If only Jesus’ disciples had had access to a Starbucks. When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane before his death, his disciples fell asleep. Jesus wakes them up and leaves only to return and find them “sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.” (Matthew 26:34).
Growing up I would read this story and immediately think that the disciples had not had their coffee fix. Yes, I know that is not theologically correct, but who knows?
I confess I love the Bible, I love Jesus and I love coffee. I also truly love Starbucks and I believe Jesus does too. Over the past month or so I have been criticized by Christians who say that we should not consume any coffee or give any business to Starbucks. This sentiment emerged earlier this year following reports that Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz had said, “If you support traditional marriage over gay marriage, Starbucks doesn’t want your business.”
The reality is there is no concrete evidence he actually said this, but certain people and parts of the media are always at the ready to stoke outrage, especially on social media, and thus widen the divide between Christians and non-Christians.
The “boycott Starbucks” crusade gained steam again this Christmas season when the infamous image of Starbucks red cups began to circulate — along with lots of speculation about the plain design. The absence of traditional winter images, i.e. snowflakes and candy canes led many Christians and Christmas enthusiasts to encourage others to boycott Starbucks due to what appeared to be the company’s “humbug” attitude towards one of the greatest times of the year for Christians.
Jesus loves Starbucks and so should you. For one, who doesn’t love great coffee? Secondly, outside of his disciples, Jesus focused on spending time in places and with people who did not share his views on God and morality.
The Gospels portray a Jesus who “reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:10-13)
Starbucks has never been a Christian business. You can’t compare Chick fil A and Starbucks. There has never been a time when Starbucks featured crosses or nativity scenes on their red cups that I can find. And there’s no evidence I can find that Starbucks purposely decided to retreat from Christmas themes. As it happens, I’m sitting in a Starbucks within sight of many Christmas themed products.
Even so, if a plain red cup is Starbucks’ attempt at being more about a “Holiday” season that offers something for all the many kinds of customers the company serves versus “Christmas” then so be it. It doesn’t change the quality of the coffee inside the cup and in fact it gives Christians even more of an opportunity to be like Jesus.
Jesus would go to Starbucks because he would go to places where he could engage people of all walks of life, tax collectors, sinners, baristas, Christians, etc. Jesus was about people not about places.
As Christians who follow Jesus’ example we should not avoid places like Starbucks that are not “Christian.” Instead we should frequent these places, get to know the community, talk to people about Jesus, invite them to Church and simply build relationships always with Jesus’ mindset of coming “not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Jesus commanded us to “Go and make disciples” not where there are already disciples but where there are none.
Jesus loves Starbucks and so should you. I encourage you to get a coffee in plain red cup and start a conversation “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
My favorite Starbucks in the world is in Kennett Square. I know almost everyone’s name there. A barista there told me “the customer gives as much to us as we give to them.” I love them just like Jesus loves Starbucks. So let us give them the greatest gift of all, the love of Jesus. Because it’s not about the company, the decorations, or the cups but about the people you meet in line, those you stir your coffee next to, and especially the workers. Jesus loves them and so should you.
The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of Chadds Ford Live. We welcome opposing viewpoints. Readers may comment in the comments section or they may submit a Letter to the Editor to: editor@chaddsfordlive.com
About Rev. Marcos O. Almonte
Rev. Marcos O. Almonte is senior pastor at Brandywine Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist Church west of Philadelphia. Pastor Marcos is a graduate of Palmer Theological Seminary with more than 10 years working with families with an expertise in theology, trauma and addictions. Pastor Marcos and his wife Mary have three children, Carmen, Joseph, and Lincoln.
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