jackpickel

OK, so I’ve waited to say anything about this Chick-Fil-A / Homosexual controversy so I could give both sides time to weigh in.  Everybody has a right to their opinions – I’ve listened to yours – here’s mine…

1.  Dan Cathy had every right to share his opinion about homosexuality – this is America.

2.  Those who disagree with Dan’s opinion have every right to disagree – this is America.

3.  For the homosexual community to plan “kiss-ins” at Chick-Fil-A restaurants is junior high-ish at best.  It’s hard to take you seriously when your response is that juvenile.

4.  For the homosexual community to boycott Chick-Fil-A is also a meaningless enterprise.  Boycotts don’t work.  Ask the Southern Baptist Convention (who boycotted Disney a few years ago) – didn’t even put a dent in Mickey Mouse’ bottom line.

5.  Didn’t really appreciate Dan’s comment about “being married to our first wives”.  While that’s honorable and certainly biblical and I even support it, there are many Americans who can’t claim that honor, myself included.  The comment was a bit alienating for some of us divorcees.  (Imagine I’ll get some feedback on that one).  Let me hasten to say, though, that I still have the utmost respect for Dan Cathy and his opinion … and his freedom to share it.

6.  I will not eat at Chick-Fil-A any less … or any more … because of the recent controversy.  They have wonderful products served by courteous people that I will continue to enjoy – not because of the “stand” they take on anything, but because I simply enjoy their products.

7.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Chick-Fil-A doesn’t refuse service to anyone because of their personal preferences (i.e.  sexual orientation).  They treat every customer with respect and dignity.

8.  The media is good at stirring stuff up.  I predict (and I could be wrong – have been numerous times before) that in the next few days this whole thing will blow over and the media will be on to the next money-making news story.  Chick-Fil-A will continue to be the generous, excellent, Christian, and financially sound company they’ve always been (I predict they will continue to grow even stronger in every way).  The homosexual community will continue forward as well.

9.  I keep asking myself, “What would Jesus do in this situation?”.  I know many think they have the answer.  Me?  Not so much.  I read what Jesus said (you know,  all that “love  your enemy”, “pray for your enemy”, “go the extra mile” stuff) and really don’t know how to reconcile situations such as this one in my mind.  I’m not condoning homosexuality.   I believe homosexuality is not a biblically acceptable lifestyle – just like gossip, lying, manipulating, stealing, causing division, greed, selfishness, hypocrisy, self-righteousness, adultery, dishonesty, and any one of a thousand other sins that even church members commit on a weekly basis.  I’m just trying to give serious biblical thought to it … and my response to it.

10.  If my reservations and questions aren’t “strong” enough for you, I’m sorry.  If I don’t take a strong enough “stand” for you, I’m sorry.  I’d just ask you to please respect where I am in my own journey.  I can’t get away from the principle of love that Jesus taught – I’m sorry.

11. Like a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, everyone is welcome at the church I pastor.  The broken, the confused, the hurting, the self-righteous, the addicted, the seeking, the big wigs and the low-lifes, the rich and the poor, the religious and the not-so-religious, those who think they’ve figured it all out and those who don’t have a clue, and, yes, the straight and the gay – all welcome at our church.  We are ALL BROKEN PEOPLE yet God loves every single one of us (regardless of sexual orientation … or religious affiliation) and wants to put us back together through the magnanimous Cross-work of his Son, Jesus Christ.

12.  Thanks for letting me share my opinion.  The journey continues…

~ by jackpickel on July 30, 2012.

Posted in Miscellaneous