I support religious freedom laws because I support the free expression of religion. The free expression of the Christian faith requires that I “show hospitality to strangers.”
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).
We are challenged to demonstrate a radical hospitality. Should a Christian florist service a Buddhist wedding? Should a Christian caterer provide food for a Jewish bar-mitzvah? Should a Christian hotel owner provide a banquet hall for a Muslim celebration? The traditions of other religions may seem strange, but that is no excuse to withhold the grace of hospitality. By servicing non-Christian events Christians are not committing idolatry, but sharing the grace of Christ in the midst of the idols.
Christians practice hospitality not only in hopes of “entertaining angels,” but also from the desire to express Christian grace to unbelievers. Christian entrepreneurs should make “excellence in hospitality to everyone” the mission of their businesses. Some Christians are conflicted about servicing events that are contrary to their Faith – like catering a homosexual marriage. We must be reminded that Jesus dined with sinners, so we are called to dine with sinners.
The practice of homosexual marriage is strange, contrary to Christian teaching. But it is also contrary to Christian teaching to deny hospitality to strangers. When Christian entrepreneurs make the choice to service homosexual weddings they are not implying approval of the practice. Rather, they are proving themselves to be ambassadors of Christ in a strange land.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).
Upon further reflection…
A couple of conversations with photographers have lead me to make a few clarifying comments. One person correctly pointed out that she refuses to do nude photography based on her religious convictions. She makes an excellent point.
As I responded to her, just because Jesus calls us to be hospitable to sinners doesn’t mean we must have the meal in a strip joint. Christians will struggle as we seek to negotiate the tensions involved. Our primary concern must be how to best represent the mission of Jesus Christ and not compromise foundational Christian morality.
