Chip and Joanna Gaines, home improvement experts and hosts of the megahit reality show “Fixer Upper,” have long been darlings of the faith community. The Gaines' are beloved by many viewers for their strong family values and their outspoken Christian faith.
But their new show, “Back to the Frontier,” features something viewers weren't necessarily expecting: a gay couple. And religious television fans are not happy about this depiction of an American family that doesn't align with their biblical views.
But now Christian community is crying foul on a pair they once idolized, accusing them of turning their back on the faith-based community that made them so popular in the first place.
Christians React
Back to the Frontier follows three families as they live life on a 19th-century style homestead. Among those featured are two married dads and their twin sons.
Once this detail was made public, the backlash was swift.
Reverend Franklin Graham called the decision "very disappointing... Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin." In a matter of days, his Facebook post decrying the couple’s newfound inclusivity garnered more than 225,000 reactions and nearly 40,000 comments.
Graham wasn’t the only conservative Christian upset at the apparent about-face. Across the internet, people of faith had strong reactions… most of them negative.
Was This a Betrayal?
Permeating the many reactions was a profound sense of betrayal. “This is sad and disappointing, because Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential in the evangelical community,” stated vice president of the American Family Association Ed Vitagliano.
“Moreover, in the past, they have stood firm on the sanctity of marriage regardless of the personal cost that has entailed. We aren’t sure why the Gaines have reversed course, but we are sure of this: Back to the Frontier promotes an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and family – a view no Christian should embrace.”
Chip and Jo Strike Back
As the controversy continues to rage, Chip took to Twitter/X to encourage his fellow Christians to open their hearts and minds, while also lambasting what he called the “judge first” approach of many religious fans.
Critics were eager to respond to this message:
In response to another user on that thread expressing her disappointment in the couple, Chip plainly stated, “‘judge not….’ ‘Love one another’ it's not difficult.”
When pressed by another user why he’s “promoting homosexuality as a Christian,” Chip merely responded with a Bible verse. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord,” Chip retorted. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15.”
The decision to show a gay couple was seemingly intentional – a purposeful change from “Fixer Upper,” which faced criticism for never featuring same-sex couples.
And others spoke up to defend the couple:
It would seem that for many of the Gaines' Christian fans, however, merely seeing a queer couple on television is enough for them to change the channel... and potentially write off Chip and Jo forever.
That’s the tension at the heart of this backlash: Is showing a same-sex couple on television the same as endorsing their love? And does putting a gay family on TV automatically go against Christian values?
36 comments
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Colleen McAllister
Really? Accepting someone who is a sinner? Treating them like normal people? Perhaps a few people should try learning more about Jesus and those He hung out with. Sinners all.
Oh and to all those judging the Gaines — you are all sinners as well. Until you acknowledge that you are far from being a real Christian.
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ServantOfJudgement
12 bucks says Jesus don't dig making profit from a reality show spotlighting sinners and plumbing that into any willing eyes.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
He doesn't dig a lot of stuff that's rampant today, but I think he might be a tad more concerned about the stuff he passionately talked about while he was on Earth, like scores of thousands of children being abandoned to die for financial reasons.
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ServantOfJudgement
True Ari. When that article is posted let's discuss, I'll bet you and I would be in full agreement.
I want to be clear, this issue is only an issue for a Christian. If a person isn't a Christian and creates this sort of content, have at it. Make your millions. Add some crack whores to the show for big ratings. Go as far as the law allows then challenge the law to go further, as Hollywood does.
My critique is not with the lifestyle, my critique is with a Christian promoting a lifestyle that the Christ says no to.
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Krystina S.
I commend the Gaines empire for showing what is, in fact, a reality in these United States. Gay people exist. Families with gay parents exist. And have always existed since time immemorial. Jesus gave us a new paradigm, radical love, in which we love all no matter what. Jesus challenged us not to cast stones at others, but to care for the marginalized. This anti-Christian "Christianity" that is touted by some so-called Christians is anathema to the Jesus of the Bible and those who try to follow the Jesus Way. What Would Jesus Do? Just love and care for "them." Shame on the haters, Jesus called them out!
