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Memo Pad

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Chick-fil-A: Pigging Out On ‘Biblical Principles’

August 4th, 2012 12:24 am Joe Conason

Watching the political pig-outs and kiss-ins at Chick-fil-A, a National Memo reader writes to ask exactly how a fast-food franchiser became a national symbol of religious devotion. He wonders why Dan Cathy, the Chick-fil-A chief who claims to operate his company according to “biblical principles,” and his supporters on the religious right focus so exclusively on the prohbition against homosexuality in Leviticus.

It is a fair question that likewise occurs to me whenever someone like Cathy boasts publicly about his superior virtue. (Someone ought to remind him that he has grown rich by encouraging gluttony and fostering disease.) What of all the other strictures, probhibitions, and injunctions that anyone truly operating on biblical principles? As our reader observes:

 The Bible also condems eating non-kosher foods such as lobster, shrimp and crab, and of course pork, so I expect you and yours will keep the faith by avoiding Long John Silver’s and boycott Jimmy Dean’s sausage.

The Bible endorses the mass slaughter of men, women, and children whose lands they covet, the institution of slavery, the exclusion of women from society during their [menstrual] periods…I expect that you’re consistent in your beliefs [and] do so as well.

Similarly, the Bible prohibits the preparation and consumption of dairy and meat dishes together. I admit I am puzzled by many of Chick-fil-A’s menu items such as:

“Breakfast Platter: A hearty meal featuring scrambled eggs, a breakfast portion of our famous boneless breast of chicken, a freshly baked buttermilk biscuit and white pepper gravy. Also available with a breakfast portion of our spicy chicken breast; or four strips of smoked applewood bacon; or a slice of pork sausage instead of chicken.”

Of course, America’s cafeteria Christians have long obeyed or ignored the Bible on a highly selective basis. They feel perfectly comfortable ignoring God’s often-stated preference toward the poor, worshipping gold just as they were commanded never to do. While obsessing over gays and lesbians, they brush aside the rest of Leviticus entirely.

What about God’s commandment that men grow beards? Dan Cathey appears to be clean-shaven. But do his cattle graze with other cattle? Does he grow more than one crop on the same field? And does he wear garments woven from more than one fabric? I suspect all these fundamentals are violated by him and his minions at Chick-fil-A every day.

Indeed, if America’s religious rightists were living strictly by the Bible, then they would have had to put Newt Gingrich (and Callista) to death by stoning years ago, rather than entertain the silly notion that he should be president. According to Leviticus, the same penalty ought to have been inflicted on many, many other self-proclaimed “Biblical” conservatives, including about  a substantial number of the Congressional class of 1994 that took over under the leadership of Gingrich.

Let’s not get too far into Deuteronomy, except to note that it dictates he biblically correct treatment of anyone sufficient misguided to follow another religion (such as Mormons, for instance). If the Republicans took its commandments literally, Mitt Romney could not become their nominee for President – because he would have been executed along with everyone else in the Church of Latter-Day Saints, including their children and their animals.

Perhaps we should be thankful that these phonies don’t really mean it. They do enough harm as it is. But there is a term describing people who advertise their strict adherence to religious law (even when they don’t exploit that status to oppress the innocent or to boost fried chicken sales).  It’s synonymous with self-righteous hypocrisy.



  • http://www.facebook.com/dorothy.scholzbeyer Dorothy Scholz-Beyer

    AMEN

  • http://www.facebook.com/dominick.vila.1 Dominick Vila

    Dan Cathy is a bigot, but from a business perspective he is a genius. You can expect the Chick-Fill-A share of the fast food industry to go up exponentially thanks to the patronage of the evangelicals. The controversy and hatred centered around the issue of gay marriage in the USA is not only an embarrassment for our country; it also symbolizes the dichotomy between the teachings of Jesus Christ and the twisted interpretation of some of his followers, who at times appear to be closer to being disciples of the anti-Christ than to the Messiah they claim to venerate.

    • oldtack

      He is a bigot? For expressing his personal views? Then – you and all the rest of us mortal beings are bigots in some fashion. A bigot is one who acts on his beliefs not one who harbors beliefs. Get real. If we were under Sharia Law in Iran this would pose no problem for all of the protesting homosexuals would be dead. Check Islamic principles concerning homosexuality. Thankfully we do not live under this law.

      • http://www.facebook.com/dominick.vila.1 Dominick Vila

        There is virtually no difference between Sharia Law, as it pertains to homosexuality, and the views espoused by many pseudo Christians in the USA. A person that embraces or touts bigotry is a bigot, and denying a segment of our population the same rights and privileges as everyone else because of race, gender, social class, or sexual orientation is bigotry or, as a minimum, an expression of intolerance inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ. BTW, I am a very heterosexual great grandfather, and I am an agnostic, but I believe nobody should be discriminated against because their views or lifestyle does not conform with those of the majority.

        • BozoMustgo2

          Darned good reasoning. You took the words right out of my mouth. Look at the Believers who are dogging the Sharia Law and passing bills that outlaw this belief but are so readily asserting their interpretation of THEIR Sharia Law. Hypocritical in the truest meaning.

        • Tom_D44

          I would like to know where all of you outspoken, gay marriage supporters were for the last 4 years (and before), when Obama publicy supported that marriage was between a man and a woman. In fact he still supports that because he and the Dems have done nothing to change the laws for gays. They have only come out with their newly crafted “personal” opinions – and most likely to manipulate votes. The left is attacking Cathy like vultures on road kill, but when Obama was on the same side…………….you were all silent. Hypicritical much?

          • No2GOP

            Learn to spell.

          • Tom_D44

            Your response does not surprise me at all. Let’s not challenge each other on substanse but rather on spelling. Impressive.

          • No2GOP

            False equivalency and deflection are indicators your thought process lacks substance. Put something of substance out there and we’ll discuss. Until then, I’ll criticize your spelling.

          • Ruth

            Yep, thats all the dude has is “learn to spell”. I guess that means he agrees with the comment. I assume he does, do you?

          • No2GOP

            Well, you’re certainly proving the “make an ass out of you” with your assuming. Read the other posts and you’ll see my reasoned replies. Of course, I’m assuming you know how to understand a reasoned reply, right? See how I used that word “assume” to make an ass out of you again? Pretty clever, huh?

          • nobowtie

            Obama wasnt donating millions to prevent gay rights, he was stating his personal beliefs, which by the way have changed because he is a thinging man and has come to the realization that “all men are created equal” is more than a slogan.

          • Tom_D44

            I also don’t see Obama or any of his cronies donating millions of their fortunes to the benefit of gays. So really what does that say about his support. Lip service?

          • http://www.facebook.com/dominick.vila.1 Dominick Vila

            Financial donations are not necessarily a manifestation of the strength of our convictions, a better measurand involves our deeds and on that front I would like to cite President Obama’s decision to end DADT. As I suspect you already know, donations are often made to get a tax break or to buy influence, power… or in cases like this votes.

          • Tom_D44

            That’s good. It only took him 51 years to think through this one and look at the timing……Uhuh. Now if I was a thinking man I might have a few questions for Mr. Obama.

          • No2GOP

            So, you admit you aren’t a thinking man?! I knew it!!!!

          • Ruth

            Obama is a “thinging” man. Like No2GOP says “learn to spell”! By the way I disagree with your comment completely.

          • SaneJane

            How is Cathy being attacked? He had the best week ever. I disagreed with President Obama when he was on the other side. If I speak my mind you say I am attacking but when you do the same it is not attacking.

        • onedonewong

          some one who is intolerant of a religion is just as bigoted

          • No2GOP

            Someone who is intolerant of those that don’t believe in religion is a bigot AND a hypocrite if you really do base your views on what is written in the bible.

          • onedonewong

            Thanks for showing how really dumb you are.. I was only guessing that you were ignorant and now I no longer need to guess

          • Oliver Keeling

            I wish I had a dollar for everytime someone is called a bigot on all the blogs I would be filthy rich. This entire issue is one giant pissing contest.

        • http://twitter.com/Ephesians_6_12 • Servant Warrior •

          Let’s be mindful as to NOT “carve out” a Jesus that is fashioned after our own imagination. It’s not wise to attribute “teachings” to the Word of God (the Lord Jesus Christ) that are inconsistent to what he clearly states in the Scriptures. // “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” • Hebrews 13:8 •

          • 12voltman1

            “From there Elisha went up to Bethel. While he was on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him. ‘Go up, baldhead,’ they shouted, ‘go up, baldhead!’”

            “The prophet turned and saw them, and he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the children to pieces.”

            — 2 Kings 2:23-24
            Insane.

        • http://profile.yahoo.com/HSG62NLM7FREJUEHHPBNUVODM4 Ron

          Dominick, I am sorry to hear that you are agnostic. With all your years you have not yet found the truth. Jesus is the way the truth and the life no mann comes to the Father except thru him. John 14:6

          An older man came to Jesus and asked what he must do to be saved and Jesus told him he must be “Born Again”

          You mention the teachings of Jesus and I would ask you to read John chapter 3 a great account of a man coming to God. Yes God loves you and has made a way for you to really know him. For whosoever believes in Jesus Christ should not perish but has the gift of eternal life.

          I pray that you will find this gift as and older gentleman it is not to late to find Jesus is who he said he is. He will save all who call on him so please seek and you will find that Jesus is the way. For God so loves you that he sent Jesus to the cross to die for your sin and mine and whosover would accept his free gift that cost him everything.

          God loves you Dominick and offers the gift of eternal life, for this physical existence is not all there is. God wants you to spend eternity with him and not seperated from him.

          May God Bless You

          • No2GOP

            Which god?

          • DurdyDawg

            Would it surprise you too much if, “Born Again” wasn’t the sprinkling of water or the mind set of believing that you have changed, but death itself? We do not know what is beyond this life.. It could very well be a new birthing or, “Born Again”.. Someone determined this born again had to do with what we must do in this life (we took it literal) well I say he could just as well meant it as a process, a new beginning.. “Born Again”.

    • SaneJane

      You are right, the man knows his market. He certainly understands southerners: bash one of the hated minority groups, cite family values, thump the Bible and serve greasy fried chicken. I know many of my fellow Alabamians stood in line for hours in 100 degree heat to get to the trough. Isn’t this a really fun way to show what a devout Christian you are and get a feather in your cap without doing any of those tedious good works?

      • BozoMustgo2

        A truism SaneJane. Well stated of course Mr. Vila will label your response as invalid and not worthy of critiquing Mr. Cathy’s public statement. As Mr. Vila stated who cares what his thoughts are? Well Mr. Chick fil A made a public statement that can now be criticized and recognized as being what this journal also manifests.

