The latest Internet outrage in the “war against Christians” is that Starbucks will no longer use a Christmas themed paper cup. No more “jazzy” Santas, no more snowflakes, no more reindeers — just a plain red, green, and white cup. According to Jeffrey Fields, Starbuck’s vice-president for design and content, “This year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories.” “We’re embracing the simplicity and the quietness of it. It’s a more open way to usher in the holiday,” he said. Bah, Humbug!
Far from a silent night, this action has angered so many on social media sights like Facebook. This coming after many already have been alienated from Starbucks over its stance on same-sex marriage and Planned Parenthood.
As outraged as some are right now, this is not the most threatening thing that Christians face in the world today. Sure, we can be annoyed at Starbucks for downplaying Christmas, but let’s face it, this is not a life and death situation. It’s just a cup of coffee. If one feels that strongly about it, go to a local deli or coffee shop and support the local economy. Starbucks’ slight is simply one more sign that we live in a secular age!
There are Christians who are being massacred every single day, beheaded for their faith, literally being crucified for their beliefs. There are children being slaughtered in the womb and their body parts are being distributed for a “donation” by Planned Parenthood. The U.S. Government is more and more attempting to put faith-based organizations like the nursing homes run by the Little Sisters of the Poor out of business.
The vast majority of Catholics does not understand basic Church teachings on socio-ethical issues and have no concept of the natural law, thus the overwhelming support shown by most for same-sex marriages. Families are not passing on their faith to their children, despite valiant efforts to promote values of marriage and family life by the Church.
We can be upset at Starbucks, but let’s not lose sight of the big picture. There is a “war on Christians” from the secular world and from a radical strand of Islam. It’s easier to talk and worry about a plain red cup than talk about the real problems. We need to be more upset about the larger issues.
