Chip and Joanna Gaines, beloved by many for their outspoken Christian faith and family-oriented values, are now facing backlash from Christian viewers over the inclusion of a same-sex couple in their new reality series Back to the Frontier, which premiered July 10 on HBO Max through Magnolia Network.
The show follows three couples living as 1800s homesteaders, including Texas couple Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs and their two sons.
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Christian leaders and ministries have expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the portrayal contradicts biblical teaching on marriage.
Franklin Graham, son of the late Billy Graham, wrote on X, “It is very disappointing. While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.”
I hope this isn’t true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series. If It is true, it is very disappointing. While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word. His Word is absolute truth.…
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) July 12, 2025
The American Family Association, which has long supported the Gaines for their previously firm stance on traditional marriage, also voiced concern. “This is sad and disappointing, because Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential in the evangelical community,” the organization posted on X.
AFA’s Vice President Ed Vitagliano added, “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.”
/**/In response to the criticism, Chip Gaines took to X and posted: “Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never It’s a sad sunday when ‘non believers’ have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian.”
His post stirred further criticism, with one commenter replying, “We are extremely sad because of how much we have grown to admire and appreciate you both.” Gaines replied: “Well I appreciate that.. sincerely. So if you admire and appreciate us so much. Any chance there’s more to this? But that’s my point.. no one knows. But the ‘Christians’ have certainly come out in full force as if they do know.. ‘judge not…’ ‘Love one another’ its not difficult.”
From a biblical standpoint, God’s Word is clear on His design for marriage. Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
Furthermore, Scripture encourages believers to seek wisdom and godly counsel when navigating cultural pressures. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
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As Christians wrestle with the impact of public figures and media influence, the controversy surrounding Back to the Frontier serves as a reminder of the cultural and spiritual battles facing the church today. It also reinforces the importance of standing on biblical truth while extending love that is grounded in that truth.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