        • http://profile.yahoo.com/P3NXX7AD64NWRRT65INAEULVEU Don

          There is no middle point. We will always be a mug or a wump. If one reads and believes what the Bible says, then you know where you need to be or will YOU straddle the fence?

      • Ruth

        Your fellow Alabamians stood in line for hours just to “stick it in your face” and it worked, didn’t it? You are still angry. GET OVER IT!

        • nobowtie

          It was the million bigot march!

          • http://profile.yahoo.com/P3NXX7AD64NWRRT65INAEULVEU Don

            I wonder why God did not create Adam and Steve and then the world would be without any population. All gone.

          • http://profile.yahoo.com/H7QFEKGW6PVUTG3TP4MELA2QU4 Sundancer

            God did create Adam & Steve. Don’t YOU forget it.
            And God is loving and forgiving of ALL SINS.
            And don’t you forget that.

          • Paul Williams

            When God created Adam & Eve, where did the population come from. It would seem like a lot of incest going on.
            Just saying…………..

          • Bruce Heerssen

            Because creationism is stupid.

          • behindtheironcurtain

            Hey Don. Adam created Eve from his rib so did he have sex with himself? Dumb ass.

          • A_Schick

            You know Adam and Eve weren’t married right?

        • http://profile.yahoo.com/P3NXX7AD64NWRRT65INAEULVEU Don

          Ruth, angry over what?

        • SaneJane

          Not angry Ruth. I don’t get angry over such silliness as this. What was the point of proclaiming chickin likin day? Were you protesting same sex marriage or were you showing your support for freedom of speech? I sincerely wish people like you knew what freedom of speech really means. You are free to say whatever you want but so is everyone else. Why are you angry about people voicing opposite views of Mr. Cathy? He spoke his mind but you seem to feel that no one has the right to speak their mind if they don’t agree with what he said.

        • joyscarbo

          Hmmm..this reminds me of another time the South got it’s self-righteous, bigoted panties in a wadd…when was that?!! OH! I KNOW, it’s when the rest of the nation demanded that they abolish slavery and stop their violent and bigoted treatment of Black American citizens!!! I’m sure you remember “Jim Crow.” The South was dead WRONG then and they are again. Do southerners ever learn??!!! Is it any coincident that the south boasts the highest level of poverty, gun violence and murder too??!!! The hate and ignorance just seems to be in these sorry redneck’s blood.

          • Oliver Keeling

            Chicago the POTUS’s hometown is now known as the murder capitol of the US. Isn’t it north of the MD line? Also huge numbers of blacks live south of the MD line also and you still call us names?

      • onedonewong

        Yea he sures knows who aren’t his customers the folks living in NYC in their 220 sq ft stand up pop trailer called apartments. The same folks who brush their teeth and bath as frequently as the streets are swept. The same folks that walk in lock step to doomburg and allow him to control all the aspects of your lives…yep a great place to live for a mind numb robot

    • onedonewong

      A bigot for correctly expressing his religious views?? The only bigot here is YOU look in the mirror

      • nobowtie

        Ever read the rest of the don’t do items in the bible, like dont eat pork (cloven hoof), dont eat shell fish… Funny, both things are on CF menu. That is called cherry picking the bible and he is a hypocrit and a bigot. He would never get away with saying and doing anything against black folks, or jews would he. But you think its ok to go after gays. You are and always will be on the wrong side of the constitution and history.

        • onedonewong

          No he’s not anti gays just thir lifestyle. They have a choice and like I said earlier just like ax murders, rapists and pedophiles. gays are looking for society’s approval for their life style. I don’t care what they do but I sure don’t want their views and life styles taught to my kids

          • No2GOP

            You’re so noble trying to make sure your kids have as closed a mind as you. Don’t want no culture for them thar young-uns do ya’?

          • onedonewong

            That’s right I sure see no reason for the school’s to teach mass murder or have them witness pedophilia and homo’s fall into that same category. Its not Culture its a sickness

          • No2GOP

            Fox News loves you! Your television stays on that channel all day, doesn’t it?
            No need to answer, my question was rhetorical. Do you know what that means?
            You may not know it, but you are your town’s local useful idiot. People are laughing AT you, trust me. We are!

          • onedonewong

            Your a “people” maybe in your own mind. Your a degenerate and your disgusting to the vast majority. They don’t laugh at you they avoid you like the plague

          • No2GOP

            Wow! Careful there, Skippy, the limits of your limited intelligence are being stretched like never before. We don’t want you hurting that little pea brain of yours. It’s “you’re”, not “your”, Goober. As in: you’re an asinine degenerate. Thanks for the batting practice, Sparky. I’m done with you.

          • onedonewong

            great repertoire what’s next “your made of rubber” better stay on the short bus with your peers

          • Oliver Keeling

            Ever notice which side of the issue uses the worst language?

          • SaneJane

            If being gay is a choice then being heterosexual is a choice. At what age did you choose?

          • onedonewong

            When I was 10, I also didn’t choose to be a pedophile, or a rapists either. when did you chose the latter?/

          • http://twitter.com/CUDDLES_OMG Kelly Rrrrrr

            So, you had instincts to be gay, and you chose to be straight? and you had instincts to be a pedophile and rapist, but you chose not to be a pedophile and rapist?

          • onedonewong

            Just saying that your born with free will which sets us apart from animals. Unfortunately some folks choose to be animals hence homosexuals and the rest of the degenerates

          • http://twitter.com/CUDDLES_OMG Kelly Rrrrrr

            I don’t agree with you, I don’t think people are born with free will. And, I don’t see how adults who are in a consensual relationship affect anyone but each other. Just, get over it.

          • onedonewong

            Not born with Free Will??? Are you that ignorant ?? Or you 12 years old???
            They can do anything they want behind closed doors and no one cares. Its when they want public approval or taught in schools is where they cross the line

          • http://twitter.com/CUDDLES_OMG Kelly Rrrrrr

            Not the kind of free will you’re talking about. We have choices in life, but we don’t have free will to decide every instinct. Listen, you really believe what you believe, so I’m not going to convince you of anything. But hear this, I don’t believe what you believe, and I don’t fear the god you fear. Being gay is not wrong. Being a jerk is wrong.

          • underworked

            Next time please refrain from entering an adult conversation. Children should be seen and not heard. Being gay is a sickness and a total lack of any morality

          • Oliver Keeling

            agreed

    • 12voltman1

      Maybe he could give Denny’s some pointers.

    • http://profile.yahoo.com/P3NXX7AD64NWRRT65INAEULVEU Don

      It may be thaT Jesus also spent time with people who we consider gay today. If you believe in Jesus, then you know that being gay is a sin as the Bible says,but I guess we live in different times, so we have to consider a gay person to be equal to all other people.

    • http://profile.yahoo.com/UUH2GV4RL4NRAEG3TG55NYKFYY MICHAEL

      What am I missing, Jesus is pro gay?

    • cmc1026

      Liberals are sooo tolerant, as long as you agree with them? So was Hitler, the KKK and nut job terrorists. Gay people already have civil unions that give them the same rights as married couples. Why isn’t that enough? Should two brothers be aloud to get married? Should a bi-sexual be aloud to marry a man and a woman? Should parents be aloud to marry their adult children or is that sick to you? Kind of like two men together is sick to a lot of people. You need to accept all freakish things once you take marriage passed one man and one woman, because, who are you to tell somebody who they love? It just comes down to: What kind of society do you want to live in?

  • don211

    THIS IS A RIDICULOUS PIECE OF WRITING. No Depth, only a sophomoric attempt to be clever that fails.

    • oldtack

      Agree 100%. Cathey has a right to espouse his beliefs. I find no record of Homosexuals being denied service or anything else at his establishments. This vendetta is an infringement on Freedom of Speech. This idiot “quotes” several passages from the Old Testament as LAW. In the Chtistian Faith the old laws were laid to rest at the death of the Messiah Jesus Christ. Old things were passed away and all things begin anew. If castigation of Mr. Cathey is considered appropriate for expressing his views on homosexuality then how long will it be before we lose the freedom of expression?

      • No2GOP

        Hypocrites! You’re practicing the exact thing written about: selective rationalization of your beliefs based only on certain scriptures that fit your particular ideology. If you’re going to be selective yet you ridicule others for being selective, or for pointing out your convenience of logic, then you’re a HYPOCRITE! Not Christians! HYPOCRITES!!
        By the way, which particular god,or goddess, is the “right” one?! Zeus? Venus? Hades? Buddha? Jesus? The Almighty Dollar? Well??!!

      • http://profile.yahoo.com/D7B3UYVAFBJAADWJGY3GOEOEPI joseph

        oldtack. If the Old Testament laws and practices have been abolished by the death of Jesus, then why do we still have the 10 Commandments and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy?

        • oldtack

          If you have an argument then tell me why we still observe these laws.
          Personally I do not.

      • BozoMustgo2

        True freedom of expression went out when the Patriot Act I & II were passed in the shadows of night. A good business owner does not make statements that would be bad for business and remains neutral on political hot buttons. Nothing more nothing less.

      • SaneJane

        Oldtack, what vendetta? Cathy certainly has a right to espouse his opinions but so do I. In what way is there an infringement on Freedom of Speech. He spoke his piece and as far as I know he has not been arrested. Freedom of speech means that you can say what you want but you will bear the consequences, if any. Which Testament contains the LAW that is the basis of
        Cathy’s convictions? Is it in the New Testament or the Old?

    • BozoMustgo2

      I beg to differ with your assertion on the content of this article. It does contain good reasoning and encompasses reasoning that does not fit into what the Believers espouse as their mantra.

    • Tom_D44

      And you will find that a lot here at the Memo. Baseless, opinion based articles with absolutely no facts, all designed to get these supporters all riled up in anger. It didn’t use to be that way and I enjoyed the thoughtful opinions of the other side but now that we are in the full swing election cycle the email blasts are just more and more angry. Too bad.

  • chisolm

    To villify Mr. Cathy because of his religous beliefs perfectly illustrates the hypocricy of liberals. There have not been any allegations that Chick fil a discriminates against gays, either in employment or as customers. Mr. Cathy only stated his opinion and because it differs from the minority he is ridiculed, threatened in the media and some politicians say they will refuse to issue permits in their cities.

    • http://www.facebook.com/dominick.vila.1 Dominick Vila

      Mr. Cathy has the right to voice his opinion, and I have the right to choose where to eat my chicken. The issue at hand is whether or not gays should enjoy the same rights and privileges as everyone else.

