Boy Scouts Vote to Change Policy and Allow Openly Gay Members

May 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

What can Faith Driven Consumers learn from this cultural battle? 

Following months of impassioned debate involving internal stakeholders and external activists, the Boy Scouts of America voted yesterday at its national convention to change its long-standing policy on sexual orientation and allow openly gay scouts while maintaining a ban on gay leaders.

Back in February when a previous attempt by the national staff to change the policy was met with vocal opposition among rank-and-file local scouts, leaders and parents, many saw the move to postpone any decision until the national convention as an indication of a shift toward fuller consideration of viewpoints held by its core constituency of church-based troops and Faith Driven Consumers.

However, yesterday’s vote ultimately pleases neither side.  For the gay activist coalition that won the day, it is a half-victory that will only be resolved when openly gay leaders are also accepted, affirmed and celebrated.  For the majority of scouts, leaders and parents who hold to historic and traditional biblical morals on human sexuality, marriage and family – values reflected in the Scout oath – the policy change is a huge disappointment that begs the question of continuing participation in the organization or leaving to form a more faith-compatible scouting group.

While it’s tempting for Faith Driven Consumers to see yesterday’s vote as a battle limited to the specific context of scouting, it can also be seen as a flashpoint in the broader war over the degree to which a biblical worldview is welcomed  in the culture.  Here, there is much for Faith Driven Consumers to reflect upon in the wake of the Boy Scout vote:

  • Did we do all that we could have done to stand up for God’s created intent for human sexuality, family and marriage in the battle for the heart of the Boy Scouts?  Or could we have stood up sooner, stronger, bolder and firmer?
  • Are we as God’s ambassadors in the culture ready, willing and able to stand for our biblical worldview in every arena of our lives like the apostles in the Book of Acts and the myriad saints who have gone before us?
  • Are we willing to winsomely and effectively engage every arena of the culture to shine the light of God’s truth into an increasingly dark world, or will we choose to retreat into the safety of our holy huddles?

As Faith Driven Consumers, we are called to prayerfully discern where and how God is calling us to stand in the culture and steward the resources entrusted to us in ways that glorify Him.  Like those committed Christians who fought hard in the battle of the Boy Scouts, are you willing to go to the mat for your biblical worldview and values?

Filed Under: Culture Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Movie on Early Career of Baseball Legend Jackie Robinson Scores Big at Box Office

April 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment

42 Hits Home Run with Faith-driven Themes  

Despite modest expectations, 42, the faith-driven biopic which follows the rise of Jackie Robinson as the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, overachieved at the box office on opening weekend by bringing in $27.3 million and topping the charts.

42-posterWritten and directed by Brian Helgeland (A Knight’s Tale, Robin Hood, Green Zone) and starring Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, Brooklyn Dodgers president and general manager, 42 is fundamentally a story of Christian faith conquering discrimination and racial bigotry.

The movie begins with Rickey, an outspokenly faith-driven Methodist, informing his staff that he plans to bring an Africa-American player into his organization – an idea deemed unthinkable by most people in an era of entrenched racial segregation.

42 is a compelling and moving tale of courage in the face of persecution as Robinson and Rickey rely on their Christian faith while facing the trials and tribulations that came with breaking the color barrier in baseball, America’s favorite pastime. Both Robinson and Rickey are driven by a higher sense of justice, much of it derived from their biblical worldview and Christian heritage.

Throughout the movie, Rickey repeatedly encourages Robinson to win people over by turning the other cheek and taking the high road. Over the course of Robinson’s first season, we see him begin to win over his teammates, opposing teams and fans as they gain respect for – and eventually rally behind – the future Baseball Hall of Famer.

While 42 necessarily contains difficult scenes depicting the troubling harassment and derogatory language steeped in racial epithets common to the era, 42 is not gratuitous and includes only that which is necessary to properly convey the struggle to overcome racism that Robinson faced as an African-American.

With its entertaining story line and strong faith-based themes, 42 offer a wonderful opportunity for Faith Driven Consumers across America to support a movie that appeals to good and righteous biblical themes while shining the light of Christ into cultural darkness.

Make plans now to take your family and friends to see 42.  As Faith Driven Consumers, we can positively and proactively choose entertainment that aligns with our values and respects the Christian faith held by the vast majority of Americans.

And by stewarding our dollars toward faith-compatible content like 42, we encourage decision makers in Hollywood to produce more wholesome entertainment that has a positive cultural impact.

Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale Raises Biblical Worldview Questions

February 19, 2013 by 1 Comment

Positive alternatives exist for daughters of Faith Driven Consumers

It’s that time of the year again:  young girls across America are hitting the streets in their brown vests to sell their irresistible Thin Mints and other delights in what is the largest annual fundraiser for the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA).  

girl scoutsFor more than a century, this iconic organization has helped millions of girls develop courage, confidence and character for a lifetime – including such leadership skills as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. 

While buying the celebrated Samoas was once a no-brainer, many concerns have been raised in recent years by Faith Driven Consumers about positions held by the GSUSA and its affiliate organization, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), that are in conflict with a biblical worldview.  

In one example out of many, GSUSA and WAGGGS regularly promote secularized positions on sex, sexuality, marriage, family and abortion – putting Faith Driven Consumers in a difficult spot.

As Faith Driven Consumers, we are called to be good stewards of our time, talent and treasure. Given these policy shifts at GSUSA, Faith Driven Consumers are called to make an informed decision about whether to partake in America’s annual Girl Scout cookie ritual or take a pass based on deeply held faith convictions.

One aspect to making an informed faith-driven decision involves considering appropriate alternatives.  Here are two faith-compatible alternatives to consider:  

  • American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered character development program dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God. In 2012, membership totaled more than 20,000 girls with troops in 48 states.
  • Frontier Girls focuses on patriotism, traditional values, community service and a love of learning.

Can’t live without that great Tagalong taste? Another option is to make your own version of your favorite Girl Scout cookies with these recipes:

Being a Faith Driven Consumer means stewarding to the best degree possible every daily decision – large or small – in a way that brings God glory and honor.  Even something as seemingly insignificant as buying Girl Scout cookies can make a difference in the degree to which an organization pays attention to the legitimate views of a large and economically powerful constituency group like Faith Driven Consumers.

Take the opportunity afforded by the annual Girl Scout cookie sale to research and consider the degree to which the organization reflects your biblical values. For some, supporting an alternative organization might be the best answer. For others, making your own cookies fits the bill. And for yet others, continuing to support the GSUSA because local troops have resisted the national policy shifts may remain a viable option.

Filed Under: Culture Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

JC Penney Sets Good Example on Black Friday, Appeals to Faith Driven Consumers

December 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Recent actions by the department store JC Penney haven’t always sat well with Faith Driven Consumers, but the retail giant recently took a step in the right direction with its Black Friday policy.

As retailers increasingly encroach on Thanksgiving by opening their stores earlier, JC Penney went the opposite direction, opening at 6 a.m. – two hours later than last year.  CEO Ron Johnson wrote this about his decision to open later on Black Friday:

“I know that some retailers are opening on Thanksgiving this year. But spending Thanksgiving with family is one of America’s greatest traditions. Since JC Penney was founded on the Golden Rule, I’m proud to honor this tradition by keeping our stores closed on this special day. I hope our customers and employees all enjoy a wonderful holiday with loved ones. And when we open at 6 a.m. the following day, we’ll be honoring another great American tradition — Black Friday — with our one big sale of the year.”

For many Americans, the jarring juxtaposition of a holiday devoted to gratefulness with jostling hordes of amped-up shoppers gunning to out-consume each other was too much to stomach. They see the ever-earlier store openings as a show of greed – with the Almighty Dollar trumping a day set aside for family and community.

Despite the criticism, Americans nevertheless hit the Black Friday-Turned-Thursday sales with gusto.

Given that the pressure is on retailers to increasingly encroach on Thanksgiving makes JC Penney’s decision all the more admirable. While other retailers try to gain a turkey leg up on the competition, JC Penney voluntarily took a hit to its profits and did the right thing.  For this, they are to be commended.

Thanksgiving isn’t traditionally a religious holiday with Christian roots like other holidays. But it does represent biblical values that Faith Driven Consumers hold dear – thankfulness, family, graciousness and kindness.  In an era of corporate ultra-competition, retailers that continue to set a day like Thanksgiving apart will increasingly resonate in the hearts and minds of Faith Driven Consumers.

Filed Under: Culture, Review Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Movie about Obama’s Worldview Strikes a Chord with Faith Driven Consumers

August 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

“2016: Obama’s America” leads at the box office

The recent outpouring of support for Chick-fil-A was a powerful display of what happens when the worldview of a particular group stirs wallets to action in the consumer marketplace.

