesterday) feel austracised and alienated in the church, because we believe love is greater than hate. So here is why we were angry at CFA: They donated money to groups specifically created to hate homosexuals and spread mis-information. Hate-groups as defined by Southern Poverty Law Center. THIS is what we are angry about. Not what he thinks. He is free to think and say what he wants. But when a Christian actively spend money to hurt people, a line has to be drawn.
This has caused me to feel really bad about my kind: Christians. We’ve been gloatingly coming back from CFA saying “the lines were long” as if that is something to be proud of. Is this what we’re supposed to be all about? If so, I want no part of it.
Maddie,
Apparently you don’t realize the radical nature of the Southern Poverty Law Center. There is no such thing as neutral in this world, and they are no such exception. I was on their site last week, reading their “profiles” and they are anything but neutral and a fair or balanced source of information. They are deeply against many GOOD groups and people. By their choice of words they seek to slant your opinion in their direction. I encourage you to re-read what they have written, seek out multiple secondary sources to either confirm or deny the facts, and carefully consider what they are including in their profiles that is really a way of inserting their opinion. They are not a neutral source of information by any stretch of the imagination.
And neither is Focus on the Family, one of the groups CFA funds. FotF brazenly declares that the entire science behind gender identity is wrong, with no support to back up the claim.
I love my Lord and savior. I also believe that attempting to legislate my beliefs onto the entire country will produce nothing but backlash against Christianity, as well as alienate those most in need of compassion and redemption.
Phil you are on a long rant at the start of this article. You have used (in my view) a faulty premise at the onset of this argument that i would love to dialogue with you about. I believe it has led to a lot of negative banter and mudslinging on this post.
It modern world of american business there is no such thing as a private CEO, of a private Company, giving his private opinions regarding any particular issue. (Especially one that is at the center of public debate these days). Legally a public figure (such a prominent business leader) has less of a right to privacy then a regular American Citizen, this was written into the American Constitution to ensure transparency to the new democracy. This legal distinction is built off of the presupposition that public figures have major influence (which is clearly the case here) and should have their private affairs be known, because they will significantly impact the country.
So to argue “Just because Cathy answered a targeted question honestly in an interview does not………. have anything to do with his company!” is (according to my political science education), totally incorrect and really un-consitutional.
When did anyone from Chick-fil-A say that Gays or Lesbians are not welcome to eat there? I think what I heard is Dan Cathy gave his stance on Marriage. I don’t think he ever said if you disagree with me you can’t come to eat at Chick-fil-A. I don’t think anyone is saying that. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Great article! And maybe it’s about time that “American Evangelicalism” fades into irrelevancy. If we stopped defining ourselves by our national heritage and started identifying with our spiritual one, maybe it would encourage us to actually live up to it.
Dang. It looks like this article got linked to on the wrong blogs. Three Gospel Coalition shout-outs?? What’s happening here??
And for those of you who arguing about the atrocity of people being angry about “Cathy’s personal views”, read this: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/conor-gaughan/chick-fil-a-homophobia_b_1711566.html
Everyone who has replied to this article negatively, probably went to Chik-fil-A and is now upset at themselves for doing so because they see your logic. All they have left is to die on another hill called “Pride”, and not except the fact that they could have messed up in representing God. Because as we all know, Christians can’t do anything wrong, right? (sarcasm)
Hey Billy, I’m wondering if the most loving Christian response is to avoid thinking a blog or some form of social media is where real dialogue occurs…opinions here are based on what we “think” are another person’s motives rather than having a face to face conversation… where we can better avoid stereotypes and potentially misinformed conclusions. Perhaps the best thing for all of us to do is ask questions…which Jesus seemed to be in the habit of doing…just a thought. Thanks
Free advertising is good for business!
With all this “support”, I’m sure Chick Fil A will note records profits for the quarter. Go Christians!
This author makes the same mistake the left leaning media makes. Who says that the people who went out to support Chick Fil A don’t ALSO reach out to homosexual and other people who are lost? The author has made this an “either or” situation when it is not. There are many Christians who lovingly reach out and pray for homosexuals, and also want to support those who support Biblical view of marriage. What this was really about was letting the left wing, liberal “progressives” know that Christians are not going to go hide in the closet. Thanks to yesterday’s events Christian business owners don’t have to fear staying true to their faith.