      • chisolm

        The issue at hand is not about gay rights but rather about Mr. Cathy’s right to speak his opinion. He has that right just as you have the right to choose where you eat chicken.

        • No2GOP

          It most certainly is about gay rights. When Chick-fil-a, as a company, gives money to groups against gay rights, the existence of gays, then it most definitely is about gay rights. Mr. Cathy can say whatever he wishes – it is a free country and that’s his INDIVIDUAL right. But, when the COMPANY speaks against gay rights by contributing to the groups they do, then they are directly supporting the discrimination of a group of people. It IS a gay rights issue!! You need to freshen up your cognitive, critical thinking, and comprehension skills.

          • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_B6RROC4IUESHT322QS5VJVPYRM Lynda

            Exactly. Some are trying to make this dustup about 1st Amendment rights and the exercise of that right. Nobody denies Cathy’s right to make his remarks. If that was all he did this story would have been over days ago. Follow the money and the story is fleshed out warts and all.

    • BozoMustgo2

      His espousing rhetoric does not go against the minority as you stated but against the majority. The Believers are becoming the minority and as such your beliefs in what you pick and choose to believe and force down the throats of others. Enough of the hypocricy all of you espouse and ram down the throats of others.

    • BozoMustgo2

      His espousing rhetoric does not go against the minority as you stated but against the majority. The Believers are becoming the minority and as such your beliefs in what you pick and choose to believe and forced down the throats of others. Enough of the hypocricy all of you espouse and ram down the throats of others.

      • No2GOP

        Your circular logic is astounding! And stupidly wrong!

        • BozoMustgo2

          You provide nothing to indicate I posited circular logic as you espoused so it seems we are laughing at you. Come back when you have something of merit.

          Here is something more for you to chew on a sound bite from Cathy, ”’I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.’”

          • No2GOP

            Your circular logic is about the majority becoming the minority and how the majority is being discriminated against. Google “circular logic”.
            Who cares what Mr. Cathy says? It’s his opinion. Besides, which god is he talking about? Or, is it a goddess? I mean, there have been historical notations of over 2,000 god-like deities, so I really don’t know which one Mr. Cathy refers to in the quote. I’m okay with the freedom FROM religious persecution thing, so I’m not worried about some mythical creature’s “judgment”. Whatever!

          • BozoMustgo2

            Once Mr. Cathy went public with his rhetoric it became public and representative of the Evangelical Right. Hence he put his statements under the eye of the public for refute, debate or acceptance. Now if Mr. Cathy had made his personal thoughts known to a close friend or fellow Believer this would be a different story. He made a statement to a publicly published journal and therefore crossed over into the area of being criticized. Plain and simple. I suspect you will once again label this statement as being circular as well?

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IECFKSKKJJNBO6RQCWNWGMOQRA yahoo-IECFKSKKJJNBO6RQCWNWGMOQRA

      Is Mr. Cathy’s opinion the only noteworthy opinion? You are implying that the people who spoke out against that mindset did not have a right to their opinion. Am I hearing you correctly? The double standards are amazing.

    • jmcaninch68

      You need to do your home work on Cathy’s background. And when I see fundamentalists lining the blocks to help the homeless and feed the hungry, THEN I might believe they are worth listening to. Until then….it’s all hypocritical noise.

    • TheSkalawag929

      Really chisolm? He differs with the minority? I think that you are not seeing things as they acually are but as you would have them be.

    • http://profile.yahoo.com/NYHYXGES6GBRPJNDT5ZKQT6DUI Budgie

      Cathy donates to groups, whose sole function is to strip a segment of society of their Constitutional rights, and then says he doesn’t discriminate, whether in employment or as customers, and you don’t find that hypocritical? You need to polish those moral specticals of yours, cause your vision is a bit cloudy.

  • andy307

    No one has said that they feel that Christians are Superior to others. This article has a fine way of twisting Christian principle for their own agenda. This once great country was founded on a strong belief in God and his redeeming mercy. We are not perfect, but as believers God has promised that we are forgiven. Although I think homosexuality is wrong it’s not my place to judge. I don’t feel Mr. Cathy was trying to judge anyone. He was only expressing how he feel. When you express how you feel I will say you have that right. I’m not going run you down like a dog for that opinion. Let’s let God be the judge and get back to being a great America again. If people don’t see things like you do, you label them extremist. It’s like a child crying because they don’t get their way. So please grow up and be as tolerant of our opinion as we have been for yours.

    • No2GOP

      You need to review US history if you think the country was founded on a godly basis. It was more like freedom from religious persecution.
      Also, which god were the Founding Fathers referring to?

  • BozoMustgo2

    This article is very well written and reasoned. I would posit that there will be a total denial of these Believers who espouse only that which fits them and not follow their Biblical teachings in its entirety. We as a society are thankful for this, but this is not Burger King either where you can have it your way.

    This rhetoric reminds me of studying in college. You had to follow the entire offering or teachings in chemistry because the knowledge gained was built upon each section presented or in physics or learning to become an engineer. I for one am growing tired of these hypocrits and denounce them as fit to hold any public office due to their hypocricy just as stated in this well thought out article. Great job.

  • Russ_in_STL

    Oh, come on, seriously.

    Mr. Cathy has the right to espouse his personal beliefs all he wants. The writer of this article (and everyone else) has the same absolute right to ridicule Mr. Cathy’s for his beliefs and also the absolute right to decide to not support his hypocrisy by not patronizing his restaurant.

    Personally, I do my best to support those whose positions I share, and to not support those whose positions I don’t.

    The so-called “Christian” religious right do a very good job of cherry-picking which parts of the Bible to obey, and exist solely by spreading fear of eternal judgment if you don’t follow their leaders every word. They always have, always will.

    It must be disconcerting to live a life filled with such fear and loathing.

  • quasm

    Mr. Conason;

    I’m surprised! You would think that people stimulating the economy by patronizing Chick-fil-a and thus supporting Pres. Obama’s goals, would be applauded.

    Dik Thurston
    Colorado Springs

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/JWPCDWWOQJAS5UTZVN5CE3MZLU PamelaT

    My favorite biblical rule is gluttony is a sin. So Newt, and most of your GOP are obese and simply forgot the the body is the temple. If these so call christian are obese/fat then they need to stay away from Chick fl a. Do you know how many calories are in those sandwiches. Denial of obesity is denial of being gay. They are the same! So those fat christains that espouse their hatred for gays then they need to look in the mirror and see if they are fat/obese first.

  • MikeCassidyAHS

    In the U S, dollar is king and god. I don’t patronize WalMart because of their attitude to their workers.
    I don’t generally eat chicken in fast food outlets. I don’t give a $hit what Carty believes, as well as not give a $hit what Sam Walton believes. My simple action for me is not buy or do business with these sleaze bags. Will that make a difference to their business, hardly not, but it does make a difference to my conscious.
    Mike Cassidy
    Utica, Md.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_B6RROC4IUESHT322QS5VJVPYRM Lynda

      Agreed.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_D5HPWVIJUUCDCQIWUV636LNM4A Elsa

    I really don’t think it is a matter of letting or not letting Mr. Cathy express his views, in this Country he is free to do that. The issue is the Right making a hero out of him for the views. He should have been ignored. I really do not care what religion the man is, all religions are full of hypocritical beliefs, it why I have chosen to not participate in any of them. In addition, both the Old Testament and the New Testament are full of violence as is the history of most of today’s religions. Even today the actions of some religious groups are shameful. Can you honestly say you support people picketing the funerals of our soldiers killed in action because they do not like gays? Hate is hate, whether you express it because of your political, religious, or personal beliefs. Good people do not accept it or make heroes out of someone who expresses them in public or private conversations.

    • Tom_D44

      Elsa you are absolutely right about one thing – he should have been ignored. But unfortunately the politicians on the left thought they could turn this into a little bonus for themselves by politicizing the whole thing when Obama flipped sides publicly. Unfortunately it backfired on them and while Joe Conawhatever can sit here and continue to try and make this about gay rights – this issue was always about the fact that politicians were discriminating against businesses because of the “personal” belief of the owner. That is a blatant misuse of government power. And the american people said no in peaceful protest by supporting the company with sales. The people in this country are finally waking up – thank god!

      • No2GOP

        You are SO wrong! The issue IS about gay rights. Chick-fil-a as a COMPANY donated millions to groups campaigning against gay rights, preaching that homosexuality leads to pedophilia, lying that they can pray away the gay. Those are not the actions of people trying to “save” traditional marriage, whatever the hell that is. Those actions are blatantly about discriminating against a group of people. Chick-fil-a as a company espouses, condones, and encourages that behavior by their monetary contributions. Money that came from ALL customers. Who cares what Mr. Cathy thinks? He has his rightful place to state his opinion. Big whoop!! The company, on the other hand, has explicitly stated with their monetary contributions that they believe in discrimination. They can’t practice it themself, lest they feel the wrath of the EEOC. But their monetary contributions tell us all we need to know about their beliefs. The politicians making their stupid “you can’t build it here” statements didn’t think before they spoke.
        The people that showed up for the “appreciation” day explicitly condoned discrimination by showing up. Anyone that patronizes Chick-fil-a explicitly condones discrimination. Your purchase allows them to fill their coffers and continue their giving to those groups. Thanking god (whoever or whatever that might be) for the people supporting the company shows you don’t understand the issue and are part of the problem. We fear your ignorance.

  • daffodilly

    Just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should be done. This applies to people who use religion (especially Christianity) to make money for themselves. These people, like those who proclaim they pay all the tax they owe, don’t have a personal moral code that is the result of reflection and self examination. These people follow the rule that one should do anything one can as long as it’s not punishable by man’s law or God’s retribution as laid out in the Bible.

  • Michael Scribner

    It is interesting that Mr. Cathy is asked specifically about his beliefs and people translate that into boasting and intolerance.

    You soften that a little by admitting that he has superior virtue. All appearances indicate that is true.

    No doubt Mr. Cathy is very sincere in his beliefs and executes them based on what he believes. Because he doesn’t execute based on yours or any one else’s superficial understanding of the scriptures does not make him dis-ingenuous.

    All this posturing is not about Mr. Cathy or being gay. It is about people hating god.

    • No2GOP

      Which god, or goddess? Please enlighten us to which one is the “correct” one for all of us and why you think so. We all need a good laugh and it might as well be at your expense.

