We had a lively debate on my post “Are you supporting Chick-fil-A day?” Click and read the Facebook comments.
However, there were other people weighing in that I think you should read. These are not endorsements, but are comments that you should read to consider in order to be informed:
“Palin: Chick-fil-A owner “getting crucified” CBS News, Sarah Palin.
I am speaking up for him, and his First Amendment rights, and anybody else who would wish to express their not anti-gay people sentiment, but their support for traditional marriage, which President Obama and Joe Biden they both supported the exact same thing until just a few months ago when Obama had to flip flop to shore up the homosexual voter base.”
“Some words for Christians on both sides of the Chick-fil-A war” by Rachel Held Evans, RachelHeldEvans.com
But I beg you to please remember that not all Christians who speak out against gay marriage are bigots or homophobes, and calling them those names is as unjust as it is unkind. Many of the people I love most in my life fall into this “camp,” and most of them mean it when they say that they sincerely love their friends and relatives in the LGBT community and wish they knew of some way to hold to their convictions without hurting or insulting their neighbors. With this in mind, please make your boycott a peaceful and respectful one by simply staying away from Chick-fil-A restaurants or protesting outside of them. I am distressed by plans floating around the internet that encourage folks to demand free food or water from Chick-fil-A restaurants on August 1 or to show up to restaurants in drag.
“Let chicken fly free” by Steve Salbu, New York Times
To those for whom same-sex marriage is personally objectionable, their free choice is simple: Don’t enter into one. But don’t impede the freedom of others to do so. As long as Chick-fil-A operates within the boundaries of the law, municipalities and institutions should leave the decision about whether to eat at Chick-fil-A to individual consumers.
“Being Holy in an Age of Being Right” by Michael J. Kimpan, Relevant Magazine
The issue is not homosexuality. We do the same with Muslims and Hindus, with Atheists and Agnostics… The real issue is us. We struggle to “put skin” on the words and message of Christ with anyone who thinks differently than us. Too often, we demand conformity prior to connection. When we approach one another as brothers and sisters—image bearers of the God we claim to serve—and celebrate what we have in common, we better position ourselves to helpful dialogue in the midst of disagreement. We carry divine potential for healing and restoration. We have an opportunity and responsibility to allow our words and actions to surge with the power and energy of a life of love.
“Ice Cream, Anyone? {Why I’m passing on the celebratory chicken sandwich}” by Brenda Suckrow, Once Upon A Truth blog.
Instead, there are fearfully and wonderfully made people on both sides of this delicate issue and we’re treating it like it’s a Jr. High cafeteria food fight. Chicken sandwiches and Ben & Jerry ice cream flinging and splatting all over each other. It’s embarrassing. It’s ineffective…The scene this week has given me a most tremendous stomachache. Why? Because, Christian brother and sisters, we are called to feast. The table is central to the ministry of Jesus. Can you recall with whom He sat at the table? {The sinners and despised.}
Let me know if you think there are others that are worthy.
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