Chip and Joanna Gaines (HGTV Fixer Upper) and their Pastor issue (1 Viewer)

[Mr. Ected]

Not sure if this is a Honda, let me know if it is (as I know you will ) and I'll get rid of it.

Read a story on FB today about the hosts of Fixer Upper on HGTV that shows the dirty path our country is headed down.

Here is a short summary of the story from Cosmo.

Chip and Joanna Gaines's Pastor Preaches "Homosexuality Is a Sin"
But do they agree?


By Gina Mei
Nov 30, 2016

The fourth season of HGTV's wildly popular show Fixer Upper premiered Tuesday night, and while hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines were just as lovable as ever, a recent deep-dive from BuzzFeed has uncovered something many fans will likely want an explanation for.

As the article explains, the Gaines family are devout Christians and attend Antioch Community Church — where their pastor, Jimmy Seibert, is both staunchly against same-sex marriage and a strong believer that homosexuality is a "lifestyle" choice and a "sin."

Given the diversity of Fixer Upper's audience, this is a startling revelation that has left many wondering where Chip and Jo stand. Seibert — who recently referred to the couple as "dear friends" — has made unfounded and dangerous claims during one of his sermons, in one instance preaching that "the statistics say that 90 percent of people who are in a full-blown homosexual lifestyle were abused in some way. Physically, sexually, mentally," and, "[you can] help [LGBTQ people] direct their passions rightly to how God created them." During the same sermon, he also stated his belief that it is possible for a person to "personally change their direction of same-sex attraction from a homosexual lifestyle to a heterosexual lifestyle." In response to the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015, he said it was a "biblical admonition."

"So if someone were to say, ‘Marriage is defined in a different way,’ let me just say: They are wrong," he said. "God defined marriage, not you and I. God defined masculine and feminine, male and female, not you and I."

Here is the original article from Buzzfeed.

OK, I like their show on HGTV, they do interesting things with renovations of houses, even if there are some obvious stretching in what they do on $$$ and the way they pick the houses (I'm sure it's the same in all of those shows).

The problem is that someone writes an article about something and in order to get more 'buzz' about it they attach someone's name to it that really has nothing to do with the issue of the story, and now we are supposed to despise these people because they know someone with a horrible opinion.

Am I nuts? (for this reason only, as a Bears fan, I know I am nuts for other reasons.)

 

[Politician Spock]

If they attend his church, they likely support his salary. So it's more than just knowing someone with a horrible opinion. They are supporting his preaching a horrible opinion to the masses.

 

[yellowdog]

Shocking that a Christian would think homosexuality is a sin. 

 

[pantherclub]

I despise these types of shows.   

 

[eoMMan]

That Christina chick with the terrorist sounding last name is cute.  

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

In fairness, I'm pretty sure no gay person approves of their excessive use of shiplap, so it balances out. 

 

[belljr]

It's really stupid this is an "issue".  

 

[worrierking]

Nancy Pelosi's church thinks the same thing.  How can we possibly put her as house Minority leader?

We don't even know what the Gaines' opinions are.  Only their pastor. This is a non-story.  It's not real news.  It's a manufactured controversy.  Let it go.

 

[Van Dyman]

The problem is that someone writes an article about something and in order to get more 'buzz' about it they attach someone's name to it that really has nothing to do with the issue of the story, and now we are supposed to despise these people because they know someone with a horrible opinion.

Christians have always held this opinion.  Certainly not unexpected.  I can't see people being outraged by this but not outraged by their neighbors and government leaders who believe the same thing.

 

[glvsav37]

you realize these are TV characters who fix up old homes. Why does anyone care about their personal views beyond what color subway tile looks best with a certain countertop?? 

I'm so sick of everyone digging into strangers lives and when they uncover something they don't agree with, then going online and telling the world how outraged we should be about people we don't even know.    

 

[rascal]

I'm trying to figure out what the problem is here.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Nancy Pelosi's church thinks the same thing.  How can we possibly put her as house Minority leader?

We don't even know what the Gaines' opinions are.  Only their pastor. This is a non-story.  It's not real news.  It's a manufactured controversy.  Let it go.

It's really stupid this is an "issue".  

you realize these are TV characters who fix up old homes. Why does anyone care about their personal views beyond what color subway tile looks best with a certain countertop?? 