While I understand, agree with, and (most importantly) appreciate the point your making – and think that people need to put MORE effort into making this point on a regular basis – I do not believe that this has anything to do with the chicken sandwich issue.
The problem with this situation is NOT based in religion, it is based in government and politics. I saw the image of the Mayor’s letter to Chick-fil-a on facebook and read a number of the comments. People were calling him a bigot, etc. How about we examine THAT? A company is being prevented for operating based on the beliefs they support? That opens a floodgate of possibilities none of us want to consider. If the mayor can stop a corporation the size of Chick-fil-a, why can’t he stop Mom and Pop from opening a restaurant, too?
This situation sets a precedent that no one is talking about…people in support of gay marriage are so titillated that a mayor would show such support by discouraging a company from operating based on their views against gay marriage, they don’t realize that what’s really happening is a mayor is stopping a company from operating BASED ON THEIR BELIEFS. If a mayor can do this, why can’t a mayor stop a gay couple from opening a restaurant? Or from owning a business of any other kind? Or from being employed at all?
We CANNOT complete the journey down this road with our integrity in tact. What kind of hypocritical nanny-state has America become that people who regularly espouse their right to think and feel whatever they want, are so in support of suppressing an entire corporation based on the beliefs of its CEO?
Morgan- the mayor of Boston, who I assume you’re referring to as writing an open statement criticizing Chick-Fil-A, never said they couldn’t open a franchise in Boston. He even state that he KNOWS he can’t block them from opening one; he just isn’t legally able to.
He merely said that he, as well as many, many people in Boston, would not support their business.
Of course he can’t actually legally stop them, but that does not absolve him or the people who supported his statements of undermining the rights of ALL American citizens to think and feel what they choose.
What he actually said was this, and I am quoting:
“I urge you to back out of your plans to locate in Boston.”
And.
“There is no place for discrimination on Boston’s Freedom Trail and no place for your company alongside it.”
What is discrimination? Allowing the traits of an individual (or company) to influence your interactions with that individual. So Chick-fil-a is discriminatory for what they believe, and therefore should be highly discouraged from operating. But the people discouraging Chick-fil-a’s operation, solely based on the beliefs of the company, should be encouraged? What kind of hypocritical logic is that and how can anyone who considers him or herself an American support such behavior?
Homosexuals are free to do and believe what they want, because this is America. CEO’s and Joe Schmoe’s on the street are free to NOT support gay marriage, because this is America.
Everyone here is free to believe what they want, but NO ONE has any right to infringe on, or interfere with, someone else’s right to do business just because the CEO has a differing opinion than the mayor.
It’s completely unacceptable, no matter which way it’s spun.
Mr. Roberts,
With all respect. Your article doesn’t make much sense. It’s like the guy in the civil war that wore a blue jacket and gray pants and got shot at from both sides. Also, you quote John 3:17 reminding us that Jesus did not come to condemn the world…….Why did you leave out the next verse??? vs 18 says that “the world was already condemned because the did not believe”. You see this is the fundamental problem with postmodern america…..We generally believe in God as a senial old man that is just about love, love, love. We forget that He is a Holy God who cannot dwell with sinful man unless our sins are paid for by Christ sacrifice. In other words: Mankind is not basically good and on our way to heaven when we die. Mankind is basically sinful/condemned and we need a saviour! Thus, Salvation comes only through Christ.
The issue is FREE SPEECH……All others are able to voice their opinions, if they are “P.C” However whenever a “moral” opinion is voiced, all hell breaks loose. As Christians, it’s time for us to STOP being lukewarm and stand up for what is right. I am so sick and tired of Christians instructing other Christians not to speak out, rather, sit back “in love” and let evil run rampant. Your article, with all due respect, was not Biblical, in fact it continues to support, what I call; “the wussification” of Christians everywhere.
The greatest commandment is love, not freedom of speech.
It’s different when someone’s opinion is literally “This disadvantaged, persecuted minority group does not deserve the same LEGAL rights that I enjoy.”
Because the issue at hand is legal marriage in the USA, which confers specific LEGAL benefits and statuses.
