The Twitter-verse was set ablaze yesterday as Chick-Fil-A anounced a redistribution of its charitable donations beginning next year. Conservative Christian leaders immediately took to social media to denounce the restaurant chain as cowards, compromisers, and cavers.
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee wrote via twitter: In August 2012, I coordinated a national Chick-Fil-A appreciation dayafter they were being bullied by militant hate groups. Millions showed up. Today Chick-Fil-A betrayed loyal customers for money. I regret believing they would stay true to convictions of founder Truett Cathy. Sad.
Rob Dreher tweeted out this gem: Shame, shame on you, @ChickfilA. You are the 3rd most successful fast food franchise in the US. You had no reason to capitulate. But you did. Yes, shame on the progressive bullies too — yet the greater shame is yours, Chick-fil-A, you cowards.
Several other Christian leaders heaped burning coals of shame upon the head of Chick-Fil-A. The report being referenced is an article from the dailywire, detailing an interview with Biznow in which Chick-Fil-A President and Chief Operating Officer, Tim, Tassapoulos, said, “As we move into new markets, we need to be clear about who we are.” That statement, among others, was enough for these and other influential Christian leaders to jettison Chick-Fil-A to the dustbin of capitulators with the LGBT agenda and other liberal bullies.
There are a few ironies in this situation. First, the very same Christian leaders who jumped to criticize Chick-Fil-A and its leadership based on a mainstream media report are the very same leaders who decry all mainstream news as “fake news.” When are we supposed to believe the mainstream media? The article in question makes broad assumptions about the intentions of Chick-Fil-A, and leads with a headline and opening sentence that highlights only a small part of the restructuring of Chick-Fil-A’s charitable giving.
I read through the 2018 charitable giving report, published by Chick-Fil-A on their foundation website. While the report does not give specific numbers, I’m assuming the amount given to FCA and The Salvation Army were but a small percentage of their total charitable gifts. The truth is that Chick-Fil-A has always invested heavily in their communities. They are just increasing that investment.
The second irony? These influential Christian leaders tell their followers to gather all the facts and not jump to conclusions. Do they not follow their own advice? A five minute read of the official statement from the Chick-Fil-A foundation would reveal no mention of the LGBT movement or its allies. The official statement would also shows none of the false motives attributed to the Chick-Fil-A foundation by a mainstream press, all too eager to claim a victory in the culture wars.
Finally, we hear our Christian leaders encouraging us to give others the benefit of the doubt, especially when it comes to certain political figures. “Look past his character flaws. Look at his policies. Give him the benefit of the doubt.” Does Chick-Fil-A not deserve the benefit of the doubt? They’ve been operating with the same values and principles for 73 years. Does that history not afford them some grace?
I’ll be taking Chick-Fil-A at their word. They are restucturing their giving. That is all. There is nothing more to see here, Can we pull Chick-Fil-A our from under the “woke” evangelical bus and show them some grace and give them the benefit of the doubt? We who preach grace to should be the first to show grace, especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
