Is Starbucks a non-Christian company?

[KCtheMommy]

So if this thread is getting old as PP mentioned, was it pointed out that Starbucks deals with “Fair Trade” in buying their coffee beans which is a PRO-CATHOLIC org? I just know that our last parish had an article in every bulletin requesting we ONLY buy “Fair Trade Coffee” to help farmers in South America. But then, our priest spent a lot of time there.

Well this I know is true:

You read the questioning God blurb, and your faith hastened and grew stronger for a moment right? Mine did! You were even ready to defend your faith and quit going to starbucks or complain.

SOOOO, even though the message seems “Anti-Christian,” in reality it works the opposite. Besides “doubt” is a human condition. I’m with the PP who doesn’t let other’s views affect me. Now if it said “burn every Catholic Chuch you come upon” then by all means, I think it’s fair to say “avoid Starbucks.” Otherwise, let the philosophy roll out on their paper printed cups and be grateful you do have faith, and a God to turn to in times of trouble.

 

[Island_Oak]

The “As I see it” quotes on the cups are just as the title suggests…simply a smattering of opinions from folks famous and not–representing the diversity of perspectives held by consumers of the product. If you think ANY business with the international reach akin to that of Starbucks is going to promote strictly Judeo-Christian views/values you’re fooling yourself. If you’re feeble enough to be swayed by a quote on a paper coffee cup…you need more than a jolt of caffeine to get your brain moving.

 

[conorsdad]

The “As I see it” quotes on the cups are just as the title suggests…simply a smattering of opinions from folks famous and not–representing the diversity of perspectives held by consumers of the product. If you think ANY business with the international reach akin to that of Starbucks is going to promote strictly Judeo-Christian views/values you’re fooling yourself. If you’re feeble enough to be swayed by a quote on a paper coffee cup…you need more than a jolt of caffeine to get your brain moving.

They don’t necessarily have to promote Christianity, they just shouldn’t BASH it. Actually, from a business perspective, its very stupid to promote or degrade any religion. There’s always the risk of alienating potential customers. Businesses, if they’re smart, would publicly remain neutral on politics and religion.

 

[RWMorris]

Island Oak,
We are called as Christians to declare prejudice where we see, regardless of who the offenders are. Starbucks has chosen to promote Joni Mitchell’s CD, which contains a track that is soaked with Anti-Catholicism. Of course I am concerned. Is the last acceptable prejudice anti-catholicism? Surely not…yet they are not just selling her CD, they are promoting it.
It’s not that I have thin skin - I’ve heard enough anti-catholicism to last me the rest of my life. But I cannot simply shrug my shoulders and say,“Oh well, what can you do.” What I CAN do is address my concerns to the company and boycott their coffee, which is good, until they take my concerns seriously.
It is called social concern. I don’t have to agree with everything but I do have a right to free speech and I can voice my opinion with everyone else’s.
Lissa

 

[Apryl]

I was disappointed when I received this scanned Starbucks cup from a good friend who purchased this cup of coffee at a Starbucks in Plano Texas. I have no problem with them not mentioning God, but the following offends me. Asking us to turn away from God, a figment of our imaginations, in times of need. Wow. I will now be forced to find other coffee sources.

Wow… that is pretty bad, but not that surprising in this day and age

And just a point (I tend to be a fuss-budget… I apologize in advance, and ask that you take the comments in the spirit they are given)

These comments are not Anti-Christian. They are anti-God. There is a distinction.

You must remember: those that are Jewish (as Jesus Christ Himself was Jewish, and so was the Blessed Virgin Mary) believe in God. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were all God Fearing, God Loving, God Following non-Christians.

To suggest that ONLY Christians would be offended leaves off a lot of folx that would be as offended as Christians are. And it’s unnecessary.

 

[mizznicole]

If you really have a problem with the quote, why not write Starbucks and tell them? They have a vested interest in not ticking off their customers. This is unlike most college-town coffee houses (which I actually prefer), where the rhetoric often is blatantly anti-God/Jesus/Catholic and in your face.

 

[aurora77]

In my estimation, tastings and opinion… the BEST bang for your coffee dollar right now is McDonalds coffee. yes, i said it. Its a smooth morning blend. if its freshly made, for 69¢ its the best buy around.

I agree. I hardly ever get coffee when I’m out, but McDonald’s has great coffee!

Our nearest Starbucks is half an hour away, so this is a non-issue for me.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I was disappointed when I received this scanned Starbucks cup from a good friend who purchased this cup of coffee at a Starbucks in Plano Texas. I have no problem with them not mentioning God, but the following offends me. Asking us to turn away from God, a figment of our imaginations, in times of need. Wow. I will now be forced to find other coffee sources.​

If you can’t read the jpg, it says
The way I see it #247
Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure. —Bill Scheel

I always thought their coffee tasted like a forest fire…

Maybe it’s a fire from elsewhere. :coffeeread:

 

[Apryl]

I agree. I hardly ever get coffee when I’m out, but McDonald’s has great coffee!

Our nearest Starbucks is half an hour away, so this is a non-issue for me.

Ok… I have a confession:

I LUST after Starbucks Cafe Mocha.

Well, actually, any one’s Cafe Mocha.

