Christian values and beliefs have come under fire for centuries, but our present times have seen such opposition that can have a person’s head reeling from the forceful nature of it. We have been told that it is okay to believe, as long as your beliefs do not go against the ruling beliefs of the age.
People can speak easily of their rights, in fact, it falls off their tongues at the drop of a hat. You have the freedom of speech, freedom to follow your own beliefs, and the list goes on. However, as soon as a Christian exercises their rights in certain (most) respects, they receive opposition that can often be violent if you’re not vigilant. Of course, we are well aware that we will suffer as Jesus suffered if indeed we are His, but I wonder if people stop to think about what they are saying and accusing us of before they actually retaliate with some words or even fists?
This ‘topic’ circulated in my head after I came across news concerning Chick-fil-A, the popular American food franchise. There is apparently some controversy involving a report from the liberal outlet ThinkProgress that states the Chick-fil-A Foundation gave $1.8 million to three organisations “with a record of anti-LGBTQ discrimination.” The organisations and the donations given were:
- $1,653,416 to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- $6,000 to the Paul Anderson Youth Home
- $150,000 to the Salvation Army
ThinkProgress says that the Fellowship of Christian Athletes “seeks to spread an anti-LGBTQ message to college athletes and requires a strict ‘sexual purity’ policy for its employees that bars any ‘homosexual acts.’” The most controversial bit of the liberal outlet is that the Paul Anderson Youth Home (a centre for troubled teens) allegedly says that same-sex marriage is “rage against Jesus Christ and His values.”
Most of the Foundation’s money actually went to mainstream Christian organisations, but as with all things media, this was just an attempt to demonise the company because it is Christian. Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy once said that we’re “inviting GOD’S judgement on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say we know better than You as to what constitutes a marriage.” Needless to say, the media had a field day with that!
Okay, first of all, Chick-fil-A is a Christian company which means that they operate according to Christian values whether it is in business or giving. Secondly, they have the right to give to whoever they feel like giving the money to, right? But as it does not fit the criteria of ThinkProgress, then it’s wrong?
That logic is flawed, nitpicking at best. They are complaining about Christians being Christian, where’s the sense in that? It is no secret that we believe that homosexuality is wrong, that same-sex marriage is wrong, and that sexual purity is essential for all Christians.
I do not see it as discrimination, but obedience to GOD’S Word, but of course, people will twist, harp on, demonise, and fight everything to do with the Almighty because they believe the lies of the devil.
I give Chick-fil-A a high five for sticking to Christian values, even amid much opposition from the media. So many people have crumbled under the pressure to conform, but they seem to be doing all right for themselves. Plus, I hear that their food is delicious, so a Chick-fil-A experience is definitely on my bucket list!
