Unless you live in cave in the Canadian wilderness you have probably caught whim of a Legal vs. Christian faith confrontation in Kentucky. The case revolved around Kim Davis’, Rowan County Clerk, refusal to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples, a ruling recently handed down to lower courts by our U.S. Supreme Court.
Kim’s justification is that the mandate violated her conscience and civil liberties as a born-again Christian. In other words, her freedom of speech and right to dissent were being denied.
In another case, Charee Stanley (47), a recent convert to Islam, was recently suspended by ExpressJet for refusing to serve alcohol to passengers as it violated her religious beliefs. Other flight attendants simply volunteered to take up that part of the job. No problem!?! Except for one Flight Attendant who filed a complaint against her. Thus, the 12 month suspension for Charee.
Are these two cases the same? Similar? Totally different issues?
A perspective. First, I am a Davis— Dr. Gary Davis, to be exact. Second, I also am a practicing Christian. I even teach Christians how to express our faith in ways that make sense to normal people. Most people have NO IDEA who genuine Christians are. They think we are ALL like Kim Davis. I am not like Kim Davis. We may share the same Biblical faith, but that is where it ends.
At the risk of being accused of tooting my own horn, allow me to record a recent texting incident between myself and a friend (not a Christian) that I interviewed for my next book, THE WHISKEY CHRONICLES: what normal people think of Christians. He initiated this conversation—
TD: Just 2 words, “Kim Davis?” Thoughts?
GD: Kim Davis?
TD: Kentucky “Christian” city clerk.
GD: Oh, her. One word, JERK!
TD: Hahaaaaahaa. What do normal people think of Christians? Probably Kim Davis! It’s unfortunate. But I think of Gary Davis…, a real Christian. Time to get that book going.
GD: You are an amazing Encourager, TD! Writing. Writing. Videoing. NEED more Bourbon to finish book.
TD: Hahaaaahaaa. I’ll be right over with a barrel.
Question: Who did more to further the cause of Christ? Davis…, or Davis? Who would draw more people TO Christ? Who would polarize people more?
I’m sorry, Kim; but what were you thinking!?! I am sorry I referred to you as a jerk in my text; it was more of an emotional reactionary response than a reasoned one. Please forgive me.
I live in New England where under 1% of the total population attends church (except Boston; 7%). That’s not genuine Christians, who believe the Bible and attempt to follow its teachings; that percentage is even less. America is NOT a Christian nation; never has been, never should be. We ARE a nation that promotes religious freedom…, within our communities, and in the workplace. Kim believes she upheld her faith by denying marriage licenses to same sex couples. I believe she violated both her job mandate and Scripture’s mandate to be subject to the Bible’s teachings and with government ordinances—
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
~ Romans 13:1-5 (NIV Bible)
Seriously, Kim Davis, although I support your right to dissent, your shape of Christianity just did more to embarrass the name of Christ in our society than to draw people to Him. But you are not alone; too many Bible believing Christians still insist ondefending the faith against this world rather than befriending the people who live in it. Christians are not a bad lot if you can push past our oft offensive antics.
Question: So what can we do to resolve our differences? What can we do live in community with one another.
Comments & criticisms welcome.
…for what it’s worth,
Gary
Clueless Christianity 
Hi Gary!
Keeping you and Starr in my prayers. 🙂 My husband really liked this essay of yours and forwarded it to me, and I think your words are spot-on! It contained at least two really great quotes: “America is NOT a Christian nation; never has been, never should be.” and “…too many Bible-believing Christians still insist on *defending* the faith against the world than *befriending* the people who live in it.” EXCELLENT. When I expressed the first thought in front of some long-time Christians, they looked at me like I’d just spouted a heresy. I’m not sure how the Christian community in the US has managed to add “America is a Christian nation” to its collective mythology, but oy, is it a treasured untruth!
I’m an American and I have no intention of betraying my country, but it’s not my true home and it doesn’t have my ultimate allegiance. Christ first, and Christ alone. 🙂
Thank you!
I was talking about this with a “normal person” and his comment was, “Just be a good person. Don’t be an ass!” That advice would go a long way for most of us. Our church in Charlotte is uncomfortable with this issue, as you are, Gary.