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Diane Minna LaFave
You guys rock! All people in the USA have the right to pursue happiness . There are gays in many shows [ home town among many others]. As long as it's consensual and of comparable ages it's not for us to judge . Chip and Jo , keep on being true to yourselves.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
wow interesting article. I am surprised at the reaction. First of all, We are all Gods Children & He loves us all the same. All are welcome in heaven. Modern day religion accepts everyone. I am happy that the Gaines have LGBT Diversity. I am straight & I would eat at a restaurant or have a drink at a bar or go to a church that accepts LGBT. WE are all the same when we knee down at the cross & pray. in case you didn't know it LGBT is taught in schools at the 4th grade level for acceptance. Maybe you need to rewrite the bible. Blest Be. Amen Have a nice day be kind to others & be Grateful.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
I have renewed admiration for Chip and Joanna Gaines.
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Jay Michael Burrell
I am not here to comment on the show itself. I simply want to address those of you who believe you stand on higher moral ground than everyone else.
Let me offer a simple translation that even the most rigid among you can understand. First Corinthians 6:9-10 states: "Don't you realise that people who do wrong won't be part of God's kingdom? Don't be fooled. People who are sexually immoral, worship idols, cheat on their partners, engage in same-sex relations, steal, always want more than they need, get drunk, insult others, or trick people out of their money will not inherit God's kingdom."
Notice that this passage mentions those who get drunk. I doubt any of you can honestly claim you have never been intoxicated {but I bet a great number of you will lie to yourself to tell yourself you neve have}. It also states that those who insult others will not inherit the kingdom of God. Again, I doubt any of you can say you have never insulted another person. As a gay man who has been married to my husband for twenty-eight years and who practices CELIBACY, I am deeply insulted by you so-called Christians who preach hellfire and brimstone while living sinful lives.
Finally, consider those who trick others out of their money. This describes virtually every television evangelist. They are con artists who prey on the vulnerable to enrich themselves, deceiving people out of their hard-earned money. So do not attack these wonderful people who simply show two individuals who love each other on their television program, then turn around and commit sins yourself. This represents a two-tiered Christianity that bears no resemblance to the Christianity that Jesus brought to earth. Love was Jesus's message. Everything else has been translated, altered, and reworded by fallible human beings.
I am finished with mainstream Christianity. It has brought me nothing but pain, sadness, confusion, and a feeling of being so distant from Jesus that I once believed I didn't truly know Him. It once brought me to a place where I nearly commited suicide because of the hatred that I received from mainstream Christian churches who preach love once minute then hellfire to me because I am gay which is something that I cannot help. But now I know Jesus - the one who has not been corrupted by modern Christian extremists, some of whom are likely struggling with their own hidden truths. They hate others because they hate themselves.
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Craig John Parian
Thank you! Great clarity coming from your own experience. Christianity, controlled by powerful, rich, mostly men retains very little relevance to what Jesus tried to show through his life. So much greed, hatred and judgement. The Vatican is the richest and one of the most powerful organizations in the world claiming to promulgate the teachings of a man who wandered in a loin cloth and allowed himself to be used as a symbol of mankinds cruelty. Similar to the role the LGBTQ community is fulfilling. Many of these large Christian organizations talk the talk but don't walk the walk. It is all about power and control. Only by letting go of judgement and condemnation and opening our hearts will we find the jewel of His teachings.
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Joseph Grieco
The Gaines run a business. They are upfront in what they do, and do not have an agenda other than to make money while providing a renovated property for their clients. They are not going to turn away any customers to satisfy the narrow religious beliefs of a handful of noisemakers. And guess what - some of Ben and Erin's clients on "Home Town" are gay, too!
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Thad A Wolf
In the end, the advice to abstain from passing judgment on other people stems from the knowledge that God is the only one who is a just judge. God sees the heart, even if our narrow vision frequently fails to grasp the entire image. We are urged to cultivate kindness, patience, and compassion rather than dwelling on the shortcomings of others. By doing this, we strengthen our bond with God and foster an atmosphere in which people might encounter grace’s transformational power, healing, and growth.
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James Riggle-Johnson
Evangelical Christians often complain that they’re being “canceled” for their beliefs—but now they’re trying to cancel Chip and Joanna Gaines for including a gay couple on their show. Do they not see the hypocrisy?
Let’s be honest: this is about the fear of seeing a gay couple on TV. As if showing two loving parents raising children is somehow dangerous. No one turns gay from watching a reality show—gay people are simply part of reality.
