Is Christian Really Trying to “Cancel” Chip and Joanna Gaines?

The Magnolia duo found themselves in hot water last month with their new reality series, “Back to the Frontier.” Many have voiced their disapproval, particularly around the surrogacy aspects of the show. It’s clear that Christian has spoken out against Chip and Joanna. They, as members of an Evangelical church that opposes LGBTQ ideologies, have seemingly bent to progressive pressures.

In an opinion piece, David French from the New York Times argues that the outrage isn’t about biblical adherence but rather showcases a form of “cancel culture” directed at Christians. He contends that conservative Christians often mirror the very behavior they decry.

French depicts these individuals as “budding authoritarians” and suggests they’re simply guilty of hypocrisy. It’s a predictable critique that, I think, diverts attention from genuine discussions on faith and accountability.

This isn’t a case of true cancel culture. It’s about a Christian perspective that aligns itself with biblical teachings and refuses to endorse actions deemed sinful.

The Real Meaning of Cancel Culture

Cancel culture is widely understood. It involves seizing on someone’s missteps to erase them from public life, to silence them, to ruin their careers. But this situation is different. Christians aren’t trying to obliterate Chip and Joanna from television. They aren’t demanding the cancellation of “Back to the Frontier.”

Instead, dedicated Christians are simply urging Chip and Joanna, whom they’ve supported for years, to reconsider their direction. This is less about cancel culture and more about moral clarity – about wanting accountability based on biblical understanding.

French seems to conflate public disagreement with societal elimination tactics often seen in progressive circles. However, the Bible advocates for public correction when public sins are celebrated. Holding one another accountable isn’t about cancellation; it’s about fostering truth within the community.

Chip and Joanna’s choice to leverage their platform to normalize certain actions that many view as sinful raises significant concern. It muddles their followers’ understanding of the gospel and impacts the church’s witness.

The “But Trump!” Argument

French repeatedly brings up Trump to draw false equivalencies, arguing that conservative Christians can’t credibly criticize Chip and Joanna while some support Trump’s policies. This comparison is overly simplistic and, frankly, tired.

Many Christian voters argue that supporting a candidate isn’t the same as endorsing all their personal choices. They often vote for Trump strategically, believing his policies align more closely with their values than those of opposing parties.

Real hypocrisy, in this case, lies in the critique from French. He admonishes Christian voters while supporting candidates whose positions may diverge from Christian ethics. It seems he overlooks his own potential inconsistencies.

The Call for Courage

Christians aren’t out to cancel Chip and Joanna. They’re navigating a world where truth is increasingly murky, and the lines between good and evil are often blurred.

Now is the time for Christians to be bold in expressing their beliefs with love. It’s not about justifying or normalizing sin, especially when it’s a matter of significant consequence. Surrendering to cultural pressures, as French seems to advocate, isn’t the answer.

This isn’t merely about Chip and Joanna – it’s a fundamental question of whether the church has the courage to stand firm in truth, to differentiate between light and darkness.

The backlash against Chip and Joanna presents an urgent test for Christians and highlights the need to take such challenges seriously.