Religion, Politics and Fried Chicken Sandwiches

I live in South Carolina. We’re conservative. We go to church. We’re all about faith and family … and we love Chick-fil-A.

Last week it was fun to see crowds of people dressed up as cows heading to their local Chick-fil-A for a free chicken sandwich. It was part of the restaurant chain’s annual Cow Appreciation Day. On July 9 If you turn up in cow costume or even take the trouble to paint black spotches on your white T-shirt you can claim your free lunch.

Chick-fil-A’s blend of great customer service, clean restaurants with flowers on the table, the best fries anywhere and terrific chicken has made them America’s favorite fast food chain four years running. They are expanding rapidly across the country. Chick-fil-A is a classic American success story.

The Face of Public Christianity: A Cow

Famous for never opening on Sunday, the restaurant chain has made the humble fried chicken sandwich the face of public Christianity. Being a family-owned-and-operated business strengthens Chick-fil-A’s appeal. The Cathy family are unapologetic about their Christian faith. That lodges their business right in the heart of Christians across the country.

It’s no surprise therefore that they would be the target of left wing bigotry and intolerance. This sarcastic article acknowledges the good food and fun of Cow Appreciation Day, but attacks Chick-fil-A for being anti-LGBTQ. Whatever that means.

Secular journalists don’t get religion. They can’t comprehend that people might donate money to support religious good works separate from political activism.

All Christians are called to give back through stewardship and tithing. The Cathy family who own Chick-fil-A is no exception. Most of their donations are to Christian organizations with strong, traditional, Christian family values. This means they believe God has established marriage to be between one man and one woman for life. It’s part of their religion.

These organizations are not anti-LGBTQ activists. They are not homophobic or gay bashers. However, they do support traditional marriage as part of their Christian faith.

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