Everyone is entitled the right to practice their own religion, but are companies entitled to push their religions onto their customers? Three companies, Forever 21, Chick-fil-A, and Hobby Lobby, have been under some controversy in the past few years due to overly preaching their companies’ religious policies and tendencies. While these are favorites for many consumers, some feel unsure about mixing retail and religion.
Forever 21
Everyone has heard of Forever 21; it’s one of the hottest places to shop for the latest trends for a low price. What people don’t realize is that Forever 21 is subconsciously throwing a religious agenda at their customers. A few years ago they sold graphic t-shirts marketed towards younger audiences depicting phrases containing words like “Jesus” and “God.”
Not only does their merchandise provide religious insights, but so do their bags. On the bottom of their bags is the words “John 3:16,” which is a section of the Bible stating, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A has been known for its religious agenda since it first started. It is in fact closed on Sundays because it’s considered the Lord’s day.
However, Chick-fil-A’s religious agenda has gotten them in some trouble. One controversial aspect of their agenda was the anti-LGBT activism that came out into the public. Chief Operating Officer Dan T. Cathy made comments back in 2012 opposing same-sex marriage. After this controversy, it was found that they also had been donating money to support anti-gay organizations.
Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby is another company that is closed on Sundays due to their religious beliefs. They also have an employee manual that includes biblical references, and announces on its website its commitment to “Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with biblical principles.” Even though they are dedicated to expressing their religious freedom, they have come under some controversy recently when a blogger was told that no Hanukkah decorations were stocked because the owner of the company is a Christian.