So, somewhere through the whole passing, and then virtual rescinding, of Indiana's Religious Freedom bill, someone asked me if I would actually DJ a wedding for a gay couple if asked.
The answer, just to get to the point, is yes, I would.
You see, the problem isn't whether or not I agree with a Christian business owner's decision to deny service to someone on the basis of their religious beliefs, but rather, whether or not I believe the Christian business owner has the RIGHT to deny said services.
And on that note, I absolutely think the Christian business owner -- or any other business owner, for that matter -- has that right.
I do not believe in discrimination, but I do believe business owners reserve the right to give or deny services to others based on their religious beliefs. I ESPECIALLY don't believe the government should have the right to force a business owner to serve individuals against their beliefs.
The bigger picture is that I believe a business owner has the right to operate his or her business however he or she so chooses. It's their money on the line. It's their reputation on the line. It's their business. They should be allowed to do whatever they want, even if it's wrong. I don't support discrimination, but should a business owner choose to do so, as a famous comedian once said, "They have the right to be stupid and wrong!"
As for me, there's several reasons I would serve a gay wedding reception.
First, at the end of the day, it's just a job. It's work. Jesus was a carpenter, and the Apostle Paul was a tent maker. There's no indication in the Bible that either of them ever denied service to anyone who wasn't a Christian. We can't say for sure, but I don't think, given what we know of their personalities, that they would turn away any opportunity to make a living.
Second, my performing a gay wedding reception is akin to Jesus sitting with the tax collectors. Jesus, while steadfastly holding to Biblical principles, did not shy away from fraternizing with those who didn't share his same beliefs. There are many examples in the Bible of Jesus meeting with and fellowshipping with others who weren't following God. Most often, He did so in an effort to minister to them, and at other times, He did it as an example to others around Him. In either case, He didn't hide himself away in a box so as to never mingle with those who didn't believe in Him.
Third, as His first miracle, Jesus himself changed water into wine at wedding just to keep the party going. He was actually somewhat annoyed at the request, if you read the account in John, Chapter 2. But He did it anyway. Why? Well, according to the account, it wasn't so people could just get more drunk. Rather, it was to show His power, and, again, if you read the account, there seems to be some motivation in it to make the groom look good. Regardless, I think it's reasonable to assume that not everyone at the wedding were believers (although I can't say that with all certainty.) But it's clear there was some big drinking going on at the wedding, and even in those days, over-drinking was somewhat frowned upon, so we can reasonably assume that not all the guests were strict Jesus-followers. At the very least, it was Jesus just doing whatever He could to help out. At the most, it was a miraculous show of Jesus's power.
Fourth -- and this is, in my opinion, the most important point -- if I were to deny DJing for a gay wedding, then I would need to deny the same to any non-Christian couple that comes my way. This is where the idea of "picking and choosing" Scriptures comes into play. As I've tried to explain on many occasions, I do not see homosexuality as some sort of "super-sin," or some unforgivable sin that is different from all other sin.
No, homosexuality, in my opinion and interpretation of the Bible, is a sin like all others: Repentable and forgivable. It's not different from any other sin, no worse and no better. If I were to deny service to a gay couple because I believe their lifestyle to be sinful, then I have to deny service to anyone who doesn't follow Jesus, no matter what sin I think they harbor. If I'm going to build a wall, I have to build it with bricks.
Otherwise, I'm a hypocrite.
Now, please don't allow this to devolve into a discussion about judging. I've already covered that in a previous post, and besides, that's not the issue here. In this case, I've already made up my mind as to whether I believe their lifestyle conflicts with my beliefs. The question, then, becomes whether or not I should go ahead and perform the service.
I do not believe we, as Christians, are called to shun anyone, even if they aren't believers. We are indeed called to love our neighbors, and I believe there's great value in showing love, compassion and acceptance to others.
However, I do believe there are lines that shouldn't be crossed. The Bible clearly states that we, as Christians, have to be "in" the world, but that we shouldn't be "of" the world.
I have left parties early, and refused to play others altogether, where underage drinking was allowed and/or prevalent. Underage drinking is not only dangerous, but against the law, and being a party to it is potentially damaging to me and my business, my being equally liable for the delinquency were the party to be raided by the police. So I've walked out on them, and it is now my policy to refuse any party where I know underage drinking will take place. For that matter -- though I don't have another concrete example of this happening -- I would refuse to play for any gathering where I was aware beforehand of any illegal activity taking place.
Believe me when I tell you I've played for lots of parties that didn't necessarily jive with my religious beliefs. While not illegal, I've witnessed some pretty sketchy activity at shows I've performed. Be thankful I spare you the details.
I have no problem with a church, or a minister, denying to perform the wedding of a gay couple. I've seen ministers refuse to perform a wedding for a wide range of reasons, not the least of which was the couple was gay. And I have no problem with it. And yes, without boring you with the details here (maybe another blog?) I do think there's a difference between a minister who refuses to marry a gay couple, and my refusing to perform at their reception.
And still I believe it would be my RIGHT to refuse the service, just as it would be the right of others to boycott my business if they don't agree with my stance.
In the absence of that right, what's to stop non-Christians from forcing Chick-Fil-A from opening on Sundays, since their reason for being closed is their religious belief of not working on Sundays?
What's to stop churches from being forced to allow non-believers into their membership? What's to stop a Jewish deli from being forced to serve a bacon sandwich? What's to stop Christian book stores from being forced to sell pornography? You may think that's extreme, but if you can provide an adequate difference between those scenarios and a bakery being forced to make a wedding cake for a gay couple, I'm all ears.
At the end of the day, I would DJ the reception. Heck, I might even sing at the wedding, if asked, which probably would never happen. I would do so because I would think it would be the right thing to do, and a good way to show God' love.
I can tell you this though, if I felt differently, I wouldn't simply refuse the service and tell the news about it. But you can bet your booties I'd already be booked that day!
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