Fixer Upper star Chip Gaines isn’t backing down from controversy. Over the weekend, he took to social media to defend the inclusion of a same-sex couple on his and wife Joanna Gaines’ new Magnolia Network show, Back to the Frontier, after facing criticism from conservative circles.

The backlash began when an evangelical pastor and other critics voiced disapproval online. Chip responded with a pointed message on X (formerly Twitter), calling out what he sees as hypocrisy in modern Christian culture.

“Talk, ask questions, listen… maybe even learn,” he wrote. “Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture? Judge first, understand later—or never.”

He followed up with another post: “It’s a sad Sunday when ‘non-believers’ only encounter hate from modern American Christians.”

The comments quickly sparked debate, with some followers declaring they’d no longer support the show. One critic, podcaster Joel Berry, argued that while Christians should “love the sinner,” they shouldn’t celebrate what they consider sin.

Chip responded calmly: “Don’t be sad, Joel. Plenty of other shows out there. But I appreciate the ‘thoughtful’ advice—I’ll take it to heart.”

Another critic, Christian commentator Jon Root, accused Chip of misusing a Bible verse (1 Peter 3:15) to justify his stance. Chip fired back: “I didn’t try to use it against you—I did use it against you. Funny how your ‘life verse’ doesn’t seem to guide your actions.”

The controversy escalated when evangelist Franklin Graham—son of the late Billy Graham—weighed in, condemning the show for featuring Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, a gay couple raising twin sons. Graham insisted that while Christians should “love people,” they must also uphold “God’s design for marriage.”

Chip and Joanna Gaines, who gained fame through HGTV’s Fixer Upper, launched Magnolia Network in 2022 as a platform for diverse storytelling. Back to the Frontier, which premiered July 10, follows three families—including Hanna and Riggs—as they live without modern technology, embracing an 1880s lifestyle.

In an Instagram post, Hanna expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a step toward normalizing same-sex families. “We’re just like your neighbors, your coworkers,” he said. “I’m honored they chose us to represent a modern family.”

Back to the Frontier airs Thursdays at 8 PM ET on Magnolia Network.