From the reports of last weekend’s box office figures, it appears that another example of Faith Driven Consumers in action is unfolding with Dinesh D’Souza’s new politically themed movie, “2016: Obama’s America.”

One of the defining characteristics of Faith Driven Consumers is how their worldview consistently affects every aspect of their lives.

For this group, their worldview is based on biblically driven faith and values – with little distinction made between the secular and the sacred.  Faith Driven Consumers see everything they do in the context of stewardship and seek to give honor and glory to God in their behavior and daily choices.

For Faith Driven Consumers, every choice – whether direct or indirect – matters and every choice has consequences.   Here, even choices like voting and participating in the American political process are a matter of stewardship – raising the questions, “Does my vote for a candidate or ballot measure reflect my values and Biblical worldview?” and “How can I know?”

Worldview Matters

While Faith Driven Consumers should make the effort to fully consider the worldview of all the candidates, an opportunity currently exists to explore the worldview of Barack Obama.

As the reviews roll in on “2016: Obama’s America,” one thing is clear:  Dinesh D’Souza’s documentary, which explores the largely unexamined worldview of Barack Obama, fills a void and strikes a chord for those who want to know more about the man who has led America for nearly four years – and who could lead the nation for the next four.

And who wouldn’t want to know more?   While some reviews are dubiously dismissive of D’Souza’s perspective, others offer more praise for the film and chide the media and commentators for missing a golden opportunity to more fully scrutinize Obama during the 2008 election cycle.  And while another review criticizes D’Souza for following the outline of his book, what’s undeniable is that this low-budget documentary is leading at the box office.

Given the high stakes in the 2012 election, as a matter of stewardship, Faith Driven Consumers have an obligation to investigate more fully the worldview of the man who would be President – whether that is Barack Obama or Mitt Romney.  It’s a matter of stewarding the vote we’ve been given by God to most wisely choose our next government.

For a relatively small expenditure of time and treasure, Faith Driven Consumers can consider for themselves D’Souza’s thoughtful, reasonable and plausible perspective of Obama’s worldview that contributes to the understanding of the man and his actions as leader of the United States – and presently the world’s lone superpower.

Check out “2016: Obama’s America” for yourself – and encourage your friends to do the same.   See the movie trailer here, find a theater near you, then pray and vote your worldview.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Politics Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Running the Race Well: Olympians inspire us to stewardship

August 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Every four years Americans gather around their televisions to watch the results unfold from exciting head-to-head battle between the top competitors in their fields.  And no, we’re not talking about the November elections.

We are, of course, referring to the 2012 Olympic Games currently underway in London.  Unlike any other event on the national or international stage, the Olympics unify us behind the sports stars who rise to the challenge and inspire us with their captivating stories of dedication, struggle, perseverance and accomplishment.  As Americans, our patriotism is renewed as we focus on the Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” – Faster, Higher, Stronger.

For Faith Driven Consumers, perhaps one of the most gratifying aspects of the Olympics is seeing committed Christian athletes use the platform they’ve been given to share their faith.  They remind us that we all have a sphere of influence in our lives and a platform from which to share our faith and values.

For some athletes, their relationship with Christ gives them a quiet confidence and sense of worth outside their sport.  Jacob Wukie, a member of the U.S. archery team spoke before the games about how his worldview helps him compete.  In another interview, Wukie explained what it means to use his God-given talents:

“He is in control and has a plan for my life, I am able to give my best and let the rest lie in His hands.  He has given me the talents and abilities that I possess; He has taught me to love those around me and what it means to push hard.”

For swimmer Charlie Houchin, a faith-driven life gives him confidence every time he gets into the water.

“…I think understanding your relationship with Christ keeps everything on an even keel and gives perspective about what’s important,” Houchin said.

As part of the 4×200 meter freestyle relay team, Houchin received a gold medal.  Wukie helped the United States archery team capture a silver medal, including a semifinal upset over the top-ranked team in the world.

In the Bible, Paul uses the imagery of an athlete running a race in order to win the prize.  Like the example many Olympic athletes set with their training and performance, Faith Driven Consumers can diligently choose to steward the resources to which they’ve been entrusted by God honor and glorify Him in all that they say and do – including daily spending decisions. When, where and how we spend our money matters – as does which companies we choose to support with our business.

Every choice matters and every choice has a consequence.   Why not proactively support businesses that choose to build the kingdom of God through their actions?  God has given great blessings to His people and it’s important to steward them toward those places where His heart is.