I'm so sick of everyone digging into strangers lives and when they uncover something they don't agree with, then going online and telling the world how outraged we should be about people we don't even know.    

Thanks glvsav, that is where I was trying to go; this isn't an issue, however dragging someone who isn't really involved just because of celebrity is obnoxious.

 

[AcerFC]

That Christina chick with the terrorist sounding last name is cute.  

https://forums.footballguys.com/forum/topic/706351-who-is-hotter-flipping-houses-edition/#comment-16784958

 

[coyote5]

Joanna's smoking hot so I forgive her, or something.

 

[glvsav37]

Thanks glvsav, that is where I was trying to go; this isn't an issue, however dragging someone who isn't really involved just because of celebrity is obnoxious.

sorry...rereading my post and I didn't mean "You"as you @Mr. Ected, I meant it as "You...the people who write articles for Buzzfeed about this ####"....my bad if you took it that way. 

this public, social justice shaming thing has really got my blood boiling over the last few months. I'm so sick of people who are getting all worked up over a soundbite, snippet of video, or one sided article and sharing it socially as if they had anything to do with the actual situation.  

 

[Statorama]

Their show isn't bad.  That Chip dude ate one of those big Texas cockroaches on camera for a $50 bet.

The flips on their show have a country feel, Tarek and Christina's have more of an updated hipper vibe.

I'm waiting for the Mike Holmes show where he follows a contractor around a job and berates him for all the shoddy work he does real time.

 

[Max Power]

The wife loves this show.  She was sad to read that the interior makeover is just temporary.  After filming is done, they pull out all the updated decor and leave the house empty for the homeowner.

So that added nothing to this discussion, but I don't think this thread is going anywhere.

 

[IC FBGCav]

Why is it that it is the religious types that are the least accepting and forgiving?  

 

[Statorama]

The wife loves this show.  She was sad to read that the interior makeover is just temporary.  After filming is done, they pull out all the updated decor and leave the house empty for the homeowner.

So that added nothing to this discussion, but I don't think this thread is going anywhere.

Ok, so it's like staging a house for sale.  Has to be a little bit of a bummer for the new home owners seeing the stuff get carted out once the filming stops.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Thanks glvsav, that is where I was trying to go; this isn't an issue, however dragging someone who isn't really involved just because of celebrity is obnoxious.

sorry...rereading my post and I didn't mean "You"as you @Mr. Ected, I meant it as "You...the people who write articles for Buzzfeed about this ####"....my bad if you took it that way. 

this public, social justice shaming thing has really got my blood boiling over the last few months. I'm so sick of people who are getting all worked up over a soundbite, snippet of video, or one sided article and sharing it socially as if they had anything to do with the actual situation.  

Don't worry, I was more focusing on the second part, where you said "I'm so sick of everyone digging into strangers lives and when they uncover something they don't agree with, then going online and telling the world how outraged we should be about people we don't even know."

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

They know the deal.  They also don't really "choose" between the three options.  You have to have a house under contract to be selected for the show (this is true for most of those HGTV shows).

I, for one, am shocked that a family attending a megachurch in Waco would have a kooky pastor.  It's Waco. 

 

[glvsav37]

Don't worry, I was more focusing on the second part, where you said "I'm so sick of everyone digging into strangers lives and when they uncover something they don't agree with, then going online and telling the world how outraged we should be about people we don't even know."

agreed...but dragging them in is the only way to get the headline. Otherwise no one would read it.  

But not only is it obnoxious, it can be damaging...to their careers and whatnot. 

 

[Dondante]

you realize these are TV characters who fix up old homes. Why does anyone care about their personal views beyond what color subway tile looks best with a certain countertop?? 

I'm so sick of everyone digging into strangers lives and when they uncover something they don't agree with, then going online and telling the world how outraged we should be about people we don't even know.    

Possibly because the notion that there's something wrong with a given sexuality and cultural and societal opinions used to shape the liberty of Americans is a scary ####### thing. It shouldn't be tolerated and it should be called out at every opportunity. 

 

[glvsav37]

Possibly because the notion that there's something wrong with a given sexuality and cultural, societal and public opinions used to shape the liberty of Americans is a scary ####### thing. It shouldn't be tolerated and it should be called out at every opportunity. 

and if they didn't have a TV show (again...about fixing up old homes) all they would be is a family living in a ranch somewhere in texas and believing in whatever they believe in, and you would never know about it. So "calling it out" would be a non issue.   

