Double Standard

Sometimes it seems that innumerable topics of speech are fair ground and perfectly acceptable in public settings.  But, let a Christian speak about his or her faith, and all of a sudden, there are issues.  Implications.  Loss of livelihood and dignity.  So many subjects to discuss, but one can sometimes be off-limits.  But, we know why, don't we?  They don't want to hear about and accept God's authority, otherwise they would have to obey it.  Paul and Barnabas experienced that, and in the book of Acts, in chapter 14 (ESV), we can read:
1 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

College student Paige Rogers has encountered some "poison minds," working in a coffee shop where her supervisors believed she was serving up something poisonous, or at least they acted like it. First Liberty reported this:  "After being asked by a coworker about her views on marriage and other sensitive topics, Paige respectfully shared her Christian beliefs. Following this, Heine Brothers terminated Paige via text because of those Christian beliefs."

Just like that - talk about the weather, that's OK.  The latest pop star - no problem.  Even those "sensitive topics," if her views had made the "approved" list.  But, talk about Christ - a toxic brew!

Cliff Martin, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute, who visited our booth at NRB with another First Liberty client, a teacher who had chosen not to teach LGBT-oriented material and was reassigned (the teacher was exonerated, by the way), about Paige said: “The idea that an employer can fire an employee for simply voicing a religious belief, after being invited to do so, is chilling,” said . “No employee should have to hide their faith in order to keep their job.”

Paige Rogers has decided to speak out in a more public forum that the coffee shop where she used to work in Louisville.  She wrote an op-ed for FoxNews.com, in which she said: "My Christian faith is a core part of who I am. My faith in Christ defines who I am and how I view the world. I am a sinner saved by grace and God has changed my heart. Ever since Christ saved me, I now seek to love others as Christ first loved us. That is my joy in life."

She related: "I’ve always been open to answering questions about my faith, so when given this opportunity to share my Christian views, I responded truthfully, respectfully, and only when invited to share."  She was fired - by text - a week later.  That was that - no due process, no chance to tell her side of the story, no sense of fairness.  The coffee company claimed they conducted an investigation, but Paige was not included.

First Liberty is filing a charge of discrimination before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  

And, for good reason - since Paige wasn't allowed a discussion with her former employers, she has sought a national forum in which to make her case, and the overall case for freedom of expression.  She wrote: "People might not agree with my religious beliefs, but alignment with my personal opinions is not the issue. The freedom for coworkers to voluntarily converse and share differing viewpoints without fear of termination is what’s at stake here."  

Plain and simple, as Paige Rogers wrote, "I was fired for my faith. Christians are called to speak the truth in love, and I firmly believe that is what I have done. I hope to encourage others going through a similar situation to stay firm in their faith and trust that God will do the rest."   She said, "My simple request is that Heine Brothers offer the same safe and welcoming environment to its religious workers that it offers to its customers."

Love and understanding grow as we engage in conversation.  But, there are those who don't want to converse, they prefer to silence.  And, believers in Christ have been on the receiving end of that treatment for centuries.  Jesus Himself experienced that pain of silence, which resulted in His death on a cross.  And, there will be times when we face hostility, ridicule, and persecution.  

But, that should not persuade or intimidate us to face a self-imposed silence.  Jesus said we'd face tribulation in this world, but we could maintain a sense of "good cheer," of joy in Him, because ultimately we know that we are not at home in this world, but that we have an eternal home in Him.  And, we should want to take as many people with us to that place; the place Jesus has prepared for those who call upon His name.  

Paige gets it - she believes in a view of the world that is not of this world.  And, that firm foundation in Christ governs her behavior, including the words of her mouth.  We can also speak the truth in love, respond to people in grace, and spread the sweet aroma of Jesus Christ, which is far more savory than anything that coffee shop can brew.  Because we have consumed His living water, we can spread the words of life.