My father in law is a preacher... *insert Dusty Springfield song here*
He would have had the same reaction you did.
I have 2 children, 7 years and 6 months. We take them out with us to eat and just about anywhere else. If you don't take them, they will never learn how to act in public. Sometimes there is a meltdown. It happens. Especially with the 6 month old. But, as soon as I see it coming, no matter which kid it may be, they are quickly removed either by myself or the hubs. They may act like jerks, but they will not disrupt everyone else. I had kids. I made that decision. I knew what I was getting into when I did so. No one else in the restaurant made that decision for me and they should not suffer because of it. If I have to stand outside or in the car with the kid until they calm down, then fine. If meltdown mode goes longer than planned, the hubs finished eating and we switch off until I'm done and we leave. Or we take our food home.
As for Jesus freak, he should have known the following -
Hebrews 12:9-11 - He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Proverbs 13:24 - He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
Proverbs 22:15 - Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.
Proverbs 23:13-14 - Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. You shall strike him with the rod And rescue his soul from Sheol.
Among a million others...
Your simple retort could have been, "I was simply trying to show the parents how to lead the child onto a heavenly path, it was obvious that they were not bringing him up in the way of the Word. I am surprised at you brother, that you are not as concerned with the child's eternal soul as I am.. "
yeah.. I'm a sarcastic ass..