Chad checked his watch. He and his friends had been waiting in the bar area of the restaurant for almost an hour. He loved this place, but it didn’t take reservations, and getting a table for eight on a Friday night required a wait. It did give him a chance to catch up with his […]
Grey Matters: When to apologize when you’re not totally to blame
This is a story about apologies featuring Liz and her best friend, John. “I can’t believe it’s only Tuesday!” Liz texted her gay BFF. “Señor Miguels and margaritas?” An instantaneous reply. “YEAASSS!” It had been a couple weeks since Liz and John had gone out for drinks after work. Liz’s fault. She had a new […]
Grey Matters: Is it ever ok for a gay couple hide their relationship from their family and friends?
ISSUE: Couples often face family disapproval. This could be because someone has married outside of their race or religion or nationality, and in many cultures, parents would never want their children to marry a same-sex partner. One option is to just not ever tell the parents about the wedding. But this is challenging and could […]
Grey Matters: Should a US Olympic Athlete “Come Out” as Muslim and Risk Endorsement Deals?
ISSUE: Talking about religion can be uncomfortable for people, and hearing others talk about their religion can be downright off-putting. In this week’s Grey Matters, we look at the issue of faith and the professional athlete. In particular, should an Olympic runner for Team USA give praise to Allah for his gold medal? This story […]
Grey Matters: Should a doctor be forced to choose between her faith and her profession?
ISSUE: This week in Grey Matters, we look at the First Amendment and the free exercise of religion, and how far should this be protected. In particular, should a doctor be forced to choose between following her faith and practicing medicine. Let’s examine this topic with a fictional story about Dr. Evelyn Wright, a pediatrician in […]
What’s in a name?
ISSUE: This week in Grey Matters, we look at a dilemma facing every married couple, gay or straight. What do you do about the social convention where the wife takes the husband’s last name? Let’s examine this topic with a fictional story about Juan Gomez, an attorney, and Billy White, a personal trainer. The couple has […]
Grey Matters: In the new “sharing economy,” is it ok for people to pick with whom they choose to share?
ISSUE: This week in Grey Matters, we look at discrimination and the sharing economy. Specifically, should a person have the right to refuse to rent a room in her home to a gay couple? Let’s examine this topic with a fictional story about Dot and Austin, lifelong residents of Nashville, TN. BACKGROUND: For more than […]
Grey Matters* – Should the CEO of Big Bass Sports come out of the closet?
The characters and events in Grey Matters are fictitious. ISSUE: This week in Grey Matters – We look at the issue of “coming out” relative to the consequences. Specifically, does the CEO of a company have the right to publicly announce that he is gay even if it might affect his employees, corporate earnings and […]
Mississippi decides that being gay is a “super sin”
This is the first blog in my “All the Words in Red” series where we take a look at what Jesus said and apply that to 21st century problems. When I was a kid growing up in rural South Carolina, we had a saying, “Thank God for Mississippi.” The reason we said this: even […]
Ellen reminds us that we’re more alike than we are different
Please check out this public service announcement from the non-political Ellen Degeneres. I love her comment that she could buy the governor’s mansion, redo it, flip it and make $7 million.