  • DirkVanden

    In addition to all the other Eccliastical Laws they violate–with the exception of Gay Marriage (Where in Leviticus does it say men can’t be married to each other; it just says they can’t have sex) –they are closed on Sunday instead of The Sabbath, Saturday. Nobody closed the Old Testament when Jesus died, Leviticus is still part of Christianity. That’s what’s wrong with Christianity. Jesus was trying end Judaism, not save it, but Peter made sure that didn’t happen. Christians are still expected to obey the 10 Commandmants–when it suits their purposes. Don’t feel bad for Mr. Cathy; he has reaped the rewards of his remark, with a huge momentary burst of popularity–all that FREE PUBLICITY! But when the fuss dies down, nothing will really happen to Chicken-Fill-a, any more than happened to Carls Jr when they were widely reported to be homophobic. I’ll never go to either place–but that won’t mean squawk to them.

    Take a lesson: If you’re going to starte parading your religion, you’d better be prepared to defend it.

  • ObozoMustGo

    Joe Conason… useful idiot du jour… once again comes up with a far from thoughtful blog post. Joe, you don’t really believe that crap you’ve penned do you? For, to actually believe that Mr. Cathy has ….”grown rich by encouraging gluttony and fostering disease” is the very height of being a fool! So, either you are a liar or you are a fool. Which one is it, Joe? I’d ask you to answer honestly, but as a leftist political hack, that’s probably not possible.

    Have a nice day!

    “Socialism is a philosophy of failure,
    the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy,
    its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery..”
    – Winston Churchill

    [click to enlarge image]

    • 12voltman1

      I believe you should eat this crap on a daily basis.
      Overly processed chicken-like meat in a cholesterol filled batter.
      Sounds yummy.

    • Ruth

      I will answer for you. Joe Conason is a Liar and a Fool.

      • ObozoMustGo

        I figured as much, Ruth! Thanks for the clarification. :-)

        Have a great day!

        “Socialism is a philosophy of failure,
        the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy,
        its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery..”
        – Winston Churchill

    • RUKIDENME

      The only fool and idiot I keep seeing on these boards is you “ObozoMustGo”.
      Hey you never answered what military branch you joined?
      And that quote about socialism; What’s that have to do with the price of beans. I’ll wait for your profanity laced answer.

  • howa4x

    Back in the 70′s a commercial maker named Anita Bryant was runing around the country not only pitching Florida orange juice but also doing some religious gay bashing. So the gay community publically organized a boycott of Florida orange juice. It was so effective that she was asked to leave. Just like Mr Cathy has a right to say what he believes in so do people who oppose him have a right not to buy his product and organize a boycott against it. People have to be aware that when you are selling a product and use that as a platform to express your views then people opposed to you will use that product as a means to express their outrage. In this case considering the product, those who boycott it will be healtheir in the end. Parents who care about their kids health should also stay away regardless of what religious beliefs they have. We as a nation are fat enough already.

  • Tom_D44

    I don’t recall Mr. Cathy having any control over the rights of gays?? He doesn’t make policy. He only has one vote just like we all do and there have been several states who have put this issue to the vote and the voters spoke. Whatever the results were, they were and thats how the system works.

    • No2GOP

      You apparently don’t understand the issue then.

      • Tom_D44

        What issue? Please enlighten me with some facts.
        1. Does Dan Cathy have more than one vote?
        2. Does he create policy that has effected the abilities for gays to be married?
        3. If there are organizations which he has donated to, and which you think have effected policy then which ones were they, how much did he donate, how do we know this to be fact?
        4. And how do we know that any money he donated was done so for this speficic purpose and not for some other purpose?
        5. Do you have credible sources because the National Memo would certainly not count as one.

        I still contend that this whole issue is not about gay rights but is being made into that. It was about govenment’s role in discriminating against businesses because of the owner’s “personal” beliefs. Politicians have no right to do that regardless of what people think and when they start doing this where does it end? How would you feel if some republican politician tried to bully a company, coming to your town, because the owner publicly endorsed abortions?

        Your politicians, and people like Joe Conawhatever, continue to politicize these kinds of issues for no other reason than to stir up anger – when it really shouldn’t have ever made the news. The politicians are doing it for votes and Joe Conawhatever is doing it to sell advertising. Don’t you agree?

        Believe me I am here because I really want to see and learn all I can about what other people think with respect to these issues. I know what I think and I am challenging myself by spending time here. I could do without the anger and name calling though, and I wish that more people would talk about why they think what they do rather than just throwing out cheap barbs based on nothing. So let’s talk – seriously.

        • No2GOP

          It’s not, and never has been, about Mr. Cathy’s vote.
          The issue is not about politicians scoring points, although both sides have glommed on to the topic to score points. Nothing surprising there.
          The issue is totally about gay rights, as I have posited in other posts.
          Chick-fil-a has given an amount exceeding $5 Million to the Family Research Council, The Exodus Froup, and others that are strictly in the game to discriminate against gays. They do it under the guise of “protecting traditional marriage”. But, they lie because their mission statements, public policies, etc. all focus on the atrocities supposedly propagated by the gay lifestyle. Things such as: homosexuality leads to pedophilia, homosexuality leads to beastiality, that gays can be “cured” by praying it away, and other such ridiculous claims. It all boils down to discriminations because those groups deny the existence of gays and wish to rid the world of gays.
          When Chick-fil-a uses corporate monies to contribute to those groups, then Chick-fil-a condones those beliefs. They believe in discrimination. Chick-fil-a cannot practice discrimination, of course, because they would be sued and would be breaking the law. However, by contributing to those groups, they publicly endorse the act of discrimination.
          I totally respect your opinions even if I don’t agree with them. The barbs I threw out were to keep you on your toes – Ha!!
          It basically boils down to a company promoting discrimination by their monetary contributions. The company has always publicly operated under “biblical principles”. No problem. I used to eat there frequently but will never again. And that isn’t because of Mr. Cathy’s comments. That family has always had those opinions. However, when the company is using money I’ve given them to give to groups whose sole purpose is to discriminate, well, they lost a customer. I’m sure they don’t care, but I do.
          Anyway, that’s how I see it.

          • Tom_D44

            The most radical groups you listed here, Exodus International and the Family Research Council only received $1000 in donations each. The $5million dollars was actually $2million of which only half of that went to these supposed anti-gay groups – according to the Hoffpo. Now that’s a left leaning media outlet so I would think if they could get that number up to $5million without actually being caught lying, they would have. The bulk of the money, all the large sums, went to organizations like Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Marriage and Family Legacy Fund, National Christian Foundation, Focus on the Family and others. These organizations, along with WinShape, all have emphasis on the Christian Faith, and on healthy families. WinShape does all kinds of things and only a small portion of it is actually geared towards the marriage issue. These other organizations all do the same thing and primarily exist to help couples keep their marriages together in the interest of the family – and considering the divorce rate in this country it’s probably not a bad thing that there are people out there who would donate significant amounts of their fortunes to help keep families together. None of the main recipients have a primary anti-gay agenda. No different then when the right screams about Planned Parenthood because one of their services, and not even the primary service, is abortions.

            So once again, the media and the politicians are misrepresenting the facts, leaving out any real perspective, and speculating the rest of their way into stories that fit their agenda. They will figure out that because some “anti-gay activist” they found, directed some money into the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, AND so did Dan Cathy, that must mean that his primary agenda is to rid the world of gay people. Really? You don’t think that most of that money was actually meant to help finance the organization so that they could provide help to couples and families that want or need it? Really? All of it was intended just to keep gay people from getting married. Come on.

            Does anyone really even care about the truth anymore? Hey Joe Conawhatever, how about some real perspective on this issue and stop with the propaganda. How much do you get paid by the DNC to keep getting people all fired up, day after day, about nothing?

          • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_B6RROC4IUESHT322QS5VJVPYRM Lynda

            Can we keep it real? The Marriage & Family Foundation is a project of the anti-gay marriage co-mission. Quote against ‘downward spiral of marriage and traditional marriage.’

            Fellowship of Christian Athletes hold an annual conference that has ‘Freed’ folks from the gay. Recently they removed this quote from their web page. ‘God freed some people from homosexuality, sexual sins…’
            All new applicants to FCA must agree to the FCA Sexual Purtity Statement that prohibts ‘homosexual acts.’

            Exodus specilizes in ‘ex-gay thereapy’ Need I say more?

            Family Research Counsil – Tony Perkins. No need to add anything to that.

            Georgia Family Council – web page is full of anti-gay rhetoric and favoring Calif’s Prop 8 as being a threat against tradional marriage.

            It is a little disingenios trying to dismiss those orgainzations as just doing a little against the gay.

            WinShape is Chick-fil-a’s chariable arm and did indeed give $1.9 million to a variety of anti-gay groups. IN 2009 they also provided the same groups with a little over $1,8 million.

            Pretending that Cathy’s donoations are only designed to be a little against gays is not caring about truth anymore.

        • Postman27

          You brought up the vote and what some states have done on this issue. I know North Carolina voted on a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as 1 man, 1 woman. While I personally agree with that definition, I would have voted NO and I firmly believe it should have never been put to a vote in the first place. That proposal was homophobic on it’s face and playing to a Christian penchant for intolerance (especially here in the South). This is discrimination to the max against those of a “different” sexual preference; a denial of a basic premise of our federal constitution’s guarantee of the right to the pursuit of happiness. I don’t want “Christian only” based law any more than I want Sharia law. We are “NOT” a Christian nation, as long as we have and abide by our Constitution; get over it…

    • Black_Diaspora2

      “I find it truly non Christian for him to donate money to hate groups, but again it is his money.” @Lorraine

      Read what Lorraine said. It’s one thing to have a position, Christian or not, it’s another to actively pursue an implementation of that position by monetarily supporting those who hate gays, and using their money–if they’re your customers–and the money of others who may object to your new order.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/7M2DKJ3IACEZW2TKS3DP7F2LHU Lorraine

    As deplorable as I find Dan Cathy’s point of view, the true test of our Constitution is to defend the Freedom of Speech even when you disagree with it. I find it truly non Christian for him to donate money to hate groups, but again it is his money. I can say that the profits he gets from his business that he donates to his hate groups does not come from me. That is my right to Freedom of Speech. That is the way I protest the Koch Brothers attempt to purchase our Government and Adeleson. Living in Vegas I will not spend a penny in his Casino. I realize that my single action has not impact, but at least I know I am not contributing. This is a post I read and would like to dedicate it to Dan Cathy and his supporters:

    “If we come from a loving and forgiving God, why does Christianity attempt to give God Human characteristics, of vengeance, condemnation, demands and expectations…God is pure love and all-forgiveness..
    We are all sons and daughters of God; working on our attainment for spiritual growth God does not demand it from us. His love is Omnipotent. Some people cannot open their minds to Gods greatness, his pure love and all forgiveness. It’s as if they rather live with horror and fear of a condemning vengeful God. Why that gives them comfort is beyond my comprehension…it seems to be a mindset of those who are not spiritually advanced.. It’s as if they need to be afraid…”

    • Landsende

      Churches used to preach that God was a loving God, not a vengeful God and didn’t preach politics from the pulpit. We no longer have small churches where you knew everyone and the pastor knew you. Now, it’s mega churches that are tax exempt businesses and tell you how to vote and think. I believe in a loving God and will do my worshiping at home where I don’t have to listen to some preacher twisting Gods words to suit their agenda and tithe more than you can afford in order to make them bigger and richer.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=8363984 Albert Cook

    The KKK also used bibical principles to promote hatred.