Running the good race isn’t just for Olympians. Nor is it limited to the sphere of sports.  Let’s allow the joy and inspiration of the 2012 London Olympics to spur us on to better stewardship in the time, talent and treasure to which we’ve been entrusted as Faith Driven Consumers.

Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Appreciating faith-driven companies like Chick-fil-A: Not just today but everyday

August 1, 2012 by 2 Comments

Faith Driven Consumer Lisa Marks Todd shares her experience on August 1st at Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day

Like hundreds of thousands of people across America, I went to Chick-fil-A today to show my appreciation for a business that shares many of my values and to stand up for my First Amendment right to freedom of religion and expression without governmental interference.

When I arrived at 10:45 a.m. in the pouring rain of North Carolina, I found hundreds of others with smiling faces enjoying a tasty chicken meal with exceptional levels of customer service.

More than 640,000 consumers showed up to support Chick-fil-A on Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day on August 1, 2012 all across the nation.

Here, I had two significant realizations during my visit:

First, I need to support businesses that share my values every day – and not just Chick-fil-A on August 1, 2012. I believe this is part of the call to be a good steward of my resources. As the number of businesses that share my values – and are willing to stand up for them – seems to dwindle, I need to faithfully support those businesses that do. This is true for eating out, back-to-school and Christmas shopping and everyday purchases – even if it means I drive a little further or do not shop at my favorite stores.

Second, I spent more than an hour in Chick-fil-A today, not waiting in line, but talking to other customers. Yes, I talked to total strangers in a fast food restaurant! And it was a genuinely enjoyable experience. There was a real sense of caring and fellowship with people smiling, sharing tables, helping others, having conversations and finding things they have in common. People were truly kind and loving toward strangers.

And then it hit me; this is the way we are supposed to live! As a Christian, I am commanded to love my neighbor as myself. This means not just the other Christians who are at Chick-fil-A today, but those who hold to differing worldviews and belief systems – including, and perhaps especially, the gay and lesbian activists and their allies who plan to protest at Chick-fil-A on Friday.

Given this, I believe we as Christians and Faith Driven Consumers need to be at Chick-fil-A again on Friday to not only show our support for Chick-fil-A but, more importantly, to demonstrate the love of Christ to those who mistakenly think we hate them. As Christians we are called to love our neighbors, so let’s be more proactive in how we show it.

I encourage all Christians who are Faith Driven Consumers to patronize Chick-fil-A again on Friday and demonstrate the warmth, kindness, and caring we experienced today – looking for what we have in common with those who disagree with our biblical values and loving them where they are.

Thank you, Dan Cathy, for speaking up about what you believe and helping me to examine what I believe and how I live that out.

-Lisa Marks Todd

Montage video of other Faith Driven Consumer supporting Chick-fil-A:

Filed Under: Company Reviews, Culture, Feature, Testimonial, Traditional Family Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Standing for Biblical Values; Chick-fil-A Takes the Heat

July 31, 2012 by 1 Comment

Faith Driven Consumers encouraged to participate in “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” on August 1st

The values upon which Truett Cathy grew his Chick-fil-A empire are no secret – after all, they’re why his chain of 1,600 chicken restaurants are closed on Sunday. But these values which Cathy, and now his son, Dan, have held for decades are now coming under attack from politicians, celebrities and activists nationwide over a statement the younger Cathy made in an interview with the Baptist Press. In it, Cathy said he personally supports traditional marriage:

“We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”

This view should not surprise those who follow Chick-fil-A. The Cathys donate large sums of money annually to charities, many of them Christian.  Dan Cathy says that his business principles are grounded in Christian teachings, and that he’s called to be a good steward of everything he’s been given.

Ironically, Cathy’s biblical worldview is under fire in a nation founded upon Christian values—and in which more than 70 percent of Americans profess to be Christians. However, after Cathy’s views on marriage hit the national news, Boston Mayor Tom Menino made headlines stating that Chick-fil-A was not welcome in his city.

Later, Chicago mayor and former chief of staff for President Obama, Rahm Emanuel, issued a statement saying that the restaurant did not share the values of Chicago. Alderman Joe Moreno took it a step further by announcing plans to block a Chick-fil-A franchise from doing business in Chicago.

Clearly, Americans like Cathy who take a stand on the biblical view of marriage fly directly into a cultural hurricane with the gay rights agenda at its center. They find that what should be a matter of personal disagreement is now a freedom of speech issue. And those who most loudly proclaim tolerance, diversity and inclusion actively use the full force of societal institutions – including government – to intolerantly exclude those who disagree with their politically correct views.

