Another chicken opinion

Something has been weighing heavy on my heart recently.  I have heard many of my friends and associates praise Chick-Fil-A the past few days and seen many posts today about how people have participated in Chick-Fil-A appreciation day.  I'm the first to tell you that I do enjoy a good spicy chicken sandwich or nuggets dipped in Polynesian sauce.  What I don't understand though, is how we as Christians are ready to stand our ground, dig our trenches and stand firm to support a chicken restaurant whose COO and president openly voiced his opinion on a controversial topic, but at the same time we fail to show love and compassion to those who disagree with us.

Chick-fil-A at the Heartland Mall in Early, TX

There just seems to be a lot of people (on both sides) who make it an issue about homosexuality, when it was an issue about CFA president's freedom of speech.  Because he voiced his opinion, because the company doesn't hide the fact that they promote Christian causes, because the company leaders support a traditional marriage, is it any surprise why CFA president Dan Cathy said what he did?  No.  Is it any surprise that the media jumped all over it, labeling him awful things? No.  That's what the media does, they are in the business of controversy, be it NBC News, CNN,  FOX News, or whoever, controversy sells better than harmony.


The sentiments from many people in my circles then become "well, I believe similarly to Chick-Fil-A's values so I will stand up with them in this blatant attack on our Christian values" and we further polarize ourselves from those who disagree with us.

I don't think this is the approach to take.  I know that this post may be adding to the noise though.  I understand that my own words are scrutinized by people who agree and disagree with me and that's fine.  My heart is heavy because I feel like often those of us who call ourselves Christians are quick to jump in and join the fight when we feel we have an cause.  But, I don't think that this type of fighting is an effective way to minister to people.  We preach from our pulpits that there is a culture war going on, and I think it's true, but I suggest that maybe we shouldn't be so quick to reach for our cultural weapons cache, but quicker to sit at the table of peace and listen.

More and more people are leaving churches in the United States.  We are following a trend set by our European brothers and sisters.  It's not because we let the liberal media dictate our news, nor is it because fought for our family values.  It's because we are stopping the process of reaching people.  When we spend our time and efforts backing a cause to stamp out this thing, or reinforce that thing, doesn't it tell people that we care more about our cause than we care about them?

I know this is supposed to be Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.  Let it be that.  I'll eat a spicy chicken sandwich when the line dies down, and the hurtful words die down too.  I'll appreciate the restaurant. I don't know that I will wage war alongside them or any other company who chooses to take on a culture war with our world.  We will lose.  This is not our home.  Our Christian voice is often stronger when we are in the margins of society, not the center of it.  When we are in the center, it becomes a play to keep power and I don't think that's what Jesus' life was about. Nor his death and resurrection.  He often challenged those inside his religious circles to be more accepting of those outside.

So, if you want to join me at the table and have a cup of coffee, there's a chair that's always open and we can talk.