Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Does This Chicken Offend You?

I swore to myself I would stay away from this one. Guess I need to stop swearing, huh? I really wanted to just stay out of the whole Chick-fil-A vs the same sex marriage debate. Why? Because there is so much misinformation and religious hypocrisy and hate and political posturing in that pool that I thought I'd be better off just sitting in a deck chair sipping a cold drink as I observe the last vestiges of American common sense slip down the drain.

Well, I changed my mind. I do that a lot. You'll get used to it. I've decided to weigh in with my OPINION which is worth exactly what you paid for it. If it offends you, you are free to close your eyes,  read no further and then hit the delete button which is your RIGHT. I won't mind. Actually, I won't even know. We are all way too easily offended these days which is what led to this latest brouhaha over what the president of Chick-fil-A, Mr. Cathy (no relation) said in an interview in The Baptist Press about his stance on traditional marriage. If you have not read the interview (I had to look for it...I didn't even know there was such a thing as The Baptist Press) and you have commented on this issue in some social media outlet, then you are not using common sense. Sorry, but you should get your facts straight before you form an opinion. Then you can actually have what is referred to as an 'informed opinion' rather than a 'random opinion' which (in my opinion) is pretty worthless and potentially even dangerous. Here's the interview in which Mr. Cathy was speaking to a reporter with The Baptist Press which I'm guessing he probably assumed would be read mostly by...well...Baptists:  http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=38271

That's it. He has said out loud in front of God and everybody that He built his company on Christian principles and believes in 'traditional marriage.' He means between a man and a woman in case anyone is confused by the reference to the bible. (Some biblical marriages were between a man and a harem full of women...I think it's safe to assume that since he was talking to a Baptist publication, he wasn't referring to that.) That's pretty much it in a nutshell. Hello, tempest...meet teacup.

I never saw anywhere in his comments that he was anti-anything. Or that he refused to serve anyone or hire anyone based on their sexual orientation. (Apparently they don't discriminate in either area). He was simply stating what he believes in, which is his right. He can model his American built company on any principles he wants to because last time I checked, this is a free country. He can give his charitable donations to anyone he wants to, as well. But don't worry. Here's the good news: When you build your multi-billion dollar company from the ground up, you can give your charitable donations to whomever you choose because that will be your right just as well. Nobody says you have to like what he says. If Chick-fil-A offends you, don't eat there. That is your right. Don't eat there every day!! That'll show 'em! Simple as that. However...When the mayors of two major US cities jump into the ring and threaten to keep this company from getting permits to build new locations there based on this man's beliefs, that IS discrimination. It is also illegal. It is also bullying and it scares the snot out of me.
 **By the way, if you are going to base how you spend your money on where businesses stand on moral or political issues that don't line up with yours, you might as well just start walking everywhere, growing your own food, live in a hut and give up Slurpees forever.

Now, let's flip the switch for a moment. To all of my Christian friends out there...I feel ya. I know where you're coming from and I understand the feeling of desperation as we see traditional values and morality and respect for our Christian beliefs being attacked and taken away in the name of political correctness. I get it. But what are we supposed to do about it? Million dollar question, right? But let us take a deep breath and a step back. I must now be completely cheesy as I say to you: What would Jesus do? Let me say this clearly. As a believer, we know that Jesus died to reconcile our relationship with God. Every single sin was nailed into the cross with Jesus that day. This includes but is not limited to lying, cheating, adultery, murder, stealing, gossiping, coveting your neighbor's wife and his shiny new boat et al. If you are a Christian who believes homosexuality is a sin then it was covered too. So, you say (with a plank in your eye) Living in sin is wrong! We are supposed to hate sin and reject it!! Is that what Jesus did? The way I read it, the bible tells that Jesus approached sinners and was a friend to them. He loved them and healed them and forgave them day in and day out. That was His ministry, for heaven's sake. Hate the sin but love the person. Our relationship with God ultimately will come down to Him and us. As a body of believers, we are to spread the gospel (good news) about salvation and the amazing fact that it is free for ALL. Yes, fellow Christians I said all. How about we focus on doing what we were called to do as believers and trust God to shake things out as He sees fit? Just a thought.