If you want to preserve Christian marriage, do that. Make sure your church doesn’t perform same-sex marriages, and live your faith. Attempting to legislate Christian beliefs on the entire population, though, will only produce backlash against the faith and will further alienate those most in need of compassion and redemption.
Is the “kiss-in” going to be a point of division? Anyone who doesn’t think so is delusional and has an agenda.
Personally, the owner of chik-fil-a has a right to say what he did. Conversely, I also defend the rights of the participants in the kiss-in.
Billy, I love your article and could not agree more with you. Great Job!
I find very little to agree with in this article. There is an incredible amount of ignorance among Christians on the historic participation of the Church in politics in this country, like the one who wrote this insipid article. The early American church leaders realized that if the church does not stand for righteousness and teach it’s congregations to discern good from evil, the country would fall into the hands of those who hate the truth of Scripture. The great revivalist Charles Finney said “God will bless or curse this nation according to the course Christians take in politics”. And most of it is not based in scripture, but a cultural political correctness. THE GOSPEL IS DIVISIVE. TRUTH IS DIVISIVE. Jesus was and is a polarizing figure IF you portray Him BiblicaIly. I am sick to death of Christians who are so afraid of “offending” someone that the only ones they will criticize are Christians who prayerfully and humbly take steps for truth. Jesus said “They will hate you because they hate me” Do we believe John 3:16? YES! And John 3:19 says “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil”
Those who proclaim truth and stand for it are doing what we are all called to do. We are facing an enemy in this country that will destroy our freedom and prosperity for generations and much of the reason for it is that the church has been absent in standing for biblical principles. We can turn it around starting with how we vote. I believe God is waking us up. We Christians had better stand together and start doing what God has told us to do. Stand. I am quickly reaching a place where I will begin to ignore those who only want to argue and do not want to DO anything. They are time wasters, and we have little left. This is a time in our history I believe is truly for those who have ears to hear. In my opinion the writer of this article is stone cold deaf.
I find it interesting when i look at the Gospels and look at the life of Jesus to find that He was divisive more so within the “Church” of that age…Jesus spent more time challenging the current religious beliefs than I ever see him paying attention to the political restrictions of his day. I find him spending time LOVING all people – serving them and winning them over to himself without ever engaging in a political war. Are we so afraid of losing our freedoms more than we are of losing our God? By that I mean if we push people OUTSIDE the church away because we stand for hard core POLITICAL issues that serve to make it about us vs. them…how do we ever expect to show them the love of Christ? I guess for me, I would rather lose my freedom yet gain a friend over to the mission of Christ…I would rather suffer present day oppression than to know another is living a life based a lie, living in their own version of Hell because they don’t know Christ and the fact that Christ came to set them free from their inner world of oppression…one in which I myself close the door of their jail cell because i want to exercise my right to religious freedom. Just my thoughts…
Billy – well said. I chimed in yesterday as well…just so sick of the whole thing and how Jesus’ name is getting dragged thru the mud. I completely understand and feel for BOTH sides…but there has to be a different way! http://www.practicejoy.info/2012/08/chick-fil-what-do-i-say.html
It is about freedom of speech not about what side you are on. The liberal agenda wants to make it about what side you are on. They are the dividers. People eating at chick Fila were supporting the owner’s right to free speech. We have to support and stand. It was a peaceful response. Not anger. Not hate. I really don’t like posts that encourage passivity. We are light and salt.
A follow-up example: if I were to campaign in support of slavery under Biblical doctrine (1 Timothy 6), and if I were to take black slaves to work on my farm, would you rally behind me? Would you support my right to freedom of speech and freedom of ideals?
Pushing this issue into the social sphere has defined Christianity in many people’s eyes. We have defined ourselves by who we choose not to support or associate with. Nothing could be farther from the true Christian teachings.
The thing is Mike, he wasn’t stating an opinion. He was reaffirming a financial promise to fund groups that actively persecute homosexuals and campaign to deny them the same LEGAL rights that you and I enjoy.
Attempting to legislate our beliefs on the entire country can produce nothing but backlash against the faith, as well as isolating those who most need compassion and redemption.
One thing that bothers me is how Billy (Mr. Roberts? I’m never certain) attacks a target that can’t be defended.
