217: Should A Christian Business Owner Be Forced to Do Business with Gay People?
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As a part of an on going mini-series on issues related to homosexuality, Kenny addresses the questions around Christian business owners being forced to serve same-sex weddings, as well as other events, that may violate their own Biblical or ideological convictions.
Kenny believes that business owners, of any religious or political conviction, should be allowed to do business with whomever they please, for whatever reason they see fit, in whatever manner they see fit, and that the federal government ought not be involved in such matters unless it is a matter of life and death. Kenny outlines how his notions are rooted in paleoconservationism ideology, libertarian ideals, and John Locke’s assertions about natural rights. Kenny makes the case that all of the American founding documents are rooted in these same ideologies.
Kenny points out several cases where Christian business owners have been sued or put out of business for refusing to serve a same-sex wedding, and compares it to a recent dress designer who refused to make a dress for Melania Trump for the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump. The most famous case to date is the case of Arlene’s Flowers wherein the florist refused to sell flowers to a gay couple for their same-sex wedding.
Kenny points out the hypocrisy evident in many modern secular progressive groups and the inconsistency in their ideology. Kenny also makes the legal case as to why it is not illegal (and neither is it a form of discrimination) for any business owner to refuse to do business with any person engaged in an action that violates the religious or ideological convictions of that business owner, regardless if the action is sexual or otherwise.
Kenneth E. Ortiz (Th.M.) is Lead Pastor of Horizon City Church. He has 15+ years of vocational ministry experience. Kenneth previously served as a professor at Bethlehem College and adjunct faculty at Spurgeon College. Kenneth lives in Minneola, FL with his wife Malaina, they have two kids.
