Should Christians Make Gay Wedding Cakes?

Yes.






The debate rages across America. Religious Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are working overtime- rallying their sides to both defend and attack Arizona's SB 1062.

What the bill accomplishes depends on who you ask.

Proponents of the bill claim it would protect business owners from violating their personal religious beliefs. Supporters point to a Colorado baker named Jack Phillips, who refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. Phillips refused to create the cake claiming it would infringe on his personal religious views towards homosexuality. This past December a Federal Judge ruled that Phillips broke Colorado's Anti-Discrimination law. Arizona SB 1062 is intended to protect those like Phillips who believe that their religious freedoms are being threatened by activists courts and laws.

Critics of Arizona's bill claim it will increase oppression and discrimination towards those who have long felt marginalized by society and the courts.  The ACLU of Arizona released a statement urging the Governor to veto the bill- fearing that the bill, "Allow[s] private individuals and businesses to use religion to discriminate, sending a message that Arizona is intolerant and unwelcoming." Many businesses like the NFL, Apple, American Airlines and AT&T have threatened to leave Arizona if Governor Brewer signs SB 1062 into law.

I think Christians should make gay wedding cakes.  Here's why....

• Serving our neighbors does not mean agreeing with their personal beliefs.  Just hours before Jesus was arrested, he was in the upper room where he washed his disciples feet. He served every disciple, not just those he liked.  Jesus even aided Judas who had already aligned himself with the corrupt religious leaders to betray Him. 
• Do Christians want a society where we can refuse a business interaction with another person on the sole basis of our personal religious beliefs.  What if an Atheist restaurant owner refused to serve a Christian family because she thought Christianity was foolish? How would Christians respond to a Muslim store owner denying Christians access to their goods because they were buying items for a Youth Group activity?  Would Christians tolerate being denied access to a doctor's office because the doctor disagreed with the patient's personal religious views on the sanctity of life?
• Christians support Anti-Discrimination laws because they reflect the Biblical truth that everyone has value by being created in God's Image. The Biblical view that every person is created in God's Image extends to everyone -even those who may be opposed to the cause of Christ.
• A democratic society protects the rights of minority from the oppression of the majority. Freedom of Religion exists as ways of ensuring that even non-traditional religions have equal protection. Our Bill of Rights must extend to everyone, even those whose lifestyle may exist outside of Biblical parameters.
• Serving those with whom we disagree seems to be a core message of the Cross.  Jesus willingly died for  everyone, even those who were in defiant opposition to Him.  Serving those outside of our religious and moral spheres is at the heart of Christianity.
• Jesus calls us to Love God and to Love Others.  It is rewarding to Love God, and its easy to Love Others (who think, look, act and believe like me in every way).  However, true Christian love is meant to extend to everyone, not just those who believe just like me.
• In January of 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized a 'ministerial exception' from employment discrimination laws.  This ruling allows religious institutions to hire and fire employees without government interference. In a 9-0 unanimous vote, Chief Justice Roberts affirmed, “The Establishment Clause prevents the government from appointing ministers, and the Free Exercise Clause prevents it from interfering with the freedom of religious groups to select their own.”

Jesus parting words before his death are instructive for us today...

'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.'

Jesus Walks on the Water

The story of Jesus walking on the water is as widely mocked as it is well loved.

Grab a bible or read it online at www.Biblegateway.com.  The story is found in Mark 6.45-52.

This story is mocked for representing an antiquated view of reality -people can't walk on water.  Scholars sneer at modern, intelligent people for believing something that is so clearly in opposition to reality.

Others have found great comfort in this story, as it demonstrates the personal love that Jesus shows for his followers.  The image of Jesus calming the storm has brought peace to so many caught up in the grip of suffering.


There is more to this story than the simple account of Jesus demonstrating his power over nature. Imbedded within this story are some powerful truths.  Here are a few:

-Obedience to Jesus can mean disaster
-Miracles can draw us away from God
-We can be face to face with Jesus and still miss him
-Jesus may send us into danger so that he can reveal himself to us

When you read this story, what stands out to you?

Christ on the Field at the Super Bowl

I love football. No surprise there. I remember meeting my hero -Packers Fullback William Henderson and being speechless as he shook my hand.

For me the best part of the game is rarely displayed on television.  It is the post-game prayer, where the opposing teams come together and offer their thanks to the Lord.

A powerful image relaying the importance of Christ in their lives. 



Here are some links to Christian players and coaches who are playing in this Super Bowl.

In this Great video Clip Russell Wilson, along with fellow players, Chris Maragos, Clint Gresham, and Russell Okung share their story of why following Christ is the most important part of their lives. Seahawks Coaches Rocky Seto and Sherman Smith are also featured in this solid 14 minute video.

Seattle Pastor Mark Driscoll also interviewed these same players.  You can watch the 3 minute clip here.

Jacob Tamme, the Denver Bronco's Tight End gave an interview to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Read the full interview here....  When asked what is the greatest piece of spiritual advice you could give to students he replied,  'Get to know Jesus, our Savior. The Bible says Jesus is so great He “upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:3,) He loves us so much He died for us and now desires to have a relationship with us.'

Peyton Manning, the celebrated Quarterback of the Denver Bronco's wrote about his Faith in Christ in his book, Manning.

For me generally it had always been the big four: faith, family, friends, and football. . . . as important as football is to me, it can never be higher than fourth. My faith has been number one since I was thirteen years old . . .

Some players get more vocal about it . . . and some point to Heaven after scoring a touchdown and praise God after games. I have no problem with that. But I don’t do it, and don’t think it makes me any less a Christian. I just want my actions to speak louder, and I don’t want to be more of a target for criticism . . .

My faith doesn’t make me perfect, it makes me forgiven, and provides me the assurance I looked for half my life ago. . .

I’ve been blessed—having so little go wrong in my life, and being given so much. I pray every night, sometimes long prayers about a lot of things and a lot of people, but I don’t talk about it or brag about it because that’s between God and me, and I’m no better than anybody else in God’s sight.

But I consider myself fortunate to be able to go to Him for guidance, and I hope (and pray) I don’t do too many things that displease Him. . . . I believe, too, that life is much better and freer when you’re committed to God in that way.

30,000 - Humbled and Thankful

The Coffee Shop Pastor blog recently surpassed 30,000 hits... and I am amazed.

The ability to engineer conversations with people all over the globe is astounding.

Thank you all following along, reading, commenting and entering into dialogue about Christ, his Church, and living out this Faith...