And it isn’t just politicians who are expressing intolerance toward a biblical worldview. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus and Lindsay Lohan also plan to boycott Chick-fil-A and have taken to social media with their plans. And comedian Roseanne Barr released a series of foul-mouthed and anti-Christian tweets against Chick-fil-A – a business that prides itself on going the extra mile and providing great service to all its customers.

In response to this cultural condemnation of Chick-fil-A, there’s an opportunity for Faith Driven Consumers and others who believe that Americans should be able to freely express their views and steward their companies in alignment with their values to support Chick-fil-A by eating at one of their restaurants on August 1st.  Known as “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day,” this Facebook-driven movement was initiated by former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and now has more than 537,000 participants.

The national debate over Chick-fil-A offers a great example of the powerful effect Faith Driven Consumers can have in the marketplace when they choose to support companies that respect their values and worldview.  Take a stand for your faith-driven values on August 1st by supporting a company that’s currently taking the heat for boldly professing theirs.

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Faith Driven Consumer emerges despite shrinking religious faith in America

March 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

By Shea Northcut

Religious beliefs are shrinking in America as church attendance slowly drops, according to a recent Duke study regarding American religion.

In the 2011 study, “American Religion: Contemporary Trends”, author Mark Chaves says religious beliefs in America are “softening” as belief in God is shrinking and a large number of Americans said they do not identify with any religious group.

Chaves found that congregations across America are shrinking as there is a growing dissatisfaction with religious leaders and more people who do not think about faith.

The study revealed that 92 percent of Americans still profess belief in God, but do not acknowledge religion as part of their identity.

Despite all of the religious discussion we hear within the political arena, the media continues to paint a negative image of those who share their faith.

According to the study, Americans agree that religion should stay out of politics. It revealed that from 1991 to 2008, the percentage of Americans who strongly agreed that religious leaders should stay out of politics rose from 20 percent to 44 percent.

As our culture is slowly drifting away from religion and belief in God, the Faith Driven Consumer market becomes more distinct. FDC is a rapidly emerging and powerful group that remains anchored to Christ, despite what our culture is churning out.

We look around and see everything but Christ in today’s culture. As Faith Driven Consumers, now is the time more than ever to remain anchored to Christ. This makes our movement that much more apparent and prominent as we are distinct from the rest of America.

Filed Under: Culture, Study report Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Model leaves Victoria’s Secret career for faith in Christ

February 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Christian celebrities are often held to a certain standard among the mainstream and Christian media. As access to their lives has become more prevalent and available, their lives are scrutinized more and more. Unfortunately, there comes a time when some of them do not live up to the standards in which they say they live their lives.

Well, what happens when Christians get into that spotlight and find that their lives are not matching up to the truths they hold in their hearts?

Kyle Bisutti stepped down from a Victoria's Secret modeling career because of her spiritual convictions.

Recently, Kylie Bisutti quit her job as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and runway model after a modeling career with the company since 2009. Bisutti was launched into the world of Victoria’s Secret modeling at the age of 19 after winning the Victoria’s Secret Model Search competition.

Her recent departure from the company was due to a conversation she had with her young cousin that reportedly “changed her way of thinking.” She told Good Morning America, “‘I was doing my makeup in the mirror one day and she was watching me. I was like ‘What’s going on?’ and she just looked at me and [said] ‘I think I want to stop eating so I can look like you.’”

According to WBTV, she will continue to model for other companies – although, she will maintain modest dress in her shoots. She hopes this new direction in her modeling career will help her be a positive, Christian role model for young girls and help her live out her faith in the work place.

Faith Driven Consumer encourages Bisutti in her efforts to pursue the Lord in her career and encourages other Christian celebrities to live out their faith in the workplace as well. We need positive role models for children and teenagers.

As Faith Driven Consumers, we can all do our part to show others the love and grace of the Lord in the workplace. This could mean pursuing jobs that do not conflict with your faith, doing research on where your company gives money, and ministering to those you work with.

Let’s all work to be good stewards in our careers–whether you are a stay-at-home mom, a contractor, a business person, a student, etc.  We are exhorted in Colossians 3:23-24, Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Are you willing to quit your job to make sure your lifestyle aligns with your faith like Bisutti? As Faith Driven Consumes, now is the time to consider how our faith impacts our daily decisions.

Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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