Who doesn’t have problems with certain elements of “American Evangelical Christianity”? Of COURSE “we” could be more giving. Of COURSE “we” could be more loving. Of COURSE “we” could be doing any number of things better.
But what does that mean? Does that mean I should stop my involvement in politics because that is time I’m not feeding the poor?
Three major city mayors threatened to effectively ban a company from their city because the CEO holds the same view I do. Should I sit meekly by, making no statement, raising no voice, allow my silence to be interpreted as consent because dissent will be interpreted as “division”?
I have me issues with division. Lord knows we need more love, more unity, more kindness, more charity. Should we eschew all pro-freedom statements because they may create division or turn others away?
All this to say I don’t know what Billy is getting at. He doesn’t like it, certainly. But he also doesn’t seem to know how the proper way to react other than to remain silent in all spheres of life lest we create any division.
Read my follow up tomorrow morning and many of these questions will be answered.
Thanks for the feedback.
The Chick fila appreciate day was for the customers not for the incedent that happen with Cathy. It just happens to be all happening all in the same week.
But people just didnt know they had the Appreceiate Day setup way before Cathy saying what he said..
Anyway I suppose Cathy and what he belives in what a marriage is between a man and women.
support not suppose
Jesus himself made divisions. In Matthew 12:30 Jesus said: He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
I was going to comment but PHIL (Aug 1)did it for me…..right on!
I do not understand why the author keeps saying that only christians are showing up. I went and 1. Am not christian and 2. talked to a lot of people who are not christian.
The point of the appreciation day has nothing to do with Christianity. The reason most people I spoke with went was because local governments in San Francisco, Boston and Chicago were threatening a private company for the COO’s personal beliefs. It is an attack by Government officials one person’s free speech. Any individual has the right to express his/her self and any individual has the right to not like what that person says and boycott their business. But the government does not have the right to harm a business because of a person’s belief. I should remind you that the COO’s comments about traditional marriage is not out of the mainstream, I believe most polls I see show around a 50-50 split accross the country on this issue.
When I went there was not with us or against us happening. Everyone was polite and just quietly waiting to order. No protests or anything. The only issue was the sheer number of people.
The author says that christians are focusing on what is against them… The christians (and others) did not start anything. It was public officials who threatened this company.
I am glad people choose to peacefully partake in chick fil a appreciation day and I am glad that others had the choice to not attend (or not ever eat at Chick Fil A) if they choose not to.
Can someone list the “hateful” anti gay groups that Chick Fil A has supported with donations? I have yet to see the name of one. I can’t say they are or are not donating, I just havent seen the evidence, or at least seen a name so I can investigate the group and determine if they are indeed hateful.
Looking forward to researching the groups that Chick Fil A has donated to in the name of “hate”!
Josh – here you go:
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/groups/family-research-council
Thanks Diane,
I am researching their website. Looks like they certainly don’t agree with gay rights. I will continue to research on other sites both for and against them. Thanks for the information!
no problem! you’ll see that they use questionable data to make a case of “homosexuality leads to pedophilia” which is pretty destructive “science” > pretty sad that a “faith”-based org is devoting so much time to spreading such negative, divisive misinformation.
While I appreciate your article and agree that division is not something we should seek as Christians,mi do believe that we should stand shoulder to shoulder and support a man and a business that supports the biblical,principles that we espouse as Christians. Mr Cathy never said he hated gays. His business has no hiring rules that don’t all homosexuals to work there. Meh just said what he believed in. Meh didn’t say that everyone has to believe it. For him to be vilified for just stating his beliefs is the very reason that there are times when Christians must draw a line in the sand and say, Here we are. Interesting to me that millions showed up to support Chick Fil A on Wednesday while hundreds showed up to voice their displeasure. I think it shows where the silent HUGE majority stands.
A long time ago in a country far, far away . There were a people who owned shops, provided services , and were very affluent in their “adopted country” The citizens were jealous of the sucess of these people, and these people lost their business, homes and loved ones by being transported to ovens to their deaths ! The owner of CFA has the right to his views. I will not stop going to my gay interior decorator, even tho I dont share his marriage views. How will he learn that Jesus loves him and died for him if I dont share with him . Will he listen if I dont use his services , because he is gay ?