I’m a Person of Faith, and Hobby Lobby’s Recent Actions Infuriate Me

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For those who haven’t been paying attention, Hobby Lobby has been on a troubling trajectory. Their latest move should prompt every American to denounce their undemocratic and hateful behavior once and for all. No matter how much you enjoy crafting or the variety of supplies they offer, no amount of yarn or glue is worth compromising your values for this company.

Stores like Michael’s and Jo-Ann Fabrics are just around the corner — and it seems they even accept Hobby Lobby’s coupons.

What Happened?

To bring you up to speed, on July 4, Hobby Lobby published a full-page advertisement in various newspapers titled “One Nation Under God.” This ad pushed for a government guided by Christian principles, citing manipulated quotes from the Founding Fathers and the Bible to advocate for the abandonment of the Bill of Rights’ “separation of church and state.” According to reports from Newsweek, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has indicated that Hobby Lobby altered these quotes without providing the full context. The company’s name was prominently featured in the corner of the ad and shared on their official social media platforms.

Take a Stand

So here’s the bottom line: it’s time to take a stand. Let’s not spend another cent at this disgraceful company. This kind of Christian-centric rhetoric tarnishes the reputation of all religions and people of faith, and it ignites a righteous fury within me.

As someone who identifies as a person of faith and is actively involved in my community, I find this advertisement to be deeply disturbing. I’m saddened by it, too. I understand the reasons many turn away from organized religion. While I believe that faith can be a source of healing and community when embraced positively, actions like this drive people away. This hypocrisy is why trust in religion is dwindling.

A Distinction in Faith

I’ve often thought that there’s a distinction between those who identify as “Christian” and those who are “followers of Jesus” — they are not synonymous. This advertisement is a prime example of a toxic interpretation of Christianity that would likely sadden Jesus himself.

Words of Wisdom

Since Hobby Lobby made use of religious quotes in their ad, let’s recall some other profound words attributed to Jesus:

  • “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” — Jesus (Matthew 7:15)
  • “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” — Jesus (Matthew 6:1)
  • “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others.” — Jesus (Matthew 6:5)

So don’t just take my word for it; heed the words of Jesus. He would not endorse the sacrilegious nonsense that Hobby Lobby is promoting.

Threat to Freedom

This advertisement is not only hypocritical but also a direct affront to Americans who cherish the freedoms our country professes to uphold. While America has a complicated history marked by systemic injustices, we hold certain values dear, such as the freedom to practice our beliefs, whether they be in God, Allah, science, love, or a blend of all these.

Hobby Lobby’s message threatens to undermine these freedoms, effectively advocating for a theocracy rather than a democracy, which stands in stark contrast to the principle of the separation of church and state. The irony of this ad appearing on July 4 — a day we celebrate our liberation from oppressive rule, including religious tyranny — is almost laughable, if it weren’t so frightening, especially for those whose beliefs have historically faced violence or marginalization.

Call to Action

I am not just horrified; I am filled with a justifiable anger. I refuse to allow hate to prevail. I will not let a twisted interpretation of faith dictate what faith means for the rest of us. I will not allow this toxic narrative to speak for all of us.

I’m ready to take action — to flip some craft tables, if you will — and I hope you will join me. Whether you identify as Christian, atheist, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, or Humanist, do not spend another dollar at Hobby Lobby. They do not deserve your patronage. If we do not challenge this ideology, who knows what faith might be next on the chopping block?

Besides, crafting is far more enjoyable when it isn’t intertwined with religious intolerance. Spread the word.

Further Reading

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Summary

Hobby Lobby’s recent advertisement advocating for a Christian-run government is a disturbing affront to the values of freedom and the separation of church and state. As a person of faith, I find their actions hypocritical and damaging to all religions. It’s crucial to stand against this ideology and not support companies that promote such divisive narratives. Crafting should be free from religious bigotry.

Keyphrase: Hobby Lobby controversy

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