So where do I stand on same sex marriage? I think it's a lot about semantics. Demand the word 'marriage' and you'll have a fight on your hands. Same sex unions? I believe in the right for people to choose who they love and for them to be allowed rights that other unions are allowed. Doesn't really matter if I agree with it or not. Don't we have free will to live our lives on this earth as we choose, especially in America? There are consequences to every choice we make. Still, my choices will result in my own consequences as others' will for them. We all have to live with that. I try to live as best I can by biblical Christian principles. Still, I'm a sinner. In word and deed more often than I care to admit. I'm not anti-anything. I'm pro-human and pro-love. I'm pro-Jesus. Furthermore, I think anyone's sexuality is a personal subject that I would rather see remain a private matter discussed between the individuals involved. For the record, if you are gay and Christian people are mean to you, or belittle you I'm sorry on their behalf. Please forgive them. They know not what they do.

Now, remember...this is my opinion. You don't have to agree with it or like it. But I get to say it anyway and if you are an intelligent, decent person you will respect my right to express it.

Let's all take our common sense out for a little exercise. We could all use it. Tolerance is a two-way street. If something offends you, walk away, turn away, tune it out and let it go. Forgive the shortcomings of others. Give yourself the gift of not taking everything so seriously. Pray for the sinners and the broken hearted. Live and let live and let God be God. Believe me He is way better at it and it's too big of a responsibility, anyway. Eat the chicken or don't eat the chicken. There's no need to be offended by the chicken. God's will prevails either way. If you don't believe in God, that is your right. I will still love you and pray for you because Jesus said I should.

Peace and Blessings,

Cat









15 comments:

  1. Wow Cat, very well said! You really got to the heart of what being a Christian is all about. We really do need to remember "What would Jesus do?" everyday of our lives. Thanks for the post.

    Pam

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  2. Cat, very well said! I completely agree! This blog needs to be published...it is so well written! YOU ARE MY HERO! :) I am quite sure you captured into words, the thoughts of millions of Americans!
    Have a fantabulously blessed evening!
    Love and Hugs!
    Cindy

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    1. Thank you, Cindy. I don't know about the hero part, though!! Love and hugs to you, too.

      ~Cat

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    2. She was absolutely right about the hero part. High five, bringin it back ;)

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  4. One thing I would like to say is that Christ died for all, but salvation is only given to those that accept it. No one gets it without that. Christ also said we are to turn away from sin, not keep doing what we know is an abomination to Him. I think many will be slightly disappointed when God holds them accountable for blatantly sinning, whatever sin that may be. God never meant His precious gift as a free for all to sin against Him (to stake claim to I'm covered in the blood so it doesn't matter what I do). To continue knowing you are sinning is a human way of cheapening all that Christ suffered for us. That is so wrong. What Christ went through was out of Love and He suffered greatly and it should be treasured more than anything. Also, Christ said if you deny Him, He will deny you before God. God loves sinners, but hates sin. He also instructs us to stand up for Him, not be like Judas and Peter and deny and betray Him. How can His precious blood be treated with no regard and so carelessly? This is how I feel. Love you!

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  5. Angela,
    I am standing up for Christ in this post. I agree with you completely on all points. I'm just saying that Christ admonishes us (as does the Apostle Paul) that we are to love one another above all else. I think some Christians have made themselves so judgmental and self righteous that it is a complete turn off to those we are called to witness to. The hands and feet of Jesus should not walk or reach out to others with a scornful or unforgiving demeanor. That is not the example Jesus set during His time on earth. How will we hold those who are broken and minister to people while pushing them away at the same time? Yes, God will hold people accountable as He sees fit to do so. That is His job, not mine. I feel that as Christians, we will be held to a higher standard as to how we treated others in this life.

    "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. ~Hebrews 12:14

    I love you and your faithful heart!!

    Cat

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    1. 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

      Matthew 22:36-40

      BINGO!

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  6. Love you too! Your Pastor, a little over a year ago stood up and said the same thing the CEO of Chick-Fil-A said. The media had a wirlwind over it. Chuck and I applauded it. So, Joel does not think the marriage refers to any other relationship but between a man and woman. I do not, nor will I ever accept it. Do I hate them? No, not at all. I do love all people, but will not accept anything that is ungodly.