  • onedonewong

    The only folks that made this an issue is the left wing nuts. They are so used to being able to bully any company into complying with party line they don’t understand when the public says ENOUGH.
    Homosexuality is a life style choice no different than some one who is a bank robber murderer or a pedophile. Its a sick choice but once they are free to make. What the homo crowd dislikes is that society refuses to condone their behaviour

    • dtgraham

      If orientation is just a choice, then we must all be equally attracted, romantically and sexually, to both genders. Logically, that would have to follow. Most of us must choose heterosexuality for a variety of reasons. At some point in life around puberty, we must have made a choice as to which direction we wanted to go in, insofar as our sexual orientation. Does this accurately describe you, and can you tell us about your early life decision to go with heterosexuality. How long did it take you to make up your mind, and what were all of the factors that caused you to choose heterosexuality when you could, just as easily, have chosen homosexuality?

      Does the above paragraph make sense and accurately describe you, or did your heterosexuality just come naturally to you with no choice in the matter whatsoever? Is the thought of having sex with your own gender repugnant to you because it’s simply the essence of who you are, and you have no choice in the matter, or is it something that you might easily do but choose not to? If it’s the former, then why do you insist that gays somehow made such a choice?

      • onedonewong

        Hmm so in your mind then everyone wants to be an ax murdered, a rapist or a pedophile??? Great logic.
        I didn’t chose to be a rapists either when I was young, its called a moral compass and everyone has one its just whether you follow its direction or prefer depravity.
        Does the paragraph make sense NOooooo its a specious argument trying to justify a sick life style. No different than other reprehensible choices some people make

        • Black_Diaspora2

          “Does the paragraph make sense NOooooo its a specious argument trying to justify a sick life style. No different than other reprehensible choices some people make.”

          Do you lump the gay lifestyle in with heterosexuals who practice sodomy, or have open marriages, or who practice S&M, and a variety of other sexual behavior?

          • onedonewong

            Homo’s are in a class of folks that are too despicable to even discuss in mixed company

    • Black_Diaspora2

      I’ve found that those who protest vociferously against homosexuality are themselves fighting the urge.

      Which onedonewong are you?

      • onedonewong

        I find those who love the lifestyle are under achievers, who contribute nothing to society other than disease

    • Postman27

      My only question is this: “If being homosexual is so sick or sinful in the eyes of God and society, why would anyone make that their life style choice?” We have existed through the ages, working and playing side by side, without a problem from most of society; the only one’s refusing to accept is you and your ilk. Don’t stand too close to anyone, it (the gay) may jump on you… and set you free.

      • onedonewong

        Why would anyone make that a choice?? The same way they chose to be bank robbers ax murders and pedophiles…there is something wrong with them. Have we existed side by side but homosexuals account for less than 2% of the population and they used to be kept in doors. Unfortunately we have too many freaks an not enough freak shows.
        Its not acceptance I don’t care what they do to each other at home ,its when they mix in decent society that causes a problem

  • Jim Frego

    Which verses of the Bible do you believe are the “WORD of GOD”. Which ones do you follow??

    Gay Marriage?
    Yes, the Bible says Let each man have his own wife

    1 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV)

    Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

    BUT!! You need to stock up on AK-47’s and lots of ammo because you need to KILL about 11 Million Americans and over 100 Million World Wide.

    Leviticus 20:13 (NKJV)

    If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.

    How can you accept 1 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV) and not this??

    Colossians 3:5 (NKJV)

    Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

    How can you accept 1 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV) and not this??

    Deuteronomy 22:25 (NKJV)

    But if a man finds a betrothed young woman in the countryside, and the man forces her and lies with her, then only the man who lay with her shall die.

    How can you accept 1 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV) and not this??

    Leviticus 19:20 (NKJV)

    Whoever lies carnally with a woman who is betrothed to a man as a concubine, and who has not at all been redeemed nor given her freedom, for this there shall be scourging; but they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.

    How can you accept 1 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV) and not this??

    Leviticus 18

    22 “‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. 29 “‘Everyone who does any of these detestable things—such persons must be cut off from their people.30 Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the Lord your God.’”

    That 100 ft. tall electric fence and put all gays in until they die seems to fit this verse

    1 Corinthians

    9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with ment10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

    Romans 1:24

    Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

    26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

    Is the penalty HIV?

    James 4

    11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

    Be careful who you judge because they have different beliefs than yours.

    Gay Marriage
    Polls in 2012
    A June 6 CNN/ORC International poll showed that a majority of Americans support same-sex marriage being legalized at 54%, while 42% are opposed.[10]

    A May 22 NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showed that 54% of Americans would support a law in their state making same-sex marriage legal, with 40% opposed.[11]

    A May 17-20 ABC News/Washington Post poll showed that 53% believe same-sex marriage should be legal, with only 39% opposed, a low-water mark for opposition in any national poll so far.[

    Genesis 38:9 (niv84)

    Children are a gift and a blessing. Onan is being selfish. make sure u are not being selfish in birth control.

    95% of all women practice Birth Control. Are they condemned to Hell?? Do they need to be put inside a 100Ft. high Electric Fence until they die?

    Which verses of the Bible do you believe are the “WORD of GOD”. Which ones do you follow??

    I see you choose to follow one man one women. What about the references to Gays?

    Should they be KILLED as spelled out in GOD’S WORD??

    • dtgraham

      That is outstanding Jim. Thanks for taking the time to post this.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Alfred-Willmore/100000795111383 Alfred Willmore

    If Starbucks can express their support of same sex marriage then why shouldn’t another company express their opposition to it?

    • Black_Diaspora2

      They can. There’s nothing to stop them. But to do so may bring repercussions, as freedom of expression works both ways.

      If you’re free to share your opinion, then others who disagree with your opinion are free to reject it in any way they see fit: They can choose not to buy your chicken–or your coffee.

  • labrown69

    Once Glen Beck’s mindless minions have moved on to the next right wing cause du jour it will get quiet at Chick Fil A.

  • phantomoftheopera

    as i understand it, this man and his supporters state that they are christians. maybe they could explain why they are claiming homosexuality is an abomination to god. yet, jesus doesn’t mention it once in the gospels. he did mention things like loving your neighbors, feeding the poor, and not judging. how did he miss such an important no-no? i thought being a christian meant following christ. guess i was wrong.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/FB6A4JDUQKXWVK5U43FNLJ5L5A HJB

    In reading your article about Dan Cathy’s expression and Chick-fil-A I easily detect an array of opinions and criticisms even to the extent of your wanting to stone Newt Gingrich for his sins. Where do you get your standards of righteousness in judging Dan Cathy and Newt Gingrich? Do you apply these same standards to yourself? Furthermore, we (all men) have sinned and have come short of God’s glory. Thus, do you know we all deserve death including you and me?

    But God loved us (the whole world) so much that He gave His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die and pay for the sins of the whole world so that we may be reconciled back to God and be saved from hell (the lake of fire). This is grace to us from God through Jesus Christ which none of us deserve. Grace is a gift to us from Christ just by our choosing to believe in Jesus Christ through his word, the Bible. When we are saved, we learn and obey God’s word and share it with others with the hope that they will accept God’s word too and receive the gift of salvation.

    Grace is all wrapped up in God’s Love. Thus, the same grace that was given to us we wish to extend that same grace to everyone we meet. This is real love for our brother in which we look for nothing in return. The beauty of it all is that we have complete freedom to choose without any forcing. We all have the right or freedom to accept God’s grace or reject it.

    God’s word shows us clearly our destiny based on our accepting or rejecting salvation. We who accept God’s grace (salvation) will eternally with God and Christ in a new heaven and a new earth which will have no sin. But sadly those of us who reject God’s grace (salvation) will reside in hell fire eternally separated from God where no grace will be available to us.

    • No2GOP

      By the way, which god?

    • Black_Diaspora2

      “In reading your article about Dan Cathy’s expression and Chick-fil-A I easily detect an array of opinions and criticisms even to the extent of your wanting to stone Newt Gingrich for his sins. Where do you get your standards of righteousness in judging Dan Cathy and Newt Gingrich?”

      My God, HJB, did you read the article? The author received his supposed “standards” from the Bible, specifically the Old Testament. Let me quote him again:

      Indeed, if America’s religious rightists were living strictly by the Bible, then they would have had to put Newt Gingrich (and Callista) to death by stoning years ago, rather than entertain the silly notion that he should be president. According to Leviticus, the same penalty ought to have been inflicted on many, many other self-proclaimed “Biblical” conservatives, including about a substantial number of the Congressional class of 1994 that took over under the leadership of Gingrich.

    • Postman27

      Here we go again; another one puts forth the biblical stories; to justify the biblical stories. Christianity would be such a great religion, if it didn’t have so many damn Christians. The word of Jesus Christ? I have delved into the bible some, but not all, and have yet to find the Chapter(s) that Jesus wrote. Maybe he wrote under a pseudonym of Paul, or Moses, or Peter, or maybe Esther; or one of the big 4 of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. At any rate, I do agree that we all deserve death and guess what, we can’t get out of this life without it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Marc-Paige/564332713 Marc Paige

    The Nazis arrested gay people and put them in jail, for the “crime” of homosexuality. Chick-fil-A funds the Family Research Council, which supports putting people in jail for the “crime” of homosexuality. These are Chick-fil-A “values.”

    • Ruth

      You are nuts. I will say the only time people end up in jail in this country for the crime of homosexuality is IF they go after minors. You are full of beans.

      • No2GOP

        Read the post again and try another reply once you think you understand it.

      • Postman27

        Ruth, get a grip. Family Research Council would support such an effort of it “were” a crime. They would also support an effort to “make” it a crime if proposed. BTW, it’s “pedophiles” that go after minors; and they “may or may not” be homosexual.

