Okay, I'm weighing in on this one...
But only because I really don't understand what all of the fuss is about.
At the risk of offending my more liberal friends, I have to wonder, "What were you thinking?"
Did this information of how the corporate leadership feels about "the sanctity of marriage" issue catch you by surprise?
Why the sudden outrage?
If you are unfamiliar with the hubabub, Here's an article about the interview that was picked up by CNN and thus began the outrage. If you don't want to read the whole article, here's the part (at the very end) that is at issue:
Some have opposed the company's support of the traditional family. "Well, guilty as charged," said Cathy when asked about the company's position.
"We are very much supportive of the family -- the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.
"We operate as a family business ... our restaurants are typically led by families; some are single. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that," Cathy emphasized.
"We intend to stay the course," he said. "We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles."
Crazy, huh?
A business that runs on Christian principles has a biblical view of the family unit.
Seriously, does that surprise anybody?
So if you don't want to support their business or you have a problem with that...what do you call it?...oh yeah...Constitutional Right of religious freedom, then don't go there. No biggie. We all chose which businesses we patronize and we all have different ideas of what makes a business a good business. I don't think that Chick-fil-A has been hateful towards any group of people.
For the record, I'm not a big Chick-fil-A fan. I'm more of a burger fan when it comes to fast food. I do like their "ice dream cone," but don't ever think Chick-fil-A when I'm thinking of a place to go to eat. On the other hand, I may stop by on Chick-fil-A Day.
Protest by boycott if you like; it's your right. Support with your business if you like; it's your right. Believe in the biblical definition of family...or not; it's your right. Just remember, it's as much my right to do the opposite.
The most silly reaction that I've read regarding the issue is the reaction of the Mayor of Boston. With only two stores in Massachusetts and no stores in Boston, this appears to be some political grandstanding that can only have negative effects. He's not going to offend those that already support him and he's not going to gain any moderate conservatives by taking the stance. He's also not hurting Chick-fil-A (although I doubt that he ever thought that he might be). Apparently he's just getting more headline time.
Okay. That's my rant for today.
John <><
It is not like they were holding signs or turning away homosexual people. Someone went digging for information. Everyone knows it is owned by strong Chrisians...hint why they aren't open on Sundays. Christians follow what the Bible says...or should. I, also, am not a fan of the place because I would also rather have a burger. I have friends who are not of Christian religion but still respect the thoughts of Christians or non. If everyone would just respect eachother, none of this would have come about. Eat where you want when you want and stay respectful! Ugh!! Had to add to your post. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteThere are virtually no Chick-a-Fil restaurants here in the Pacific NW. The only two I've heard of are in Bellingham WA and Boise ID; both areas lean more conservative. The Bring a Chick-a-Fil to Seattle page on FB only has 220 likes; when I lived in Portland; NOBODY, and i mean NOBODY talked about this restaurant at all; never heard of it before actually. In Portland, Burgerville had a nice chain which I miss; they even carried a locally made garden burger which was delicious. In Seattle, we now eat at Teddy's for burgers (started in Hawaii and they are amazing).
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I, as you do not like fast food Chicken. I wouldn't go to Chick-a-Fil with or without the swirling controversy. But if I had to weigh in, I wouldn't go. I know of many decent, loving same-sex marriages/committed relationships/families. Many of these people are/were my mentors, close friends, and wonderful neighbors. When they hurt, my heart hurts; and that can't please God much at all..nuff said. - Linda
Chik-fil-A is closed on Sundays, so figuring out the company has Christian values should have come at no surprise. Friends have explained to me the outrage is mostly over the amount of money donated to groups that pro-actively oppose gays. To be honest, I am not sure where I stand on this issue.
ReplyDeleteBut, in the interest of offering an alternative viewpoint, here is a blog post you might find interesting:
http://kingdomscript.tumblr.com/post/27139959595/summary-of-my-affirming-theological-position
I agree with John. If Chic-fi-la offends you...then don't eat there. Pizza Hut offends me...their sauce makes me sick...I choose not to eat there. :) But if there were a Chic-Fi-La in my town, I would most definitely eat there! I applaud their Biblical stance on Christian values. It is their right as an American Citizen to choose their religion as well as their beliefs.
ReplyDeleteJeannie
Ultimately,every business that advertizes,sponsors or contributes money to a cause has to know that there are consequences to their decisions. Last year Lowes sponsored a program about Muslims in America. I don't know if there was greater outrage over the decision to sponsor the program or over the decision to pull their ads in response to the threatened protests.
ReplyDeleteI would expect most businesses to avoid controversies that might offend large blocks of potential customers. Then again, sometimes you have to take a stand for the principles that define you.
I don't geneally support or boycott businesses, products, or even movies because of the personal beliefs of the people who own/run/produce them. I buy things because I like their products. I watch movies because I like the subbject matter, not because I agree with the political or social stance of the people who produce or star in them. People need to calm down. There are real problems in our society. Homelessness, unemployment, drugs, crime, animal cruelty, education (or lack thereof) etc. Why not get upset about those things?
ReplyDeleteChick Fil-a tends to be off my culinary radar.
ReplyDeletePeople are most tolerant of religious views that coincide with theirs.
In the case of Chick Fil-a they went looking for something to find fault with.
I guess this was a new revelation to some...God's definition of marriage is between a man and a woman. Go figure! Who knew? What a concept!
ReplyDelete