What would a major effort to galvanize Christians to action be without a Christian blogger to explain how every effort to promote the action is WRONG? Barnabas Piper writes for World that this whole thing is a big mistake despite the fact he loves traditional marriage and Chick-Fil-A:
We cannot sacrifice our biblical convictions but neither can we sacrifice the church’s ability to serve people of opposing viewpoints and lifestyles. The 452,000 people supporting Chick-fil-A are delivering more than one message, and the message the homosexual community and its supporters see is “us versus you.”…There is a time for Christians to engage in boycotting, such as when a business deals in obviously immoral areas or is clearly unethical in its methods. But for a mass of Christians to descend upon Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country tomorrow to support the leadership’s view on this issue is, I believe, a bold mistake.
So to summarize: It would be OK if Christians were to boycott en masse a business that was supporting gay marriage, but to appreciate someone and show positive support for someone who stands by our values is a big mistake.
When one studies the history of the Church, the best of Christians have managed to love their enemies and love those who disagree with them without being mealy-mouthed, ambiguous, or weak. It may be a cliche but it’s true one. There is a big difference between meekness and weakness.
One thing Piper gets right is that he says, ” The separation of believers and unbelievers, when it happens, must be a last resort or an unavoidable result.” I think the result is truly unavoidable. The Chick-Fil-A controversy has seen mayors of major cities suggest that Christians have no place in the marketplace if they hold to traditional views of marriage. The ramifications of this are chilling. Today, big city mayors are saying Chick-Fil-A has no place in their city. Tomorrow, liberal Human Resources personnel will be screening out job applicants who oppose same sex marriage and for not living up to the company value of diversity.
If you are blessed to live near a Chick-Fil-A, go today, but don’t think a Chicken Sandwich will address all the deep challenges we face.
