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

As someone who holds my beliefs dear, I find myself deeply enraged by Hobby Lobby’s latest display. The company has a troubling history, but their recent behavior should compel every American to denounce their undemocratic and hateful actions. No matter how much you enjoy crafting or the variety of supplies they offer, sacrificing your values for their products is simply not worth it. Alternatives like Michaels and Jo-Ann Fabrics are readily available, and they even accept Hobby Lobby coupons.

The Controversial Advertisement

To bring you up to speed, on July 4th, Hobby Lobby published a full-page advertisement in various newspapers titled “One Nation Under God.” This ad pushed for a government led by Christian principles, using quotes from the Founding Fathers and the Bible to advocate for the dismissal of the crucial separation of church and state. According to Newsweek, the Freedom From Religion Foundation pointed out that the company misrepresented these quotes by omitting essential context. The company’s branding appeared prominently in the ad, which was also disseminated through their official social media platforms.

Take a Stand

Here’s the bottom line: it’s time to take a stand. I urge you not to spend another cent at this abhorrent company. This type of religion-centric rhetoric tarnishes the reputation of all those who practice faith sincerely. It fills me with a righteous anger that is hard to contain.

I identify as a person of faith and actively participate in my community, yet I am not Christian. After seeing this ad, I feel a mix of horror and sadness. I can understand why many people are turning away from organized religion. When practiced with compassion and integrity, faith can foster healing and community for many. However, actions like these are precisely what drive people away from spirituality. This hypocrisy breeds distrust.

I have long maintained that there is a distinction between those who call themselves “Christian” and those who truly embody the teachings of Jesus. This ad is a glaring example of the former, promoting a version of Christianity that would likely disappoint Jesus himself.

Relevant Quotes from Jesus

Since Hobby Lobby chose to fill their ad with religious references, let me remind everyone of a few relevant quotes from 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)
“When 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)

These words are a reminder that such commercialized faith is nothing but hypocrisy. This ad not only offends people of faith, but it also undermines the freedoms that many Americans cherish. While the U.S. has a troubled past marked by a white supremacist patriarchy, we still hold dear the right to worship freely—whether that be God, Allah, love, or science.

The Threat to Freedom

Hobby Lobby’s push for a theocratic government threatens to erode these freedoms, which is profoundly undemocratic. The irony of this ad appearing on Independence Day, a day we celebrate our liberation from oppressive rule—including religious oppression—is almost laughable if it weren’t so terrifying for those of us who practice different faiths.

I am not merely horrified; I am filled with a righteous indignation. I refuse to let hate prevail. I will not allow any distorted version of faith to dictate the meaning of spirituality for the rest of us. It is time to take a stand against this toxic ideology. I hope you will join me, regardless of your beliefs. Let’s not contribute another dollar to Hobby Lobby, as they have proven they do not deserve our support. And remember, crafting is much more enjoyable when it is free from bigotry.

Summary

Hobby Lobby’s recent advertisement advocating for a Christian government has sparked outrage among many, including people of faith who feel misrepresented. The ad undermines the separation of church and state and promotes a version of Christianity that contradicts the core teachings of Jesus. This hypocrisy not only tarnishes the reputation of all faiths but also threatens the freedoms that Americans hold dear. It is crucial for individuals of all beliefs to stand against this kind of rhetoric and to support companies that align with their values.