Mr. Gaines has asked viewers not to judge before watching. But judgment is exactly what happened. Maybe people should trust that he saw something meaningful here—something worth sharing with his audience. Watch the show. Learn something. It isn’t about “celebrating sin”—it’s about showing a family that loves each other like any other. That shouldn’t be controversial. It’s just human.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Having lived in Waco for four years, a lot of Chip and Joanna matched the culture there, and it sort of soured me on the show for a while because I was demonized for not being a Southern Baptist. Instead I went to Baylor University as an Episcopalian and even participated in the Canterbury Club there. I wish I had a nickle for every time I was told directly or it was insinuated I was going to hell becasue I didn't say the "magic prayer" and get dunked in front of the congregation. I would have graduated a wealthy woman. All that said, I will definitely start tuning in again to their show, because they are trying to expand their understanding of what it means to love one another and embrace differences that occur in their community. I celebrate diversity, and appreciate other who do. Not everyone looks like me or acts like me and I am okay with that.
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Walter Abington
Organized religion is organized bigotry. Billy Graham went to Washington, DC, to try and convince LBJ not to sign Equal Rights Act and keep segregation. Bigotry seems to run in the family. The Southern Baptist Church was created as an organization to control freed slaves. KKK ring a bell? Bigots hide behind religion. They should be taxed and strictly controlled as the hate groups and terrorists they are.
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arawngraalrd
In Summerhill, A.S.Neil described how, of those who'd have told him they were gay, none of his graduates did, and all he asked, was that they be happy.
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Robert Gagnon
So the Christians like a certain show and they think they own it? Entertainment is out to gain as many watchers as possible, and this decision was made in a board room looking at numbers. The hosts had little say in it whatever their beliefs. You don't like the content then don't watch the show, I get it, but don't attack the actors. If this show focused on Christian values and family then this may be a strategic mistake like bud lite. Why rock the boat if a show is successful, then again maybe their ratings weren't so good.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
When it comes to Christians it's money first and God and faith second.
But who watches TV anymore or pays for cable?
The Christian views that are blowing up YouTube right now are the ones about the Mormon Moms followed by the devout Christians who have left the religion and explain why they left and the hypocrisy of the church.
For those who don't know the Mormon church is worth over $330 BILLION DOLLARS and owns over 2% of the land in Florida. For many this is PROOF God loves Mormons and the Mormon faith.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Where in scripture does it say that God loves people with tons of land and money more than the poor widow? I'll wait. Please say you are offering this as sarcasm. I believe it is, but I'm not sure.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
He did say, "for many", not speaking for himself in that. He is right; there is a very large subset of Christianity, primarily wealthy people, who are taught from childhood that they are rich because God likes them better than other people. They have to maintain this view because what is actually in the Bible would not allow them to continue to hoard wealth with a free conscience. So it has been entrenched in any family that inherits wealth, and impressed upon those around them who are desperate for that same wealth and think that they will be rewarded by God with wealth if they just do what these rich people do. That gives our oligarchy the power it has to influence behavior so widely. They are believed and emulated because anyone that wishes for the security of wealth must also cling to the belief that wealth is endorsed by God. The more poor and desperate people get, the more the morals of the wealthy will seem the right way to go. That's why we have Christian churches that brazenly ignore Jesus.
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Rev. Roe
If you are a true Christion and you do not agree With Chip and Jo being on a program, we’ll just go to another channel. God WILL be the judge. By you showing hatred you are no better than those you hate.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
Hate-based Christian denominations need to be reminded that theirs is not the only version of Christianity, and it isn't the first version, either. If evangelicals continue to devalue the direct commands of Christ, they will be sorry. Good for the Gaines in teaching a Christ-like example, and it is good to see they are not shaken by the howling of angry wolves.
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ServantOfJudgement
Mone talks. Jesus said money folk have a hard time with agreeing with him.
Never seen their junk before, the Gain$ show or whatever. Looking like I chose wisely.
Those Islam nations have homosexual reality shows all the time I hear. The cast gets changed out every episode.....
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Glenn M. Goetzinger
It is very difficult to watch a TV show or movie without them featuring gay couples, interracial couples, and transpersons. Christians are being forced to see this on almost every show. So many times during a show we need to change channels to advoid. More so lately featuring young gay adolescent children, making it seem that this is ok and accepting in today's lifestyle. This narrative is being asserted in all forms from schools, TV shows and other entertainment to be accepted as normal. This is not normal but a metal sickness spreading across the world. As Christians we need to stand up and fight for our right and protect our youth and our fellow citizens from this mental illness. It is not normal, it is not Godly it is a sin and a sickness, and pure evil.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
Your right to what? Never have to make choices in entertainment media? Not have to choose what your children watch? Or do you mean your right to choose these things for everyone else?
No one takes your choices away from you. If you want the rest of the world to adhere to your choices, that's hubris. You have the right to choose for yourself and your family and that's enough. Be grateful you even have those choices. Many don't.
