CHALLENGING FREEDOM

Chick-fil-A is a fast-food restaurant known mostly for being closed on Sunday and for the Christian music played in its stores.  While being interviewed by the Baptist Press, Dan Cathy, the chain's President, responded to a question by saying, "guilty as charged" for backing "the biblical definition of a family."  In a later radio interview, he stated, "I think we are inviting God's judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, 'We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.'"  The proponents of same-sex marriage immediately began reacting to Cathy's statements with a campaign against the restaurants, mostly by picketing Chick-fil-A's stores, but also by some politicians jumping on the bandwagon, stating that they would oppose the licensing of additional restaurants in their jurisdiction.  Students at the University of Louisville, University of North Texas, the University of New Orleans, Mississippi State University, Gainesville State College, Indiana University, and Texas Tech University have all released petitions to kick their respective Chick-fil-A's off campus.

As I see it, Cady and his restaurant chain are being persecuted for making public statements which were based upon the Bible's teachings that call homosexuality an abomination to God (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:27).  According to the U.S. Constitution, Cady has every right to believe as he does, and every right to state his views publicly.  However, while he has the right, was it prudent for him to do so?  Jesus said, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Mt. 10:16).  Having the right to do something does not mean one will not suffer the consequences. 

Just as Cady has his rights protected by the Constitution, so do those responding in protest.  They may demonstrate, picket, boycott, or whatever, as long as they act within the law.  However, why is it okay for supporters of gay rights to demonstrate freely, but Christians are repeatedly thwarted from doing so at abortion mills?  Why do Christians need permits, and why are they required to stay a specified distance from the entrance of the "clinics?"  And, why is it that the liberal politicians jump at the opportunity to support their picketing, but conservatives hesitate to do so for anti-abortion groups?

I commend Cady and Chick-fil-A for publicly standing for the teachings of Scripture, and I certainly hope all those who agree with his statements will do their part by frequenting his restaurant chain.  I hope his supporters will also take note of those politicians' stance and remember it on election day.  I also hope law enforcement will treat all demonstrations, liberal or conservative, equally. 

Jesus also said, before you take a stand for Him, you'd better count the cost (Lk. 14:28).