Secular outlets have taken notice of the Gaines controversy. It was a topic of an episode of the “The View: Behind the Table,” a podcast series from the ABC show “The View.” Hemant Mehta published an article on the Friendly Atheist titled, “Evangelicals lose their minds after Chip and Joanna Gaines cast gay couple on reality show.”
Others continued to point out a double standard they see with Christians’ response to the Gaines and Christians’ support of Trump. “I’ll give credence to those upset with Chip and Joanna Gaines only if they’ve also shown they are upset with Donald Trump,” said one X user.
Dr. Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director who is now a pro-life activist, said, “I find the dramatics surrounding this Chip and Joanna Gaines story to be so obnoxious. Christian conservatives have been bowing to the LGBT community for YEARS. Particularly under Trump.”
“You said not a word when Trump affirmed gay marriage. You were quiet when he had merchandise with the pride flag all over it. You said the ‘MAGA tent’ was for everyone,” said Johnson.
“You said not a peep when the Log Cabin Republicans (gay group) opened up the Republican National Convention,” she said. “But NOW you want to throw a fit because a gay couple wants Chip and Joanna Gaines to remodel their home for a show on HBO?”
“Back to the Frontier” is not a home remodeling show.
“Some of you need to get on your knees and start praying for repentance. You have been double minded and have been trying to live in the will of God with one toe still in the world,” Johnson continued. “Our God will spit you out because of your lukewarm stance. Stand for truth in all things or kindly sit down.”
Some Christians have responded to the brouhaha by saying that if people don’t like “Back to the Frontier,” they don’t have to watch it or by questioning why Christians expected so much of the Gaines to begin with. Dr. Alveda King, niece of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said, “POTUS is not a pastor. He doesn’t run a church. Many of our elected officials are not pastors and don’t run churches. Chip and Joanna Gaines are not pastors. They don’t run a church.”
“They work in a secular network; not a Christian show,” said King. “Their beliefs come in the category of religious freedom. If you don’t like their show, don’t watch.”
“I’m mildly dumbfounded that so many people consider Chip & Joanna Gaines to be Christian role models,” said author Jennifer Greenberg. “I’m not saying they’re not Christians, and I’m glad they are, but you’d get more theology reading wall plaques at Hobby Lobby than you would watching their show.”
“Maybe stop putting celebrity Christians — or in this case, celebrities who happen to be Christians — on such a high…pedestal,” she said. “Chip is a general contractor and Joanna is an interior decorator. Regardless of the issue at hand, they haven’t betrayed you. They don’t even know you.”
Author and ministry leader Dan White Jr. had a different take from most: People are too wrapped up in social commentary. “We’re being discipled to be a commentator rather than contemplative. Don’t we find this exhausting?” he said. “We’re opining ourselves to death!”
