Yesterday was Chick Fil A Appreciation Day. Now, if you are unaware, this arose because an interview Dan Cathey did where he said he supported traditional marriage turned into a rallying cry for many groups, individuals and even government bodies to call for boycott and in some cases government blockage of the restaurants opening in their municipalities. The appreciation day was to show support for Chick Fil A and the company's values.
Yesterday, I went in support of the restaurant and waited for 45 minutes to get my food due to the large crowds gathered here in College Station. When I got home, I saw on Facebook and the news various reports of people who went- and also of people who disagreed with the idea of backing Chick Fil A.
Generally, what I have seen is that people who are against supporting the restaurant are opposed because they see the CEO's statements as hateful, discriminatory, and/or homophobic. And I have seen people accuse those who continue to support CFA are guilty as well. Even if you add in the fact that CFA does give money to some organizations that have been deemed "anti-gay," I just don't see the connection.
I do not hate gay people. While I do not agree with gay marriage, I have also done nothing to actively prevent it from becoming law. I choose instead to focus on improving traditional marriage- namely my own- rather than spewing venom on a different lifestyle. As a minister, I will refuse to perform a homosexual union, but that is about as far as I would go in active opposition. And while I feel homosexuality is a sin, all I will say is that, because I believe a person's belief about that is between them and God.
So, I didn't go to CFA yesterday because I hate gay people or because I am homophobic (I have no fear of gay people, rational or irrationally). I didn't go because I am a conservative, and I didn't go because all good Christians were supposed to.
I went to support a restaurant I believe in, who, I feel, was being ganged up on for taking a stance for what they believe. Anyone who knows me knows I do not blindly support something simply because it carries a Christian label. I don't like much Christian music, and I rarely ever watch a Christian movie because I don't find them very good in the quality department. CFA has good food, and excellent service with a smile and a "My Pleasure!" They are doing what all Christians should be doing, being the best at what they do. In this case, it is making chicken.
I went to support a restaurant who was being singled out by government officials and having the threat of governmental punishment in the form of denied permits because the CEO said he supported traditional marriage as a part of his religious faith. Not that he and his company denied service to anyone, or even employment to anyone, just that his faith dictated his beliefs and stewardship.
And since I seem to remember something about "prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech" in the Bill of Rights. Before it is pointed out that CFA is not a person, the government officials were making their threats based on a PERSON'S comments, not a business's manifesto.
I went because I wanted to be a part of making a statement of support for a concept: freedom of speech. I despise boycotts, they are the grown-up equivalent of taking one's toys and going home. But when someone or something does something I respect and appreciate, I am more than willing to show my support.
I don't know every entity CFA gives money to. But then, you probably shop at HEB or Walmart or Old Navy or McDonalds- do you know every entity they donate to? If you do, are sure you agree with every one of those recipients ideas? It is unrealistic- unless one goes totally off the grid- to only give their patronage to places they 100% agree with philosophically, politically, and spiritually. So, to those boycotting CFA, AND to those who are making their support for CFA about hate and discrimination- get over it.
A bunch of people went and had chicken yesterday. Some went for pure, positive reasons, some went for spiteful ones. Just like some people "occupied" various places for good reasons, and some for spiteful ones.
It is America, and it is our right to do so.
And it is your right to disagree with me and my choice of restaurants, and even hate me for it.
I will take your hate while I enjoy my 12 piece nuggets.
This issue has been so difficult for me. How can we just love on people? Building relationships with the hurting people who need the love of God needs to be our focus, and not rubbing anyone's nose in their sin. They will know we are Christians by our love, right? I'm not saying it was right or wrong to go to CFA yesterday. It's a heart issue for sure. Some folks went as Pharisees, thanking God for not making them as "one of these," and I have a huge problem with that. I also have a huge problem with people equating God's definition of marriage with "gay marriage." Lately God has been pressing on me how relationships are more important than being "right," and with that focus, I just don't know if it's right for me (I judge myself only) to take a public stand in this one. I'm glad that the day came and went and I was out of town with other plans already made.
ReplyDeleteI know 100% that thousands of people were hurt by the actions of Christians protecting free speech yesterday. Anytime people are hurt by Christians especially Christians in mass there is no way anyone can argue that is an act of Christian love. I also know 100% some Christians and people on the fence were push over to the side of disbelievers yesterday. The people were not hurt or did not abandon Christianity because a belief in "traditional marriage" or because of any potential homophobia they were hurt and turned off because they saw so many Christian go out of there way for something so negative and hurtful.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that people just don't get it. It's not about anything but freedom of speech. The owner was interviewed and because of his beliefs, which didn't fit in with the gay community and they are the ones who wanted to boycott them along with the government to denie his company the permits I just don't get y'all the gay community expects us to except their life styles but as soon as we don't agree with it, then we are called bigots . I have friends who are gay and all I know is that one day we all will be judged. I just tired of being called a bigot just because my belief doen't fit your belief. It's the same with Obama, if we don't how he is running the country, then we must be racist. I'm sick of it all!!
ReplyDeleteIf you're referring to my post, Hank, I'm not sure you read it. I didn't call anyone a bigot and certainly not a racist. Ps. Freedom of speech goes both directions but you're upset because others don't agree with you.
DeleteThe Girl Scouts partner with Planned Parenthood. By the reasoning being applied to Chick Fil A, a Girl Scout supports abortion, as does everyone who buys Thin Mints. Pro-lifers, like myself should demand a boycott (and some have). But I do not. I do not like the affiliation, but I am not rude or vile towards them.
ReplyDeleteA week or so before Appreciation Day, my family was at Chick Fil A, and we were told by a worker- here in College Station- that they had people coming in ridiculing them, and getting angry at the teenage workers for the company's stance. There is a You Tube video of a guy ordering free water and dropping catchy attacks against "hate food." Vandalism has occurred at CFAs over their stance.
Of the hundreds of people at CFA when I went, no one was angry. No one was shouting or even whispering hate. I'm sure there may have been some, but I've not seen reports of it.
If I am being hateful because I am supporting Biblical marriage, show me how. How is wanting to support other people who agree hateful? I've never carried a banner with a pithy pun against homosexuality, I've never threatened a homosexual verbally or physically. I have made a point to not make homosexuality a bigger sin in my view than any other things I view as sin.
It seems to me the days of friendly disagreements are gone. We all take things personally. I understand and appreciate people's passion for what they believe- I encourage it. Any time someone throws out "bigot" and "racist" from any viewpoint it is going to hurt someone. And yes, Freedom of Speech goes both ways- and we ALL get upset when others disagree with us.
I will not agree with everyone on everything. But I will still, as much as it is up to me, strive to build and sustain a relationship, as Karen said. Not just with those I disagree with, but also with those I do agree with. Because maybe I can be the bridge that brings them together.