  • http://twitter.com/Ephesians_6_12 • Servant Warrior •

    It appears that Mr. Conason is a lost man who does not understand the nature of the Scriptures…but he’s not beyond hope. // “…the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” • 1 Cor 2:14 • Amen

    • 12voltman1

      “And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.”

      — Isaiah 34:7
      Other dumb shit the scriptures says

      • dtgraham

        Amen brother.

    • Postman27

      Why do folks like you always use the bible, to justify the bible? You cannot prove that the bible is anymore correct than an Imam/Ayatollah reciting the Qur’an, the Rabbi offering a prayer from the Torah/Talmud or the written meditations of Buddha. I respect your right to believe what you believe Servant Warrior, but it’s my right to disagree… All religions should respect that.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_CK2G2KEIDJ7ZDFET2I65ZLL55Y queen isabel

    mormons believe that after death they have the potential to become ”’A GOD”’and that they will have their own universe to rule over…christian folks say its a sin when it comes to same sex partners,yet christians will vote for romney knowing he believes in many ”’GODS”and that mormonism is considered a cult.,,,they have a double standard and they are to eager to sit in judgement ,,,yet their GOD tells them that is a sin.i say let folks make their own decision to love whomever they choose,and if romney thinks one day he will become a god,i say let him be;ieve whatever he wants to believe,

  • Ruth

    Joe Conason is an azz.

  • russscarce

    The family unit is comprised of a female and a male that procreate offspring. This is true with humans and the majority of species in the animal kingdom. That is what sustains life. That is how it was designed. If men want to love men, that’s fine. They can come join the party and talk about gas prices with the neighbors. To need the term “marriage” tagged to their relationship, well that just isn’t right.

    What the media isn’t talking about….The large majority of money donated by CFA goes to organizations that are for traditional marriage. They have classes, retreats, seminars that professionals attempt to show couples how to have a successful marriage.

    Youth of today are surrounded by a media that extremely biased, an age of music and television that is negatively influential. Drug use is rampant. internet porn is sedating youth and corrupting their ability to have a functional relationship. Their thought process of acceptance is tainted. They are accepting of almost anything now. This poses a problem for our future.

    You are taking scripture and using it in a manner that suits your argument. However, since you have no idea what you are talking about (theologically) it makes you look ignorant to those who do. Those scriptures in the Old Testament have no bearing on your argument. Christ sat with the oppressed, the prostitutes, etc., but as with the prostitute he protected her and then told her to go and sin no more.

    If one doesn’t see the act of homosexuality as a sin, then there isn’t an argument anymore. There is just a difference of opinion. For this difference of opinion, it doesn’t equate to hate. They are just standing by their beliefs.

    • Black_Diaspora2
      “That is what sustains life.”

      If I follow your logic, are you saying that a man and woman who happen to be barren shouldn’t marry because they can’t procreate.

      Further, there are those who choose not to procreate, should they marry?

      “To need the term “marriage” tagged to their relationship, well that just isn’t right.”

      Why should it be different for gays and lesbians who love each other and wish to solemnify that relationship in the old fashion way–by marrying?

      And, too, why isn’t it right?

    • Postman27

      Oh, come on; use your head for something other than a hat rack. To lead with “The family unit is comprised of a female and a male that procreate offspring.” So, you’re saying that a man marries woman; they can’t medically produce a child, so they adopt; but, they didn’t procreate so that’s not a family? Duh! “To need the term “marriage” tagged to their relationship, well that just isn’t right.” Why is that “NOT” right? They should have the same benefits that any “biblicaly sanctioned” marriage has, including just the right to marry. The problem is that we’re interjecting religion into the conversation in the first place and in some cases the state codifies the Christian belief into law or amending state constitutions. What gives Christianity the right to proclaim supremacy of the spirit in this country? Will someone please explain to me who is attacking the Constitution? Folks, get back to your church, temple, pagoda, synagogue, coven or prayer mat on your back patio; get right with your God, Creator, Savior, Master, Head Cheese or Pope and let everyone else alone to do the same, as they see fit. Your way, is just that and not everyone else’s highway…

  • 3babygirl67

    Everyone has taken Mr. Cathy comment out of context. He has a right to his opinion. Everyone has right to their opinion. You should not shoot him down for his opinion. The bible is right and everybody is wrong.
    Romans 1:

    26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

    27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

    28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

    • Black_Diaspora2

      “Everyone has taken Mr. Cathy comment out of context. He has a right to his opinion. ”

      See my comment above.

      In the new testament we see a revision of some of the commandments that were issued in the old testament.

      It appears that God’s words undergo an alteration in the hands of Jesus. Consider the following:

      ¶Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

      28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

      29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

      30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

      31It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

      32But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

      33¶Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

      34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

      35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

      36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

      37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

      38¶Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

      39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

      40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

      41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

      42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

      43¶Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

      44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

      45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

      46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

      47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

      48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

      • dtgraham

        You’re giving the cross of Dracula to the religious right with the teachings of Jesus Christ. They like to cherry pick the odd stanza out of the old testament to justify their callous, cruel, and indifferent attitude towards the poor and the gays.

        He seemed to contradict an awful lot of old testament teachings. I’ve heard much of the so called 12 lost years of Jesus’s life, from adolescent to adult, where there were no records of his existence in the west. There were, apparently, plenty in the east. I’ve studied Buddhism and have a decent understanding of Jainism, and can easily see the similarities. I once knew a deeply devout Hindu man named Seepal Singh, who spoke of Jesus studying and teaching in the Himilayas with Yogis. He spoke of this as though it was just common knowledge in India. That was in the early eighties.

        He was supposed to have made his way to Japan, where there is still a famous portrait of a middle eastern teacher, sitting in the lotus position, in a Japanese Buddhist temple to this very day. When one studies the teachings of Siddartha Gautama (the Buddha) and Jesus Christ, you can’t help but notice the similarities. In both cases, there’s a compassion there that’s different from the harsher teachings of the old testament, the Torah, and the Koran.

        I’ll close with a quote from the Mahatma Ghandi: “I like Christianity.” “It’s Christians that I have a problem with.”

        • Black_Diaspora2

          “He seemed to contradict an awful lot of old testament teachings.”

          And there may have been more contradictions that weren’t recorded, or were destroyed if they opposed the official position of the church.

          Yet, we find there’re Christians–perhaps not all–who look to the Old Testament to inform them on God’s commandments on marriage, homosexuality, slavery, and other social issues, failing to recognize or acknowledge that Jesus gave contradictory commandments for many of the earlier commandments, substantively altering them in some instances, while overthrowing them in other.

          If indeed the earlier commandments were God’s Words, it would have made these commandments inerrant, and Jesus revisions tantamount to heresy.

          “I’ve heard much of the so called 12 lost years of Jesus’s life, from adolescent to adult, where there were no records of his existence in the west.”

          As have I.

          Jesus stated mission was for the salvation of the “world,” not just a certain chosen people.

          Hence the following: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.”

          Now it might be harder to reach consensus on the nature of “salvation,” but we all agree that no group was excluded, be they Buddhist, Muslim or what have you, as Jesus charged his followers to preach the gospel to the whole world.

          • dtgraham

            Of course some of those major eastern faiths pre date Christianity by quite a bit. If he did make that journey, I’m sure he had his own story and philosophy to tell, but it would also be interesting to know what different ideas he may have brought back with him.

            He would frequently say that you’ve been told this, but I’m come to tell you that—–or you’ve heard this, but I’m telling you something different. He would sometimes directly contradict harsher rules of the old testament such as: the stoning of the adulterous woman or the eye for an eye rule. On many others he remained completely silent. The questions would be i) who was he to change or overlook the rules of the god of the old testament, and, ii) where did he get these new and revolutionary ideas from?

          • Black_Diaspora2

            “On many others he remained completely silent.”

            True, as far as we know. It’s my guess that many of Jesus sayings have been lost, but a few attributed to him have survived, but weren’t accorded the exalted reputation of the Four New Testament Gospels, such as the Gospel according to Thomas, for example.

            “[W]ho was he to change or overlook the rules of the god of the old testament.”

            More than any other, Jesus was the Spiritual Ideal of the image and likeness of God made flesh–the Christ, or the Son of God: His Only Begotten.

            “[W]here did he get these new and revolutionary ideas from?”

            From the same source as the other, but through a filter that was more transparent–that is, less corrupted by personally-held beliefs, or personally-held truths.

            You can’t hear God’s Truth’s clearly, until you stop telling Him your truths.

  • tommy bobit

    Mr. Cathy stated a belief and a position. The other side took to attacks and proposed boycotts. Mayors said they wouldn’t allow his business in their cities. See if you can find the bigots and intolerant people in the above situations.
    I had never been to Chi-Fill-A before, but I did stop in today. The place was mobbed.

    • Black_Diaspora2

      “See if you can find the bigots and intolerant people in the above situations.”

      I’d say it’s a wash!

  • artolga

    WHY DOESN’T THIS GUY HAVE THE RIGHT TO HIS OPINION???? SEEMS LIKE EVERY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP IS TELLING US HOW TO THINK AND WHAT TO SAY.
    I MAY NOT AGREE WITH HIM, BUT HE HAS THE RIGHT TO VOICE HIS OPINIONS.

    • Black_Diaspora2

      Opinions are one thing, but to actively support those–with your money–who are attempting to transform opinions into reality is another.

  • seymourhiney

    The bible, a book written in the age of ignorance and no science, written by men, for men and about men.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/P3NXX7AD64NWRRT65INAEULVEU Don

    SEEMS TO FORGET THE New Testament that said ALL food was good to eat including pork, bacon, and all non-kosher foods.

    • http://profile.yahoo.com/P3NXX7AD64NWRRT65INAEULVEU Don

      Seems also true that the Jews have not accepted Jesus as the Messiah as all the Disciples in the New Testament including Paul, also a Jew who accepts Jesus ans me, a Christian who worships Jesus, born from a Jewish Mom with a heavenly seed.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/VHUX5UKXP5SXQAE2L2O37UQY7U ebenezera

    It was stupid to get political if you are a trader, you are allowed to sell to anybody who needs your service, but with such attitude you may sell to only those who share your views. Lets see what happens in some months time how many customers they get because it may not be GAYS alone but those who do not hate GAYS.

