What's It All About, Alfie

    Chik-fil-A Appreciation Day was Wednesday. Hundreds of thousands of people turned out to show their support to the president of the company. Why? Just what is it that made people stand in line for up to an hour to purchase a chicken sandwich? There is a lot of debate on that along with the question of whether or not Christians should have been there in the first place. I have heard three reasons given for going to the restaurant that day.

     1. We support the view of the Bible that establishes marriage in the first place. One man. One woman. It is important for our elected officials and people across America and around the world to see that there are many who hold to that view. Not everyone who is against same sex marriage is a Christian, and not all Christians are against same sex marriages. Some choose to ignore what the Bible says about homosexuality just as some choose to ignore what it says about gossip, adultery, and not honoring your parents. Believing that marriage is for a man and a woman does not mean hating anyone. "I disagree with you" should be acceptable and should not be interpreted as "I hate you". Gee, who among us agrees with anyone about everything? Does that mean we hate everyone else?

     2. We don't agree with the Biblical view of marriage, but we do support his right to say that is what he believes. We also support his right to give money to whichever organizations he chooses. Citizens of our country are granted the right to free speech and freedom of religion. If you do not like the view of a particular person, you can argue it with him, try to change his view, or ignore him. You shouldn't get to call him names, claim he is a hater or that he discriminates against you because he doesn't agree with you.

    3. We don't think government officials should get to decide which companies do business in their cities based on the religious views of the company's president. This should have had all of America turning out to Chik-fil-A Appreciation Day. Why would any official in America want to keep a growing business that supports families (both traditional and non traditional) and employs citizens? I am glad to hear that Boston is an inclusive city. I just wish that meant inclusive of everyone. I am not sure what values Chicago has as I don't believe a city can have values, although its citizens can and most likely do have values that run a full spectrum. No one should be happy that mayors of cities are saying Chik-fil-A can't open a store there. Just as no one should be happy if a conservative mayor decided that Ben and Jerry's wasn't welcome in their town because of the owners views on marriage. This is a serious issue, and we all need to be on our guard against such statements.

   Should Christians have turned out on Wednesday. Yes. We have a responsibility to support one another. A brother came under attack because he stood up for what is written in God's Word. He needs to know that his family stands behind him. Yes. We have an obligation to uphold the Constitution of our country which grants the rights of free speech and religion. Did our actions show the hate to the homosexual community? No. Did the homosexual community take our actions as hateful? Many did. Why? Most likely because they are in sin and know it. No one likes having their sin pointed out, especially publicly. Abortion doctors don't want picketers in their neighborhoods. Adulterers avoid places where they will be seen by someone they know. Gossips don't share their juicy tidbits with those they know will disapprove. Sinners hate the light that shines and reveals their sinfulness. That doesn't mean the light hates the sinners.