News Flash...not everyone is going to think and believe exactly as you do. There will always be racists, homophobes, idiots and liars in this world. I don't care how much you want to believe it, but sometimes "calling people out' often only makes their opinion stronger.

But again, where in their show have they ever expressed any views (they may or may not have) on this topic or used it as a platform? Its only b/c they have a TV show that this author linked them to this pastor. What about the other 100s of members that may not be 'famous"?  

 

[belljr]

Ok, so it's like staging a house for sale.  Has to be a little bit of a bummer for the new home owners seeing the stuff get carted out once the filming stops.

Well they actually do remodel and fix up the house - just the furniture and decor goes.

 

[Mr. Ected]

But again, where in their show have they ever expressed any views (they may or may not have) on this topic or used it as a platform? Its only b/c they have a TV show that this author linked them to this pastor. What about the other 100s of members that may not be 'famous"?  

The author used the fact that they have never had a LGBT couple on their show as proof that they were anti, compared them to Property Brothers and other shows. I would think part of the reason would be lack of availability in Waco. Property Brothers is in Toronto, I think, so populations are apples and oranges.

 

[mr roboto]

That pastors view of homosexuality isn't exactly unique among conservative evangelical Christianity. Traditional Christian views of human sexuality are fairly confined to monogamous heterosexual marriage. 

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

and if they didn't have a TV show (again...about fixing up old homes) all they would be is a family living in a ranch somewhere in texas and believing in whatever they believe in, and you would never know about it. So "calling it out" would be a non issue.   

News Flash...not everyone is going to think and believe exactly as you do. There will always be racists, homophobes, idiots and liars in this world. I don't care how much you want to believe it, but sometimes "calling people out' often only makes their opinion stronger.

But again, where in their show have they ever expressed any views (they may or may not have) on this topic or used it as a platform? Its only b/c they have a TV show that this author linked them to this pastor. What about the other 100s of members that may not be 'famous"?  

This is the issue.  They have chosen to become public figures.  They don't shield their family, or their faith, from what is presented on the show.  If they were just a general contractor and interior designer from Waco who didn't choose to go on TV, it certainly wouldn't be a story.  But they're not, so it's a (small) story. 

 

[Dondante]

and if they didn't have a TV show (again...about fixing up old homes) all they would be is a family living in a ranch somewhere in texas and believing in whatever they believe in, and you would never know about it. So "calling it out" would be a non issue.   

News Flash...not everyone is going to think and believe exactly as you do. There will always be racists, homophobes, idiots and liars in this world. I don't care how much you want to believe it, but sometimes "calling people out' often only makes their opinion stronger.

But again, where in their show have they ever expressed any views (they may or may not have) on this topic or used it as a platform? Its only b/c they have a TV show that this author linked them to this pastor. What about the other 100s of members that may not be 'famous"?  

I think believing in and worshiping how you choose is a basic liberty and it should not be threatened or even necessarily qualified. However, when your religion/church/pastor is threatening the basic rights of a group of people and that ideology is pervasive throughout your group, I think that's very dangerous. So, I don't give a flip who's doing what, what kind of platform they may or may not have. It's a disgusting position to take and if you're being silent about it you may as well be defending it. 

 

[Wildcat]

I think believing in and worshiping how you choose is a basic liberty and it should not be threatened or even necessarily qualified. However, when your religion/church/pastor is threatening the basic rights of a group of people and that ideology is pervasive throughout your group, I think that's very dangerous. So, I don't give a flip who's doing what, what kind of platform they may or may not have. It's a disgusting position to take and if you're being silent about it you may as well be defending it. 

How are they threatening the basic rights of gays?  You can believe it's a sin, but still believe in equal rights and protection under the law.  Religion and politics don't have to mix.  They can believe gay marriage it is a  "biblical admonition", but still believe it is legal.  Whether they feel that way or not, I don't know or care.  Unless they are actively trying to make gay marriage illegal, I'm not sure why it should matter.  

 

[Dondante]

How are they threatening the basic rights of gays?  You can believe it's a sin, but still believe in equal rights and protection under the law.  Religion and politics don't have to mix.  They can believe gay marriage it is a  "biblical admonition", but still believe it is legal.  Whether they feel that way or not, I don't know or care.  Unless they are actively trying to make gay marriage illegal, I'm not sure why it should matter.  

