There has been much controversy recently over statements made by Chick-fil-A president, Dan Cathy. In an interview, Cathy was asked about the company’s support of the traditional family. His response was, “Well, guilty as charged.” Cathy also said, “We are very much supportive of the family—the biblical definition of the family unit.” The original story was re-posted in the Baptist Press on July 16, 2012. You can read that entire story here. The Baptist Press also printed a follow-up story on July 20, 2012 which can be found here. Before I jump off into this, let me say that it is not my intention to offend anyone. I’m not one for stirring the pot and sure don’t like opening cans of worms, but I believe it is important that we Christians take a stand for what the bible says. My personal opinion in all of this controversy is that we can be firm in our biblical beliefs while showing love and without judging those who believe differently. It seems to me that Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy is promoting this same attitude.
When asked about his beliefs, Cathy’s comments were positive in nature. If you read the story, there was no bashing or disrespect toward the gay community. The company president simply stated his belief when asked. Look at his statement again: “We are very much supportive of the family—the biblical definition of the family unit.” His statement “guilty as charged” referred to his stance on traditional family values. It was not a claim that the company is anti-gay. Chick-fil-A is simply standing behind their belief of the biblical definition of a family. However, soon after the interview was published, related articles began to surface with “anti-gay” in the headlines.
All the hoopla about being “politically correct” has left many Christians afraid to take a stand for biblical principles which are often not socially accepted. Often we find ourselves just keeping our mouths shut and not standing strong on those biblical principles hoping we won’t be accused of being judgmental or intolerant. Regrettably, continuing this behavior could ultimately lead to loss of our current religious freedoms.
A song written by Aaron Tippin in 1991 says, “You’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything”. Those words carry just as much truth today as when they were originally recorded over twenty years ago. It’s vital that Christians stand for biblically sound principles or we will look no different from nonbelievers. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and as Christians we can respect everyone but yet not compromise biblical values. However, we must stand against sinful behaviors, yet avoid judging the person. We must continue to live out our faith in hopes of making a difference in the world around us. Matthew 7:1 says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” It is not our place to judge any person.
Matthew 7:3 says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye.”(NIV) We all face temptations, but we should not condemn others just because their temptations are different from ours. In Galatians 5:14 we are called to love one another: “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (NIV) That means everyone, not just those who believe exactly as we believe. We should stand firmly on biblical principles, but that does not mean to turn away from those who believe otherwise. It is our responsibility to treat every person with respect regardless of their beliefs. Sometimes we must agree to disagree, and love rather than judge while standing firm on the Word of God.
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Related articles
- Representatives of Christ (strengthrenewed.wordpress.com)
- Billy Graham Supports Chick-fil-A (radio.foxnews.com)
- Chick-fil-A and the Ironic Allegation of Bigotry (wellspentjourney.wordpress.com)
strengthrenewed.blog 
Great post on this subject! We can love the person without endorsing or supporting their lifestyle choices.
Rick Warren put it this way, “Our culture has accepted two huge lies: The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear them or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.”
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Jan, thanks for sharing Rick Warren’s statement! It is so appropriate!
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It’s sad that tolerance is only afforded to “popular” opinions. Dan Cathy did a stand up job expressing his beliefs and love for all people. I pray that more are moved to do the same.
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I agree Brandon. He and his employees have exhibited compassion to protestors even through this controversy.
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