  • Arvid123

    In today’s world, Post Modernism has taken hold of a significant number of people. Simply put, there are no universal truths in Post Modernism. So let’s all respect each others truths and get along, but no, if this is true, how do we say one behavior is OK and another isn’t? Post Modernism makes it very easy to justify any behavior, and I do mean any behavior. Since the late ’60′s I have seen the gradual decline in morals in this country. At that time the counter culture was seen as the new morality, but the new morality was nothing but the old imorality. Today porn has changed sex into a kind of spectator sport. Since then we have developed a serious drug problem. Sexual activities of any form are seen as normal today. (A Gay Manifesto defends sex with animals.) The author did a very good job of nitpicking Christianity, but I can bet he never had a one on one experience with the Holy Spirit. If he had he would never had vented such venom. He is on the outside looking in and doesn’t understand what he sees.

    • http://twitter.com/Frasku Fra sku

      Biblical folk are as relativistic and post-modern as anyone else, which is why they cherry pick their holy books to adapt them to present-day existence. They enforce bigotry against gays because homophobia is still somewhat acceptable in contemporary US while bypassing other laws that do not fit modern expectations. That is post-modern relativism in its purest form.

      The only two universal beliefs humans share is the conviction that 1. their particular social conventions are universally true 2. people should only kill or harm those society deems worthy of being killed or harmed.

    • Postman27

      Are you saying that you have had a one on one experience with the Holy Spirit? If so, you’re using too much of your drug of choice or are just plain delusional. If you can nitpick the Bible to justify your beliefs, you better expect nitpicking of the same book will expose your hypocrisy.

  • smallthoughts

    Most people have no idea who God is or what He wants. I saw people running down to buy lunch that was working on second and third marriages, that steal work materials and take them home and that just plan sit on their butts and read books and gossip on work time (not break or lunch time). Can we pick and choose the laws of God that we want to live and call ourselves Christians? It is so nice that you can say you are a Christian but live in a totally different way. . .JUST A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES!!!!!!!

  • bestofandy

    Quoting the Bible as an offence to Chick Fil-A, who already offends gay’s and lesbians with bibical beliefs, is like fighting FIRE with more FIRE. Did anyone tell these “religious” people that the Bible is full of circular reasoning. So by fighting FIRE with FIRE you undoubtedly get MORE FIRE.

  • RUKIDENME

    And on the 8th Day GOD created Chick-fil-A………HA, HA, HA, HA….And bring me your poor, hateful sinners to stuff there faces and be delivered from evil..

  • bigspender7

    These evangelicals have helped me to find my true religion for which I will be forever grateful. Thank you tea party. I am now a dedicated PAGAN.

  • Stan Kerr

    The self righteousness is in this case on the side of (some of) my fellow gays, who are consciously imitating the unethical practises of black activists in actively looking for offense and making ‘victims’ where there are none. Chick-fil-A is apparently well run and mistreats no one, besides contributing to charitable causes; they are to be commended and rewarded in these tough times. The turnout for Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day really warmed my heart; those weren’t ‘hateful’ people as we’re told, they were people tired of the self righteous who themselves hate Dan Cathy for his beliefs. Hurray for Chick-fil-A!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2XQAUUZDVBGZWAL6KWKI3J56LI Blaze Stryker

    “The Good Book says, ‘Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” “So we *Cast* that mutha!”

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Berke breathed had Cathy’s number way back when, and the attempt to claim divinity by playing god has been a mainstay of the loudly religious sects for almost as long as there was been organized religion of any kind.

  • joyscarbo

    There is a test for freedom of speech. As long as what you’re saying isn’t equivalent to yelling “fire” in a theater, then you have freedom of speech.
    Mr. Cathy isn’t yelling, “fire” in a movie theater but no can be compelled agree with him or co-sign what he’s spouting.
    I’ve always found it incredible how many christians pick and choose which parts of the Bible applies to them and which ones are just too inconvenient to follow. It’s equally incredible to see the lengths that religious people go to to justify their “beliefs” and “opinions.” The Bible says that a disobedient child should be stoned to death. Women should not cut their hair or enter a church without covering their heads. You should never work on the Sabbath but many do. Yet there are commands to “love your neighbor as yourself..” Does that only apply to non-gay neighbors? There are nearly 200 scriptures telling us all that we ALL have a responsibility to take care of the poor, disadvantaged and disabled…but yet politicians and lawmakers work tirelessly to do the exact opposite.

    • cmc1026

      Joy,
      If you are going to talk about Christian and the Bible, stick to the New Testimate. Remember the Bible was put together (the OLD and New Testament) by the Council of Nicaea in 325, or in other words MEN put the two Testaments in the same book. Jesus Christ is who Christians follow, not the old Testament.

      • joyscarbo

        See?! There you go again….you’re not taking the Bible in it’s entirity. You’re picking and choosing which words- which phrases- which scriptures- fit your ideology. So we should disregard the Song of Solomen? We should forget the 21st Psalm??!! The Ten Commandments?

        And by the way…the Bible was written by MEN who were “inspired” by God. Haven’t we seen many men who say they were “inspired” by God do bad things?

        • cmc1026

          I don’t know why, but we’ll try this one more time. If I wrote a book on the best ways to kidnap, rape and murder children, and I took the New Testament and made one book out of those two books. Two separate books and turned them into one book. Are you saying that everything that Jesus said should now be discarded because I took a separate book and put it with his teachings? It is no different than putting the Old and New Testaments together. They are two separate things put together by men.
          What evil did Jesus tell people to do? If everybody lived as Jesus said we should, this earth would be paradise. You probably think money and/or religion are the root of all evil right. WRONG. People are the root of all evil. If we got rid of religion do you think the rapists and murderers will go away? Do you think hunger will be cured?

          • joyscarbo

            You are making NO sense. I completely understand that the Old Testament and New Testament are like two books in one book. Got it. But they are not completely unrelated to one another. It’s like Old Testament: Bible I -and- New Testament: The Sequel. You can’t have one without the other. And you take it in it’s entirty. It’s like forgetting ancient history because it has nothing to do with the history you favor.
            YOU are making no sense. And it sounds as if you don’t favor the parables, events and teachings of the Old Testament. They aren’t all pretty and wonderful. But then, ultimately, what happens to Jesus Christ in the New Testament isn’t very nice either. It doesn’t display the best of mortal man. We condemned Jesus and then tortured and murdered him. But then He arises…and we all come out on top with his resurection, assuring us all that we are loved and forgiven.
            I don’t necessarily think that money and religion are the root of all evil, but evil can certainly lurk within both. Many have claimed to be “directed” and “inspired” by God- by Christ himself. There are those who murder doctors in the name of Jesus Christ because the doctor provides legally safe abortions. I call them religious terrorists. Certainly, money and greed for more money drove Bernie Madoff to fleece thousands out of their money.

            The Holy Bible: NEW TESTAMENT: Matthew 19:24 “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

            Hmmmm…sounds like the greed that comes with outrageous amounts of money is at dire risk for corruption. He has a better chance being a camel fitting throught the eye of a needle.

            YOU make NO SENSE!

          • cmc1026

            Then according to your thinking I must be a Muslim because Jesus is talked about in the Quran. The Old book, the New book and the newest book.

            Jesus’ teaching are a replacement for the old teachings not a continuation.

            People are “directed” by their neighbor’s dog to kill (Son of Sam). Is it really the dogs fault? People are “inspired” by actresses to kill the President. Do you really think Jodi Foster has any culpability in Reagan’s attempted assassination? You can no more blame money, God or Jesus then you can blame the dog for what PEOPLE decide to do. You are the only one responsible for your actions. Period.

            “Legally safe” abortions? Is that what makes abortion ok to you, that they are “legally safe”? Does it make the killing of unborn children a warm and fuzzy experience to you because they are “legally safe”? Why did you include those two words? You could have just said …because the doctor provides abortions. You know, slavery used to be legal, so I guess it was ok because it was “legal”.

          • joyscarbo

            I wouldn’t care if you were a Muslim! I don’t care what religion you are. I respect other religions and I don’t go around telling muslims, buddhists, sikhs, etc that their religion is wrong or immoral. I don’t practice that religion and I’m not the person who will stand outside their places of worship and hurl hateful words at them either. Sorry, but that’s my personal, spiritual conviction. You don’t have to accept it and I really don’t care what you think about it.
            My personal religious experience is based in primarily in christianity and that’s what I know for myself. I take the Bible as a whole. I’ve been given a brain to think with by God and I can decifer what is right and wrong for myself. Christianity is practiced and expressed by all forms of denominations. Many of these denominations just aren’t for me, especially if those sects are fundamentalists and conservative. I like my religion to be more uplifting and less hell, fire brimstone. I want to be inspired, not threatened. I know the penalty for sin is death in hell…got it.

            Of course I don’t hold Jodi Foster liable for the attempt on Reagan’s life- that’s ludicrous. I also can say that I have no idea what the relationship was between Ted Bundy and God at the time of his execution either. I don’t pretend to know the soul of any person, their personal status with God or whether their name is written in the “book of life.” I can’t wrap my mind around what goes on in the mind of a murder- especially a serial killer. There are many things in life that I don’t understand. Why do wonderful people get diseases and die? Why do some suffer with mental illness?

            I want to make it abundantly clear: I DO NOT ADVOCATE ABORTION!!! I feel we should be doing MORE to reduce the need for women to feel compelled to make this choice- RESPECT THE RIGHT, REDUCE THE NEED. There are more options now for birth control and I would like to see these be more accessible. That is, insurance companies should be paying for birth control, period. More education for our young people is vital as well.
            I do firmly believe abortion should be legal and medically safe. I know that when abortion is illegal, MORE people die. Abortion doesn’t just stop because it’s illegal no matter how much you think it will. Illegal abortion means quacks and back ally abortionist come out of the woodwork. Women still will seek out abortions even under unsafe conditions and risk their health, their fertility and even their lives. I will fight for a woman’s right to choose. I don’t care what you say or do.

  • cmc1026

    Dominick,
    Liberals are sooo tolerant, as long as you agree with them? So was Hitler, the KKK and nut job terrorists. Gay people already have civil unions that give them the same rights as married couples. Why isn’t that enough? Should two brothers be aloud to get married? Should a bi-sexual be aloud to marry a man and a woman? Should parents be aloud to marry their adult children or is that sick to you? Kind of like two men together is sick to a lot of people. You need to accept all freakish things once you take marriage passed one man and one woman, because, who are you to tell somebody who they love? It just comes down to: What kind of society do you want to live in?

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/VYIRX5Y2LS7OXB2J5B5E3BCP2I Gary

    Dan Cathy statement is no different than our presidents statement was just 6 month ago.
    I did not see anybody calling him a bigot. why the double standard?

