I don't usually like
to throw my hat in the ring when it comes to most controversial issues. I find that when people feel strongly about
an issue, it ends up being a losing battle with both sides hurling indignant remarks
that result in completely losing sight of what the core issue was to begin
with. So here is my disclaimer about
this blog; I am not going to give you my opinion on the subject of gay
marriage. I have my own beliefs; they
are mine and I reserve the right to keep them private. Because to me, the issue I have with the
Chick Fil-A fracas isn't about whether or not gay marriage is true
marriage. For me, the issue is the
misplaced anger towards perceived injustice that results in further injustice.
Yes, gay marriage is
a hot-button topic these days. Even
within the Christian community, there are many mixed opinions and it is hard to
find two people that view it the same way.
Compounding that, we live in a very reactionary society and it feels
sometimes that we are all walking around with our "dukes up"; ready
for a fight whether it is founded in fact or fiction…this is especially true
with the prevalence of social media. I
find myself guilty as well…getting my blood boiling over a seemingly innocuous
comment that is made that I interpret to be a judgment against me or my values.
So to the issue at
hand….the statements made by president of Chick fil-A and the resulting
backlash (to put it mildly). First of
all, the correct context is needed. I
highly suggest reading the article that incited this situation. You can find it here: http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=38271
. For me, before I form an opinion on a
situation, I like to educate myself as much as I can about it. After all, as the saying goes, there are
three sides to every story. What I find
enlightening is that this was not an article about anti-gay marriage; it was an
interview with a man about the success of a company that stays true to its
Christian values. Here is the actual
admission that has everyone up in arms:
"We are very much supportive of the family -- the biblical
definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led
business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for
that." There it is….his
OPINION…last time I checked, the first amendment is still valid and he is 100%
legally allowed to have his opinion. In
fact, he also calls out that he is married to his first wife, backing the
biblical stance against divorce. So with
the same logic being used, as a woman on her second marriage, I could choose to
take that as a judgment against me and the failure of my first marriage. Quick….someone call CNN!! How many divorcees are there in this
country…why aren't their voices being heard?!
What I find ironic
in the backlash, is the hypocritical stance of fighting intolerance with more
intolerance. The politicians are jumping
on the bandwagon to bully Chick fil-A by trying to prevent them from having the
business in their respective cities.
Because that's legal and right and tolerant, of course. (That was sarcasm, by the way!) Now, let me be clear…I do not condone
discrimination. If Chick fil-A was being
investigated for that, I would be as righteously angry as the next person. All people are created equal in the eyes of
God and I will defend that until the day I die.
As of now, there is no proof that I have seen or am aware of that shows
Chick fil-A discriminates against ANYONE.
In fact, their statement on the matter is that they “treat every person
with honor, dignity and respect — regardless of their belief, race, creed,
sexual orientation, or gender.”
Apparently they need to add in divorce status as well (sorry, more
sarcasm!). These mayors are setting a
dangerous precedent themselves - of discrimination against any business that
holds beliefs counter to theirs.
As some way of
concluding this…I would just state to be careful of the media. They thrive on sensationalism and have their
own biases, regardless of how they claim the opposite. The media is very good at making fools of
us…and fools are what we look like when we think that intolerance is the answer
for intolerance. That hate is the answer
to hate. That revenge begets more
revenge. Who does that glorify? No one but ourselves and our self-righteous
anger. The Christianity that I believe
in is one of love and tolerance; even if we don't agree on all the issues
modern society presents us with. Do we
fall short of this ideal? Every day,
sometimes several times a day…but we can aspire. As Matthew reminds us; "You hypocrite,
first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to
remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Or in more secular terms, "People in glass houses should not throw
stones."
