I read an article on CNN discussing how there are other major companies besides Chick-fil-A that have religion as a part of their infrastructure. Some of them have chaplains and some have bible verses on containers and bags. I think it is interesting how there are many major companies that emphasize religion in the work place. Many of these companies I benefit from everyday.
Here are the ones that made CNN’s list:
1. Forever 21- Many people think it is conflicting that Forever 21 tends to have skimpy and controversial clothing for women yet has John 3:16, a popular bible verse, written on their bags. But the company claims that it is a “demonstration of the owner’s faith.”
2. Tom’s of Maine- A natural home products company which the CEO and his wife treat as a ministry. They said they want to spread the message of conservationism along with faith.
3. Tyson Foods Inc.- One of the world’s largest companies that people associate with chicken has chaplains for the employees and offices “regardless of their religious or spiritual affiliation or beliefs.” They also have just started the Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace at the University of Arkansas; a unique center that educate’s people in the workplace on how to balance their faith.
4. Hobby Lobby- Arts and craft’s stores around the country that have “honoring the Lord” and the use of the principles of God in their mission statement. They also associate with Oral Roberts University and the Alliance Defense Fund.
5. ServiceMaster- A parent brand for Terminix, Trugreen, American Home Shield and many others strives in order to have “foundational commitment to Honor God in all we do, our eight values and three core objectives to Help People Develop, Excel With Customers and Grow Profitably,” according to their website. Now owned by a private company, it still tries to treat customers fairly and do the right thing.
6. Herman Miller- A furniture manufacturer from Michigan, that’s famous for the Aeron chair, has a focus on environmental philanthropy and is proud of being on Fortune’s list of best companies to work for.
7. Interstate Batteries- A car battery company that had it’s president, Norm Miller changed to the role of chairman to have more time addressing Christian audiences about how he discovered Christianity. Miller also “learned to effectively apply biblical principles to create a more successful business,” by having a chaplain in the workplace.
8. In-N-Out Burger- A West Coast fast food chain that has printed verse citations of Bible passages on its cups, wrappers and other packaging since the 1980’s.
9. Walmart- One the the biggest enterprises in consumer purchases has used “Christian servant leadership models in building the world’s largest retailer,” according to CNN. They also say that the Arkansas based company used tactics for a churchgoer audience. They also carry Christian books that can only otherwise be found at Christian bookstores.
Knowing all this information, I am personally going to still shop at Walmart and Forever 21, especially Chick-fil-A, yum! I belief that if the stores’ philosophies benefit their efficiency and don’t affect the products in a negative way I have no problem with it.
If you had some stores/companies that you used and rely on regularly and just learned that they have Christian ideals would you stop using their products?
KC Digital Marketing | Becky Neems 