Uncle Tom Speaks

There has been a lot of controversy in recent days about religious rights:

1. A pizza shop had to close temporarily due to threats against them because they said that they would not cater a gay wedding.
2. The Indiana governor and legislature managed to mismanage themselves in a rather public and embarrassing manner.
3. A bakery was run out of business due to a heavy fine because it would not bake a cake for a gay wedding (click here for an interesting take on what this bakery might have done differently).
4. And so on.
5. And on. And on. And on. 

I've been thinking about these issues. I've been focusing on what a disciple of Christ should do when asked or compelled to do something that goes against their beliefs.

And I've decided that we should do as Jesus said in Matthew 5:41, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” The writer of the blog mentioned above applies this logic and concludes that a baker should bake two cakes for the gay wedding. Fair enough. 

But I'm drawn to the practice of a local dentist who belongs to the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He tells his patients about his faith and explains that if they ever have a dental emergency on a Saturday, that he will come in and treat them but that he will not, indeed cannot, accept any pay. Why? Because the patient has an emergency need and he can help, but accepting pay would be working on the Sabbath, which his faith forbids. I like it!

So I say to Christ followers near and far: 

If a gay person or gay couple wants to hire you to do something, accept it gladly as an opportunity to be a servant like Jesus. But don't accept any pay. Bake that cake for free! Do the wedding photographs for free! Do those floral arrangements for free! And do it in the name of Jesus!

But there IS one place where Christ followers must draw the line -- we can work and serve others, but we must never inflict pain or suffering. And here's where Uncle Tom speaks to us. Harriet Beecher Stowe published this powerful book in 1852, and it became the best-selling novel of 19th century. It fueled the growing abolitionist movement.

Many people misunderstand Tom. They see him as a submissive, cowardly black who bowed to the will of the white master. But that is so wrong! Tom's refusal to flog a woman is why Simon Legree ordered his death. Read this snippet:

• "And now," said Legree, "jest take this yer gal and flog her."
• "I beg Mas'r's pardon," said Tom; "hopes Mas'r won't set me at that. It's what I an't used to,—never did,—and can't do, no way possible. I'm willin' to work, night and day, and work while there's life and breath in me; but this yer thing I can't feel it right to do;—and, Mas'r, I never shall do it,—never! Mas'r, if you mean to kill me, kill me; but, as to my raising my hand agin any one here, I never shall,—I'll die first! Mas'r Legree, I can't do it. I never will do a cruel thing, come what may."

And Legree ordered two slaves to beat Uncle Tom to death. 

The lesson? 

Do what you are legally required to do (such as bake cakes for gay weddings), unless it requires you to raise a hand against another. And I'm thinking that you ought to do it gladly, without pay. For the sake of Christ.