  • lkreu

    Exactly – I am so tired of those who think “if we all lived by the Bible rules, the world would be better off” I bet they don’t do HALF of the stuff that the Bible commands them to live. Biggest bunch of bigots I have ever heard of – the evangelicals and all the christian fanatics out there.

  • Edward Horton

    I thought he didn’t volunteer this information but responded to a reporter’s question. Now he is being castigated for expressing his belief’s. Do we respect other people’s opinions when they are different from ours?

  • 13observer

    You will never satisfy gay people because what they really want is to be “genetically correct”. The “genetic flaw” should be tolerated however, the lifestyle choice resulting from it should not be promoted. If the genetic “make-up” of these individuals were correct, they would have no problem pro-creating from the same sex however, we all know this is not the case and would only lead to extinction. So whether they eat chicken or each other…..”Mother Nature” still makes the rules!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7NJF5GHQ76QYBTDZGHMXKQ3VZI Milton

    30 Million customers a new sales record, and if you think these 30 million will be voting for Obama, think again!

  • 13observer

    So much for “who’s ox is being gored” politically.

  • Danimel

    So everyone on the planet that disagrees with gay marriage from all of the various religions or even atheists that disagree with it are bigots? That is quite alot of people. I would hazard to guess that it would be around 5 billion people out of over 7 billion. That is alot of bigotry. Cannot one believe that homosexuality is wrong? What makes those that believe in it right? Because four weeks ago Obama said so? Was he a bigot the first 3 years of his presidency when he openly condemed it? Where were all of these comments about the horrible bigot in office then? I guess it was okay for him because he was a poor misguided liberal that took a little time to come around and needed some votes. Maybe Dan Cathy will come around as well if given the chance or doesn’t he deserve one because he is white and believes in Jesus. Please update me on what the rules are for a free pass from the elitist, liberal, anti-american, anti-religion zealots that appear to think that they hold the moral authority over more than 5 billion people who likely disagree with their viewpoint and opinion?

    • Black_Diaspora2

      “So everyone on the planet that disagrees with gay marriage from all of the various religions or even atheists that disagree with it are bigots?”

      [Argument by straw man.]

      Yes, they’re bigots, since what these consenting, homosexual adults do–if the law allows it for heterosexual–and they aren’t harming others, is their own business, and not yours or mine.

      ‘That is quite alot of people. I would hazard to guess that it would be around 5 billion people out of over 7 billion.”

      [Argument by preponderance]

      Your “guess” is the hazard. Until a sufficient number of the world’s people are properly surveyed so that a statistical finding may be reached, you are reaching–and overreaching–with your statement.

      “Cannot one believe that homosexuality is wrong?”

      [Argument by superiority]

      Wrong by whose standards? We’re making it all up. What’s right and wrong has shifted, and does shift, according to time, place, or circumstance. Some societies, past and present, have held, and do hold, homosexuality as as a blessed state.

      “Was he a bigot the first 3 years of his presidency when he openly condemed it? Where were all of these comments about the horrible bigot in office then?”

      [Argument by similarities]

      So that you may hear it: On same-sex marriage the president was a bigot. That he ordered his Justice Department to cease enforcing the Defense of Marriage Act DOMA (over the objection of Republicans), and repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell” DADT (over the objection of Republicans), as a way to deal with homosexuality in the various branches of the military, his bigotry was moderated considerably, and when compared with his opponent, Willard Mitt Romney, who says that he would seek a Constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage, if elected, the president’s a virtual saint on the subject.

      “Maybe Dan Cathy will come around as well if given the chance or doesn’t he deserve one because he is white and believes in Jesus.”

      [Argument by contrast]

      Maybe Cathy will, but to the extent that he may be funding groups that are actively opposing homosexuality, or whose voice–because of his wealth and prestige–may influence others to oppose homosexuality, then he’s guilty, and will have to answer for his bigotry.

      That Cathy is “white” and “believes in Jesus” is irrelevant, and does nothing to advance your argument, serving merely to reveal a mindset that’s all too revealing.

      “Please update me on what the rules are for a free pass from the elitist, liberal, anti-american, anti-religion zealots that appear to think that they hold the moral authority over more than 5 billion people who likely disagree with their viewpoint and opinion?”

      [Argument by name-calling, personal considerations (ad hominem) and condemnation]

      You have attacked the supposed opposition–liberals–by questioning their Americanism, their religion, and their morality by calling them “elitist, liberal, anti-american, anti-religion zealots that appear to think that they hold the moral authority,” and not including yourself in that definition?

      Yours is the ultimate act of projection, because you don’t see that what you’re condemning, You Are!

      • cmc1026

        ..since what these consenting, homosexual adults do–if the law allows it for heterosexual–and they aren’t harming others, is their own business..

        Are you saying we should make being gay illegal OR make everything that adults want to do, like drugs and prostitution, legal? Can the whores turn tricks in a car parked in the street in front of your house? Can the drug dealers sell in front of your house.

        And as I said in a previous post:
        Gay people already have civil unions that give them the same rights as married couples. Why isn’t that enough? Should two brothers be aloud to get married? Should a bi-sexual be aloud to marry a man and a woman? Should parents be aloud to marry their adult children or is that sick to you? Kind of like two men together is sick to a lot of people. You need to accept all freakish things once you take marriage passed one man and one woman, because, who are you to tell somebody who they love? It just comes down to: What kind of society do you want to live in?

        • Black_Diaspora2

          “Are you saying we should make being gay illegal OR make everything that adults want to do, like drugs and prostitution, legal?”

          [Argument by misrepresentation]

          You’ve misrepresented my position to set up a straw man. Look closer at the quote that you conveniently provided. Notice anything? I said this: If it’s legal for heterosexuals, it should be legal for homosexuals.

          Rather than go on a tangent, you should have spent that time and space advancing your argument, which, so far, is weak at best.

          “Gay people already have civil unions that give them the same rights as married couples.”

          In your mind, they’re different so let’s treat them differently.

          Here’s a question for you: Are “civil unions” fine with all heterosexual couples? It would give them the “same rights as married couples.”

          Your problem: You see the two groups–heterosexual couples and homosexual couples–as different in some way. They’re not! They grow up like other kids, dreaming about pretty much the same things, with the sames hopes and aspirations–and part of those aspirations are cultural in nature–including marriage, raising a family, and owing a home in the suburb.

          Because they love someone of the same sex doesn’t make them somehow different from the rest of us, They Are Us. They have community spirit like the rest of us. They are patriotic like the rest of us. They serve their country by joining the military like the rest of us. The contribute to the society in which they were born just like the rest of us.

          They’re our children, our sisters, our brothers, our aunts and uncles, our nephews and nieces. But on the issue of marriage–because it’s to a same-sex partner–we think it’s okay to discriminate, and reduce their relationship by not allowing them to solemnify it the way that others do.

          it’s not okay!

          “Should two brothers be aloud to get married? Should a bi-sexual be aloud to marry a man and a woman? Should parents be aloud to marry their adult children or is that sick to you?”

          [Argument by straw man, and employing a slippery slope]

          I’ll say it again: Whatever is allowed, and is proper for, heterosexuals should be allowed for homosexuals. I advocate for no special treatment, or rights, for either group, just those rights that we all enjoy.

          “You need to accept all freakish things once you take marriage passed one man and one woman, because, who are you to tell somebody who they love?”

          [More argument by slippery slope]

          I’ll say it again: Whatever is allowed, and is proper for, heterosexuals should be allowed for homosexuals. I advocate for no special treatment, or rights, for either group, just those rights that we all enjoy.

          “It just comes down to: What kind of society do you want to live in?”

          One where we don’t create a special class of people because of their sexual orientation; one that adheres to the spirit and letter of the Constitution that guarantees “equal rights under the law”; And one where we live and let live as long as the law doesn’t forbid it, and the law doesn’t forbid one thing for one and not another, for reasons that are foundationless.

          I want to live in a society where we focus on things that really matter–not whether a man wishes to marry another man, or a woman wishes to marry another woman.

          I say: Wish them Godspeed, and happiness, for relationships are Life’s most instructive tool, and Life’s greatest challenge, be they relationships within same-sex marriages, or not.

          • dtgraham

            You’re a little deep and nuanced for some of these people Black_. You seem like a spiritual person. If you’re a practising Christian, you’re one hell of a fine example of your faith.

            I’ve made this same comment some time ago on a very old thread that may never have been read by anyone. Gay marriage was legalized in Canada a long time ago and absolutely nothing has changed that I’m aware of. Nobody has married their cat or their laptop, and there’s been no sudden demand for polygamy or anything like that. Heterosexuals still get married in the same numbers and their marriages don’t seem to fall apart because some gay couples got married last week.

            American conservatives are getting all worked up over nothing. Gay marriage is coming to America in the near future, and it will be the same in America as in Canada. Nothing for anyone to worry about.

          • Black_Diaspora2

            “You seem like a spiritual person. If you’re a practising Christian, you’re one hell of a fine example of your faith.”

            Thank you, dtgraham. I am a mystic. A condition of birth. I say that as one who has studied the Bible, both the New and Old Testaments, as well as other Holy Writ.

            I am blessed to see there, what others miss, for much is hiding in plain sight, but require “eyes to see.”

            My greatest source of knowledge comes from within–a continuously flowing wellspring of Wisdom that is available to us all, if only we would open our hearts and minds to the possibility.

            “Gay marriage was legalized in Canada a long time ago and absolutely nothing has changed that I’m aware of.”

            It speaks to the evolutionary strides of Canadians. Would that the whole world was equally advanced and equally evolved. It will happen, though, soon or late, but happen it will.

            “Nothing for anyone to worry about.”

            True. It all works out in the end–as our end is assured–but we can do it without inflicting pain on each other, or being the instrument of needless suffering.

            “I’ve made this same comment some time ago on a very old thread that may never have been read by anyone.”

            Continue to share your truth. I know–from time to time–it seems like screaming into the wind, but I continue to do my part, one person at a time, to bring the changes that this world so desperately need.

          • cmc1026

            You didn’t answer these questions; If gay men can marry, can brothers get married? Since heterosexuals can marry, can parents marry their children?

          • Black_Diaspora2

            “If gay men can marry, can brothers get married?”

            Sure, as long as they’re not genetically related.

            “Since heterosexuals can marry, can parents marry their children?”

            Sure, as long as they’re not genetically related.

            I’ll say it again: Whatever is allowed, and is proper for, heterosexuals should be allowed for homosexuals. I advocate for no special treatment, or rights, for either group, just those rights that we all enjoy.

          • cmc1026

            Why can’t they be genetically related?

          • cmc1026

            Inbreading? Two brothers? You know something I don’t about making babies?