Too Important for Chicken Fights

Make no mistake, I like chicken sandwiches. And I think the pickle chip is a nifty touch! But I really think the current debate over same-sex marriage is too important for chicken fights. Really. I think both sides have turned what should be a considered and thoughtful debate into a real circus. Since when is my preference in fast food (probably a poor choice to begin with) indicative of my stand on such a significant issue? And a Kiss In? I’m sorry, it just doesn’t work for me!


If you want to have a day set aside to appreciate the poultry at Chick-fil-A, well then go for it! But people should be willing to be more straightforward (pardon the pun) about their views on same sex marriage than simply standing in line at the take out counter. And if you really oppose Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy’s views on the matter, then write him a letter, write the editor a letter, or, better yet, volunteer to work with and for any of the organizations working around the country to make sam-sex marriage legal.

I took time to actually look up the article about Cathy and his business that started the whole conflagration. It’s an interesting piece about a man who seeks to run his business based on his values. And some of what he says is really right on the money. “Jesus,” he told a Baptist Press reporter, “had a lot of things to say about people who work and live in the business community.” (Baptist Press, 7-16-12) And so he did! But none of it, as I remember, had anything to do with same-sex marriage. It had to do with treating workers fairly and reaching out to the poor, and a variety of other issues. The article also noted how Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Sundays, that too is part of Cathy’s value-based approach. It’s a real way of honoring the sabbath. Sure, it’s a counter-cultural move, but I find it to be rather refreshing!

But when it comes to the same-sex marriage issue, I think Cathy’s got it wrong. He told that same reporter, "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 thanks to God for that.” As they should—we should be willing to thank God for all the things we perceive to be blessings in our lives. But to assume there is just one model for marriage in the Bible is just poor exegesis. Even worse to imply there is only one way to be a family!  Better scholars than I have pointed out that there are a variety of models in scripture—including polygamy!

Cathy has invested a great deal of his own money in the movement to stop same-sex marriage. And he has strongly enunciated his views. Rather than wrangling about chicken, I think his supporters and his detractors, if they feel strongly about the issue, should be willing to do the same. I don’t agree with Dan Cathy. I don’t support his perspective on the matter. But he has a right to his opinion.  So do his opponents.

Let’s stop playing chicken. Let’s really work on the issue in a way that reflects the dignity and importance of marriage.  There's a lot more at stake here than where to go for lunch.