The flap over the comments by the CEO of the Chick fil-A restaurant chain about gay marriage and the subsequent response by folks flocking to the restaurants, shows once again how the religious beliefs of some can raise passions on both sides of the issue. We all saw the response to the Chick-fil-A appreciation day. Now I heard that some on the gay side of things want to stage a kiss-in at the restaurant chain. We’ll see how well that goes over.
Subtly in the comments by some about this thing is the refrain about how religious freedoms are being attacked. I saw the same thing the other day in my local paper. Todays’ paper had the response by some readers to a previous letter about religious freedoms. One person wrote… “Today is a prime example of that [attack on religious freedoms]… a day when our religious beliefs are under attack and our religious freedoms are eroding.” Then the next writer said… “You have your freedoms, but this doesn’t trump the freedom of others, regardless of their beliefs. You cannot impose on us what you and your church ‘believe’ is right.” Further the writer went on to say, “I mean really, specifically what freedoms are being taken from religious institutions in America today, that wouldn’t adversely affect citizens of the U.S., who may not share a given religious bent and deserve the rights our laws provide for?” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Getting back to the Chick-fil-A thing, when Dan Cathy says what he believes about gay marriage, he has a right to say that. I don’t have to agree with it and I have the right to speak out. If that is seen as attacking his beliefs, well yeah. The minute you publically speak about your views that are based on your religious dogma, then expect others who agree or disagree to speak out. That’s call freedom of speech.
Often you hear religious people plead for others to respect their religion or beliefs. We do but when those beliefs get into the public forum and are used to make laws that affect believers and non-believers alike, then suck it up Christians! You brought it on yourselves.