I will get it just a few times a year, but when I do, it’s awesome!

 

[TexRose]

I like McDonald’s coffee better than the Starbucks. I treat myself to a Micky Ds coffee every Sunday after Mass.

 

[sandraladeda]

You can send a message to Starbucks by visiting the link below.

starbucks.com/retail/thewayiseeit_comments.asp

This is for “the way I see it” on the cups, commenting on the message or submitting a message of your own.

 

[Katie1723]

Starbucks is overrated. Why pay 4 bucks for a coffee that I can get for a buck at Turkey Hill or Sheetz? Starbucks is for wanna-be trendy people who buy for the name only…right up there with Abercrombie and Fitch.

I only went to Starbucks recently because I was given a gift card for Starbucks. The coffee wasn’t BAD…just overpriced for what you get.

Starbucks where I live is $ 1.97 for a venti. Turkey Hill coffee tastes like it costs a dollar
Kathy

 

[Light_Seeker]

I go to starbucks at least 3 times a week … but I hate their coffee, its way overrated & way too expensive - their beans are usually stale & over-roasted to compensate. I go there to meet with business contacts and/or clients, its a nice atmosphere. I prefer any of the private coffee shops that have sprung up … anyone if which is better java than starbucks. Best is the pot I brew at home each morn … fresh beans from a local roaster, a good burr grinder, & good drip machine.

Best thing I can say about starbucks is their stainless steel mugs are absolutely the best for drive-time. Have several, but like everything else there, they are way over-priced ($20 +).

Also, I do prefer McDonalds to starbucks house grind. Do a blind test, MickyD’s will win every time.

 

[verdigirl]

I was disappointed when I received this scanned Starbucks cup from a good friend who purchased this cup of coffee at a Starbucks in Plano Texas. I have no problem with them not mentioning God, but the following offends me. Asking us to turn away from God, a figment of our imaginations, in times of need. Wow. I will now be forced to find other coffee sources.​

If you can’t read the jpg, it says
The way I see it #247
Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure. —Bill Scheel

Apparently the author of that quote is just some customer. To be honest, I don’t have too much problem with pseudo-philosophical rants like on the cup. I think it’s a great first step to discerning one’s place in Creation.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t have moments of doubt, self-aggrandizement or even thinking myself an island. It’s called Original Sin.

The key is for us to be witnesses to our Faith so as to be a beacon when people like this are ready to accept God in their lives.

 

[verdigirl]

As for the poem, I guess they were just trying to be ‘inspirational’. Maybe we should write to them and suggest some of the poetry of St John of the Cross or the sayings of St Josemaria Escriva be included if this is to be a series of ‘though provoking’ quotes on coffee cups.

Now THAT is a wonderful idea!

 

[verdigirl]

I do find this message offensive. But I will say something in Starbucks defense. They hire full-time workers. They give health benefits. They give stock options. Most coffee shops, sandwich places, etc don’t do that. I suppose we see the costs of offerring such things reflected in the price of their coffee. When the worker at Sheetz gets sick, I think they are on their own for how to pay the Dr.

Woo hoo!!! Amen!

 

[a_priori]

Sometimes a cup of coffee is just a cup of coffee…

 

[RitaM]

I have an alternative for you. I worked for Starbucks for 5 years and lived off of my free lattes. I don’t go there anymore because it’s too expensive and really does have an elitist atmosphere. Here’s what I drink: Instant coffee plus splenda (or sugar), fill your cup with hot milk instead of hot water. It tastes every bit as good as a half-caff grande vanilla latte, and you can enjoy it at home with your loving and supportive family.
I used to order coffee at Star$s so I could loiter for a while and nurse my baby, but there was a problem on our local news regarding that a few years back, too.

 

[KathleenElsie]

Somewhere out there someone has a list of all those companies “we shouldn’t support”. Please pick on another one. I happen to like Starbucks, as I am sure do many others.This topic has been discussed in many previous threads. It’s getting old.
Kathy

STARBUCKS is the bad gift that just keeps giving. Look at the new Anti-Catholic promotion that has just started. So enjoy your coffee and know where the money goes. Gay rights, Planned Parenthood and Anti-Catholic. Wonderful company.

 

[KathleenElsie]

They are promoting Joni Mitchells new album which is all anti - Catholic - that is how she is promoting it…here you go.

foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297798,00.html

I wont buy Starbucks ever again.

Vester

I wrote them about this issue. Here is my answer from them:

Dear Kathleen Elsie,

Thank you for contacting Starbucks Coffee Company.

At Starbucks, we are proud to offer customers a diverse range of music for their enjoyment. Music has always been a part of the coffeehouse culture and is an essential part of the Starbucks heritage and in-store experience.

We understand that our customers have diverse tastes and perspectives. In selecting music, we strive to represent the work of a variety of talented artists who reflect many creative viewpoints. Starbucks is an avid supporter of free speech and the creative process. When considering new projects, our primary goal is always to help our customers discover and acquire quality music.

We value (name removed by moderator)ut from our customers and respect their opinions. Starbucks and Hear Music believe our music selections continue our commitment to offering customers a variety of music from a vast array of genres.

Thanks again for contacting Starbucks.

Sincerely,

Minh L.
Starbucks Coffee Company