An article was recently published at the Huffington Post on recent pressures of gay activists on people and organizations to distance themselves from those who follow a biblical understanding of homosexuality defined as hateful or anti-gay. The article was written by two young, influential Christian leaders and illuminates quite well the reality of hypocrisy in the actions of gay activists. Click here for full article.

The wordsmithing Brits behind the Oxford Dictionary define “hate” as “hostile actions motivated by intense dislike or prejudice.” But words take on new meanings as people speak them, often deriving more from the context of their usage than from their actual definitions.

The word “hate” has become one of many such grammatical casualties as some now use it to describe the positions of any who vary from emerging cultural norms. 

Among offenders are gay activists who increasingly define anyone who believes that marriage should be applied only in the context of monogamous, heterosexual union as anti-gay and hateful. But is a belief in traditional marriage an inherently hateful posture?

Blogs erupted last month with news that Blake Mycoksie, founder of TOMS Shoes, apologized for speaking at an event hosted by Focus on the Family. The Christian non-profit is “dedicated to helping families thrive,” but has long opposed same sex marriage. Bloggers at Change.org lamented Mycoskie’s association with what they termed an “anti-gay hate-group.” He responded with a public apology:

“Had I known the full extent of Focus on the Family’s beliefs, I would not have accepted the invitation to speak at their event. It was an oversight on my part and the company’s part and one we regret.”

The move against Focus incited other activists to apply pressure to companies like Apple, Microsoft and Delta Airlines to cease their involvement with the Charity Give Back Group (CGBG). CGBG encourages consumers to give to more than 200,000 charities, including socially conservative groups like Family Research Council, when they purchase items from over 600 brand retailers.

Ben Crowther, a student at Western Washington University, collected more than 20,000 signatures on a petition to Apple, prompting the removal of iTunes from CGBG.

“I knew that once this issue was brought to Apple’s attention, they would not want to be a part of CVN because it funds anti-gay hate groups,” Crowther said. Microsoft and Delta caved to the pressure as well.

The third hammer fell last Wednesday, this time on Chicago pastor Bill Hybels and his Willow Creek Church. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz announced he would withdraw from Hybels’ Leadership Summit, an annual conference at Willow Creek that simulcasts to more than 168,000 people worldwide. Schultz’s decision immediately followed a petition from Asher Huey on Change.org.

The ultimate coup, however, may lie just around the corner. Change.org has issued yet another petition soliciting PBS to have Bert and Ernie marry. Big Bird and Snuffleupagus, you’re next.

This recent shelling of Christian groups by those who support same sex marriage is not unique. The rhythm of crossfire over marital law has become a staple in America’s culture wars. But it does raise questions about the prudence of applying emotional labels to those who disagree with one’s position.

Are organizations that oppose same sex marriage, and people who associate with them, hate-mongers? Should we assume those who support the traditional definition of marriage are “motivated by intense dislike or prejudice”? [Read more...]