Have you been paying attention to what's going on in our country? Do you not see the massive outpouring of hate that's been spewing from the ultra-conservative right these days? It's about allowing these ideals to become part of river of sewage that is the narrative in our country right now. Hate is hate. 

 

[mr roboto]

Have you been paying attention to what's going on in our country? Do you not see the massive outpouring of hate that's been spewing from the ultra-conservative right these days? It's about allowing these ideals to become part of river of sewage that is the narrative in our country right now. Hate is hate. 

Are you equating the religious right with groups like the alt right?

 

[glvsav37]

these days????  really? Would you rather go back 20 or so years and see how being publicly gay would work out? 

while i'm no scientist, I would think that there is no better time in history to be gay. There is more acceptance in TV, media, schools, rights and most areas of life then ever. Do we prob still have more room to grow,.sure. But I do not in any way think we are going backwards as a society. Even if some fridge church in texas believes otherwise. 

Trying to change someones views by continually telling them "You're wrong" "You Change" "you're the monster" will usually have an adviser effect on them. I love it... the "You have to be tolerant and believe what I say or I will publicly shame you until you do" mentality.

And the "Ultra-conservitive right" makes up how much of the population again? 

I'll admit, I really don't know of care about what this church is saying or doing. But...

 It's a disgusting position to take and if you're being silent about it you may as well be defending it. 

so by me not knowing about it makes me disgusting and guilty....got it...Just want to know who you tell me I am. 

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I saw this headline last night and I thought for a minute to see if I could come up with something I care less about than Buzzfeed reporting about some never-heard-of-em, D-Tier reality TV star's pastor's view on social issues.  

I could not.  

 

[Sabertooth]

If they attend his church, they likely support his salary. So it's more than just knowing someone with a horrible opinion. They are supporting his preaching a horrible opinion to the masses.

I don't know.  This is the kind of outrage that put Trump in office.  Who gives a #### what an pastor says.  Chip and Joanna didn't say that.  They simply attend a church.  I'm sure the church also says things like "forgive people" and "don't murder the #### out of people."  

Democrats need to quite being so ####### outraged by everything.  While you are outraged, people are going to work for ever shrinking unions.  Focus there.  

 

[Sabertooth]

If they attend his church, they likely support his salary. So it's more than just knowing someone with a horrible opinion. They are supporting his preaching a horrible opinion to the masses.

Also, I heard that you belong to a website that also has members who think it's ok for Adrian Peterson to whip his kid's balls.  What does that say about you?

 

[glvsav37]

oh..and of course there's this guy...right?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_Wright

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

oh..and of course these's this guy...right?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_Wright

Yes.  I thought it was entirely appropriate that Obama was asked about Wright's comments.  Just as I think it would be perfectly appropriate to ask the Gaines' about their pastor's comments. 

 

[glvsav37]

Yes.  I thought it was entirely appropriate that Obama was asked about Wright's comments.  Just as I think it would be perfectly appropriate to ask the Gaines' about their pastor's comments. 

exactly, and how did that work out?......oh, he still became president.  So whats the big deal?

President > HGTV show?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

exactly, and how did that work out?......oh, he still became president.  So whats the big deal?

President > HGTV show?

Well, he answered the question.  He disavowed those comments.   You seem to be arguing that the Gaines' shouldn't have to answer the question. HGTV has a healthy gay audience.  They might be interested in the answer to the question.  Or maybe not.  But I fail to see how even asking is off limits. 

 

[Hov34]

Why is it that it is the religious types that are the least accepting and forgiving?  

Because Gawd told them to.  Do you even Bible?

 

[glvsav37]

Well, he answered the question.  He disavowed those comments.   You seem to be arguing that the Gaines' shouldn't have to answer the question. HGTV has a healthy gay audience.  They might be interested in the answer to the question.  Or maybe not.  But I fail to see how even asking is off limits. 

BC frankly I don't care. If HGTV want to, let them. Its not gonna effect me one way or anther. If there is a gay viewer who does not agree with what they think their pastor says...dont F'ing watch the show. 

I guess i'm just tired of the pitch forks and torches coming out for every issue related or not to the actual reason why anyone even knows who these 2 people are. And then if they don't conform, then go after the network, then...wherever. Again, not everyone will share the same views on everything. And its not like they are using their shows (again...the reason anyone knows them) to promote it.

