As you’ve probably heard by now, the popular Chicken franchise, Chick-fil-A is in a bit of hot water lately. It seems they, being a Christian owned business that is known for not being open on the Lord’s Day, hold a biblical view on homosexuality and gay marriage. Why anyone is shocked to see that a company that doesn’t open on Sundays because of their Christian beliefs holds to a biblical view of marriage is beyond me.
They are being boycotted by many who support what they call “marriage equality.” I won’t touch on the gay marriage issue in this post, other than to make it clear that I agree with the bible that homosexuality is a sin.
What is interesting, however, is to think about the roles of businesses and their owner’s political views being a matter of public concern. Not that this is a new phenomenon. In the past, I don’t think it would be all that common for a large business to take a formal stance on political issues that didn’t relate to their business. Clearly a business would have a stance on taxes, minimum wage laws, union privileges, etc. But, on gay marriage?
Personally, aside from perceived human right’s violations I haven’t been all that concerned with the politics of corporations that I buy from. And, as readers will likely remember, I have even spoken out against Christians boycotting businesses for their stance on this issue (and again here). I’ve also spoken about the consequences of denominations taking official stands on things not related to them.
My thought is that businesses, where possible, should take the stance Elvis took when he said ”I’m just an entertainer, I don’t want to be known for my politics. I’m just gonna sing.” And, any politics that are outside of the the interests of the business function should be done as individuals, rather than giving the business an official stance.
Chick-fil-A has spoken out though, or at least that is my understanding at this point, I could be wrong. And, because of it they are facing backlash.
I’m glad to see that their stance is bible based, though I don’t think the business needs an official stance. If there was one near me, I would certainly give their food a try.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Does the official anti-gay marriage view of Chick-fil-A matter to you? Does knowing a business has an agreeable, or disagreeable, political view that isn’t related to their doing business change how you look at the business and the likelihood of you shopping there?
And, mostly importantly, is Chick-fil-A any good? And why aren’t they in my area!
UPDATE: I have since seen reports that Chick-fil-A merely answered that they support biblical marriage and their ownership is Christian, and that they didn’t seek to make a political statement. Seems the liberals were looking to make trouble for them.
Okay, most important questions first: Yes, Chick-fil-A is wonderful! It is by far the best fast-food chain around. Unfortunately, there is not one near me either. The closest is quite a distance away and, ironically, I'm only in that area on Sundays. It's a cruel world…
I cam across this article, which quotes Dan Cathy of Chick-fil-A as saying:
"In that spirit … [Christianity] is about a personal relationship. Companies are not lost or saved, but certainly individuals are.” Cathy added.
"But as an organization we can operate on biblical principles. So that is what we claim to be. [We are] based on biblical principles, asking God and pleading with God to give us wisdom on decisions we make about people and the programs and partnerships we have. And He has blessed us."
I found that to be a refreshing approach and understanding. Christ didn't die for businesses, He died for individuals. I think Cathy's stance on same-sex marriage, then, is simply based upon the fact that he affirms and operates his business on biblical principles and wisdom. Perhaps I've missed it, but I haven't seen an official press release from Chick-fil-A declaring themselves to be anti-gay. All I've seen is this affirmation from the owner that he operates on God's principles, which would include a belief in God's definition of marriage. *gasp* How dare he?
The uproar and shock over this whole thing is ridiculous. As you noted, why are people surprised that Chick-fil-A's owner would stand for a biblical definition of marriage? And what in the world does it have to do with those delicious chicken nuggets?
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