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Mark Gilgen
Seems everyone has 2 standards. They let guys and trans read books to k-6th grade and I dont see any protests. If you read the bible (not just hide behind it) you are supposed to help people sinners or not and try to lead them to the bible and show them they way to god.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
How do you not see any protests against what you and others think is happening in schools? Do you not see article after article, not just hete but on front page news, about states legislating to erase the very existence of LGBTQ+ people? There's so much protest a whole industry has been built around it, with people profiting from anti-trans shows and merchandise. All you have to do to see the protests is look on the internet.
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Rev. Donut
As far as I am concerned they are no better or worse than any other "Flipper" show.
She's all frilly in a "country" way with a little design skill and he's the goofy guy that slings a hammer. In the end some crew renovates and/or builds a house and that's the show.
They just came along at the right time and have some personality.
I think they are putting out a book or movie or something else and want the press.
So, their ad agency came up with this. It's really not very creative.
What better way to get clicks and views than this ploy?
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Barbara J. Adams
I respect the Gaines for this decision. As once of the comments stated ... "Gay people exist, get over yourselves".
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William Tomasso
This is absolutely against God's teachings and most importantly against God. Who is infinity in love with His people and cares enough for us for Him to be amongst us. In Matthew 25, states that whoever says Lord,Lord will not enter the Kingdom of heaven but those who do God will, will enter the Kingdom of God. Those who think being gay is ok.. God finds it offensive and very appalling. Go back to Scripture in Genesis, where God made them male and female and it also says In His image He made them. Stop defending the evil one and stand up for God the awesome creature and Life.
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William Tomasso
One more thing, do you really believe in God? Because I don't think reverends or Pastors will agree with you. I'm a minister and I believe people need to go back and read scripture. The evil one goes about seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 and John 10:10, the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy.
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Tom Acierno
First let me put forth my disclaimer; I spent fifty years of my life as a “go to church every Sunday and Holy Days as well, attend confessions, and practice the sacraments as a devout Catholic”. Over the years when I married, my wife and eventually our three children joined us in the pew. I am no longer that person. I now travel a different spiritual path. However, since most of the gay bashing comes from the Christian Church, I will address my response in bible based scripture. The letter to the Corinthians bashing gays was written by St. Paul, a man who never actually knew Jesus. Does anyone who professes to be a follower of Christ believe that Jesus would spew hatred against someone because of love or devotion to another person? Can you imagine that Jesus would physically or spiritually be in a church, and He would divide the congregation between gay and straight , and then command the gay to leave His church? If you believe that about your Lord and Savior then you don’t understand Him or His message. Christians pray about most everything, I know because I still do, only now I call it meditation. I would suggest that if you consider yourself a true follower of Christ, you take a knee, and pray for guidance, and grace, and the courage to follow and fulfill Jesus’s mission on earth, which includes loving your neighbor. It is no accident (unless you think that God made a mistake), that the commandment “love your neighbor as you love yourself”, appears in the Bible three times, in both the Old and New Testaments, (Matthew 22.39, Mark 12.31, and Leviticus 19.18), and it has also been proclaimed by Jesus as the second greatest commandment, right after “Love the Lord God with all of your heart and soul”. Apparently a lot of self professed Christians don’t think that gay people are their neighbors; that is something that they will have to take up with their Lord and Savior on Judgement Day, and they can explain to him why they didn’t take God’s commandment seriously, even though Jesus Himself called it the second greatest commandment. As a final note; God’s commandment was NOT, “Love only your straight neighbors”, unless again, you think that God made a mistake. Tom Acierno
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Blake Andrew Tallman
well i for one am glad they featured a same sex couple on thier show it shows that they r not ignorant and hateful like thier counterparts and they should continue doing so cause im a gay man and i applaud them they r one heteroe couple who isnt as ignorant as they origionally were so they need to ignore the ignorant haters that r few and keep showing more same sex couples on thier show cause all of us r of the universe we r all equal
So, Christians hate a loving gay couple and their children, because "The Bible".
When was a pedophile priest defrocked or excommunicated for breaking the law and their vows? The bible also says to clothe, feed and house the immigrant, but Christians applaud this gestapo-esque ICE.
The christian right stand proudly with their chosen one; the anti-christ with 34 felony convictions who set his standard for sex with minors at over twelve years old.They say he is doing god's work on earth. it looks like his god is Satan and trump is doing a great job for his "god'.
ICE is doing God's work...