I live in the middle of Chick-fil-A world (meaning the South of the USA). My daughter has worked at a local CFA branch for a couple of years now. Because of this, I've frequented Chick-fil-A restaurants, well, frequently. As a family we had lunch twice at a CFA in St. Augustine, FL this week (on a short family vacation).
Ever since Dan Cathy made his statement in favor of a biblical definition of marriage, the culture wars have been ablaze. As you well know by now, both sides have dug in. During this time, I've read two types of blog posts in the Christian blog-o-sphere. The first comes from those in favor of standing with CFA by eating at the restaurants while the left-wing in our country takes aim at CFA. The second comes from Christians who seem bent on inducing guilt in other Christians by writing things like, "You need to help the starving overseas instead of eating a chicken sandwich."
My reaction to all this is that we as Christians can treat the CFA situation from a Both-And perspective instead of Either-Or. I see no reason why Christians must either support CFA by eating a sandwich or care for the poor, care for the starving overseas, and share the gospel. Certainly the second option is more important, but why can't we do both?
Of course we must be careful in how we think of this. Eating a CFA sandwich supports a company that is trying to do things the right way and stand for something more than making the most money. However, that's all eating a sandwich really does. It doesn't make disciples or relieve suffering.
Of far more importance is sharing the gospel and caring for those in need. Additionally, we must remember that gays are not the enemy; Satan is. Homosexuals need Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior just like all other lost people do.
To sum up, feel free to eat a CFA sandwich. You'll be glad you did. It's infinitely better than the excuses for chicken sandwiches they sell at places like McDonald's and Wendy's. Just make sure that you're involved in much more than this for the cause of Christ.
And for you Christians who are determined to guilt the rest of us for eating at CFA, please relax a little bit. My advice is that you eat and enjoy a CFA sandwich. Have a milkshake while you're at it.
If you do not live near a CFA, I feel sorry for you. You may need to relocate.
2 comments:
Eric,
Very timely, wise advice which covers a huge range of the legalistic, holier-than-thou attitudes being displayed on a wide range of issues.
My education is now complete: I know what a Chick-fil-A is:)
John,
I had wondered how this whole saga was being viewed overseas. It strikes me as very American, for both better and worse. I hope something good can come out of it, but I'm afraid it will ultimately end up being more of a distraction than anything else. The church here is too consumed with culture wars. It keeps us distracted from our real task of disciple making.
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