You don't like them...turn the TV off and go do something else. 

I may have a coworker who does not believe in the gay lifestyle. But, they don't say anything about it at work, they are good at their job and I rely on them. Is it ok though for me to sit them down and question them on their beliefs outside the office and if it is not 100% in alliance with mine, then I can go to HR and have them fired?? 

 

[Wildcat]

Have you been paying attention to what's going on in our country? Do you not see the massive outpouring of hate that's been spewing from the ultra-conservative right these days? It's about allowing these ideals to become part of river of sewage that is the narrative in our country right now. Hate is hate. 

ok

 

[mr roboto]

Yes.  I thought it was entirely appropriate that Obama was asked about Wright's comments.  Just as I think it would be perfectly appropriate to ask the Gaines' about their pastor's comments. 

Well one is a president. The other is a couple who renovated homes and gets filmed doing so. A bit different, no?

 

[worrierking]

Well, he answered the question.  He disavowed those comments.   You seem to be arguing that the Gaines' shouldn't have to answer the question. HGTV has a healthy gay audience.  They might be interested in the answer to the question.  Or maybe not.  But I fail to see how even asking is off limits. 

I am okay with somebody asking them the question.  They can handle it however they choose.  Then, people can choose whether or not to watch the show based on their answers. The problem is the insinuation and the leaping toward condemning them without asking the question. 

We have been on a long trajectory toward acceptance of the gay lifestyle in our society.  This is good and I even believe that it is accelerating.  But people come to join that acceptance at different speeds.  My 80-year old Catholic mother-in-law will never accept gay marriage.  I am not going to ask her to.  But if somebody tries to shame her as a bigot, they are being terrible.  Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton did not approve of gay marriage until 2011.  Maybe it takes a couple of evangelical home improvement gurus a little longer.  Big deal. 

 

[glvsav37]

This is the issue.  They have chosen to become public figures.  They don't shield their family, or their faith, from what is presented on the show.  If they were just a general contractor and interior designer from Waco who didn't choose to go on TV, it certainly wouldn't be a story.  But they're not, so it's a (small) story. 

Because they are on TV? OK, even easier reason to tune them out of your life....just turn them off. 

But if its "just because they are public figures" where is the public figure line drawn? Isn't an elementary school teacher a public figure?Local minor league hockey coach?  maybe on a smaller scale, but they are 'known' by the community.

 

[Mr. Ected]

exactly, and how did that work out?......oh, he still became president.  So whats the big deal?

President > HGTV show?

Well, he answered the question.  He disavowed those comments.   You seem to be arguing that the Gaines' shouldn't have to answer the question. HGTV has a healthy gay audience.  They might be interested in the answer to the question.  Or maybe not.  But I fail to see how even asking is off limits. 

The problem I have is they didn't get an answer, so they assumed their own.

So are the Gaineses against same-sex marriage? And would they ever feature a same-sex couple on the show, as have HGTV’s House Hunters and Property Brothers? Emails to Brock Murphy, the public relations director at their company, Magnolia, were not returned. HGTV’s PR department did not respond to initial emails and calls.

Now HGTV has responded today (they must have seen my post ) about the article

LGBT Couples Welcome On “Fixer Upper,” HGTV Says


The network says, “We don’t discriminate against the LGBT community in any of our shows.”

 

[McGarnicle]

It's not gay if you close your eyes and imagine it's a chick down there.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Thought I read that they quit the show anyway after someone broke into their farm and slaughtered a bunch of animals.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Well one is a president. The other is a couple who renovated homes and gets filmed doing so. A bit different, no?

Yes.  And one was covered by the entirety of the mainstream media and one was covered by an article in BuzzFeed.  The only reason why this is trending right now is because the conservative media has chosen to make a cottage industry of articles complaining about the BuzzFeed article. 

But to answer your question, I think there is a difference in scale but not in the appropriateness of the question.  As near as I can tell, Fixer Upper is largely popular because people see a silly, goofy dude with an attractive wife and find them a likable couple.   Knowing HGTV's audience there are probably people who would find them less likable if they knew they endorsed the beliefs expressed by their pastor.  Those viewers may, or may not, decide to only watch the show featuring the Zoolander twins from now on.