    (KJV)Philippians 4:8
    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

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  7. Awesome job! Loved your prose!

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  8. Well said!! It is well past time for all of us to take out our common sense and take it for a stroll. I, too, am very tired of all the political correctness!!

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  9. Recently at a preschool conference, a 4 year old teacher from Houston ISD was sharing ways to have good classroom management. One of those ways was to line the children up as boy/girl/boy/girl. HOWEVER, she stated that she is NO LONGER allowed to call them 'boy' or 'girl'. She now addresses them as ABAB JUST IN CASE, a child is CONFUSED about who he or she truly is. FOUR YEAR OLDS!!! That said, I believe this issue of 'you marry who you want and live your life the way you want' is still going to ultimately affect me. You may say, 'well, that is not in OUR school district, so I don't have anything to worry about'. Do we love? Absolutely. Do we speak the truth? Absolutely, just as our pastor has done and Mr. Kathy did. I am realizing this issue, such as this new classroom rule, goes far deeper than two homosexuals marrying. With prayerful consideration we must see the big picture and the effect this marriage act will have on society. This past year, in ministering on campus, we've realized that most of this generation believes in Post-Modernism. Very frightening b/c they have relatively no moral foundation based on God's Word simply b/c they do not know what it says or who God is and why He is. When we TELL them, then they have a choice/ free will to decide to believe or not. My prayer is that God gives me a way to reach the hearts of those who do not know b/c that is why we walk this earth. Our method of ministry should be bathed in love. It's uncomfortable at first to tell them the truth, but the Word says "The TRUTH will set you free!" When I share the gospel w/ someone, and many times it is one on one relationship type evangelism, it is with love that I tell them who Jesus is. I refuse to say 'you live your life and I'll live mine' b/c it will never be that way. I love them too much:)And b/c there is a homosexual agenda, not among all homosexuals, but quite a few. B/c of this, I want to protect our children just as soldiers go to war to protect the US. They certainly don't say, "Well, the Iraqi's will just do what they are going to do and that's their prerogative as long as my neighborhood is safe." In due time if nothing is done, we won't be safe. When any group of people refuses to honor and uphold moral convictions, our society is in trouble and we must continue to support Godly morality from the top of Government on down. What can we do? Write our Senators and Congressman and express our moral views in LOVE; Pray for our President and all those in authority b/c the Word says, "Righteousness exalts a nation". Lastly, ask God for the opportunity to share the Gospel w/ as many as He sends our way. "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" My husband's brother had AIDS and killed himself. We've known the pain and grief of someone in that lifestyle, so I speak with complete love and honesty and mercy. I have friends from just about every belief system. I tell them the Truth at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. May the Word dwell richly in us, so that we may be ready at any moment to, as the Apostle Paul said, always be ready to give an account of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Once I was lost and now I am found. May God give us the courage to shine our light, Jesus Christ, to a very dark world who desperately needs him just like we do:) Blessings

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  10. I have always loved S. Truett Cathy for the loving way he ran his business. I tried to impart his management principles when I was managing people. As far as his beliefs, well let’s face it, he was a 12 year old boy living in the American South when they repealed prohibition. He served his country during what Archie called The Big One. How could he help but be a traditional guy with traditional values? And are we allowed to have traditional values anymore or is tolerance one sided? This whole much ado is thanks to agenda driven media doing what they do best; creating inflammatory and credulous accusations for ratings and hair trigger politicos. Where are the vegans on this? As far as gay marriage I am 100% with Catherine but I will take it a step further: Marriage, parenthood, declaring a sexuality that bucks tradition, infertility-NONE of it is for sissies! I believe everyone should have the opportunity to put their money where their mouth is and make a real binding spiritual and legal and terrifying commitment. That is, if they have the guts…

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    1. Ha! I recognize who you are! I love this. Knowing you as I do, I must humbly thank you for your restraint especially your use of the word 'sissies'! You bring up a great point. Commitment is definitely not for sissies. ;0)

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    2. Lol... Where are the vegans on this? I'm weak. Well said.

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