American Christian Persecution: Baker Remains Strong In Faith After Gay Marriage Situation

For most Christians (the ones who are followers and not fans), they believe the culture, as well as the government, are generally turning on what the Holy Bible stands for. A good example in today’s news of this situation is when The Inquisitr reported on how Chick-Fil-A and Hobby Lobby were recently under fire for Christian stances against gay marriage and contraception respectively.

Individuals such as Holly Fisher, also known as Holly Hobby Lobby. She received numerous death threats for her photograph (the one of her wearing a pro-life shirt, holding a Chick-Fil-A cup, and standing outside a Hobby Lobby). Most of these Christians, on numerous Christian sites and forums, are now calling this “persecution” – or at least the American Christian kind.

Now reports are coming in of a Christian baker in Colorado who was ordered to provide wedding cakes for gay couples, despite his faith, is standing on his faith.

In an article by the Huffington Post, it reports that Jack Phillips, a suburban Denver baker for a local bakery known as the Masterpiece Cake Shop, has appealed an order from the Colorado Civil Rights Commission that requires him to prepare wedding cakes for gay couples.

For better understanding, Phillips was sued by a gay couple after he refused to make a cake to celebrate their wedding back in 2012. The reason for his refusals is because he is deeply religious and making the cake would violate the Christian principles in which he runs his business.

Nevertheless, an administrative law judge ruled against Jack Phillips and the commission upheld that decision. Their finding is that Phillips’ refusal violated the state’s public accommodation law requiring businesses to serve customers regardless of their sexual orientation. It should also be reported this case is just one of many of private businesses that were sued for refusing to serve gay couples getting married.

In another article by Charisma, it reports details about Jack Phillips, his business, and his faith. Master Cake Shop has been making cakes of all kinds for two decades. Even their front door says, “Celebrating 20 Years of Great Cakes!” Phillips however explains how his business is inspired and motivated by his faith in Jesus Christ:

“It’s the most important thing that I think about throughout the day. When I wake up, when I go to work, I want to know that what I’m doing is pleasing to Him, that I honor Him and His Word, because that’s the most important thing.”

Jack Phillips even explains that he did not discriminate against the gay couple. Instead, he explains that he chose not to do the wedding cake. If this is anything like most bakeries, wedding cakes are considered special orders and a bakery can choose to not do the order for any reason. Phillips verifies that he did not discriminate in the following statement:

“I didn’t discriminate against anybody. I’ve chosen not to make cakes for same-sex marriages. I told David and Charlie when they came in that I would sell them cookies and brownies and birthday cakes and shower cakes. I just don’t do the same-sex wedding cake. So I did not discriminate against them, just that event I’ve chosen not to participate in.”

Right now, there is no follow-up news on this situation. However, it can be reported from the first source that this case, along with many others in the area, helped spark proposals in several states to let businesses refuse service based on the owners’ religious beliefs.

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