Comments

1. Jones — May 07, 2007 at 11:36:32

   

   I don’t think it’s a matter of projecting vulnerabilities. I think it’s a matter of desiring the same respect and sensitivity given to other religions, such as Islam. How do you think the public would have reacted if Starbucks had instead put a quote on that cup that questioned the existence of Allah or the authority of Muhammed? The lady’s point is that Christianity has been targeted for special attack in this country by the same people who are preaching tolerance and acceptance towards other world views.

2. Ryan — May 07, 2007 at 1:14:07

   

   I think it’s a matter of desiring the same respect and sensitivity given to other religions, such as Islam.

   If you think there’s sensitivity to Islam in this country, you’re mistaken. Regardless, I guess I don’t understand why people want “respect” and “sensitivity” to their religion. Obviously, acting out against someone based on religion is a no-no, but expressing someone’s disagreement with that belief is not OK? C’mon now. I’ve read the Bible, I know about faith and nowhere did I read that the disenters should be removed from the discourse.

3. billg — May 07, 2007 at 1:21:17

   

   Jones, God is not a Christian concept.  Any Muslim will tell you that Allah is God, just as any Jew will tell you that about Jehavoh. That’s rooted in the history of each faith as well as in doctrine. Members of any of those faiths could just as easily have taken irrational offense at the quote.

   Christianity has not been singled out for attack, and I’m getting tired of hearing that canard.  What is being attacked are attempts to force the majority to adhere to the behavioral and thought standards of a group that represents a minority, even among Americans who identify themselves as Christian.

4. Jared Christensen — May 07, 2007 at 2:25:33

   

   People are so quick to be offended these days. It’s really rather childish.

   The worst part is that outbursts such as this help paint the rest of Christianity as intolerant, unforgiving, and petty. For crying out loud, it’s a cup. I think there are much more greivous dangers to faith and righteousness than a Starbucks cup.

5. Stephen — May 07, 2007 at 2:57:44

   

   Obviously, acting out against someone based on religion is a no-no, but expressing someone’s disagreement with that belief is not OK? C’mon now. I’ve read the Bible, I know about faith and nowhere did I read that the disenters should be removed from the discourse.”

   I agree, completely. People who truly respect each others idea will have the respect (and give their peers the dignity) of disagreeing with them openly. Anything else is patronizing.

6. Jim Renaud — May 07, 2007 at 5:28:24

   

   I’m a Christian man and wasn’t offended at all. The text on the cup is asking three questions. I’d ask the offended person, “Why don’t you spend your time answering the questions asked instead of getting offended?”

   Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help?
   I ask because I believe that God answers prayer by the examples he has shown in my life and in examples in the Bible.

   As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance?
   I believe God as being the true creator of all things and that He longs for the world to be fixed. We ask for guidance on how that should be done.

   Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome?
   I want to be apart of kingdom of God that gives us grace when we can’t find the power to help ourselves. I believe power comes from loving your neighbor as yourself and loving God and not looking only to yourself to overcome. I believe God gives us the power to overcome obstacles, but it’s a lot easier and in my experiences much more rewarding seeking the power to overcome with my friends, family and God.

7. JB — May 07, 2007 at 6:21:19

   

   Well said Jim! While I’m not religious, I like your attitude.

   I wonder if that lady realizes people are starving to death while she sips her skinny-half-soy-half-organic-mocha-whatever. Boo hoo hoo, cry me a river lady. I’d be ashamed if my five minutes of fame were wasted on a newspaper article in the Dayton Daily News whining about some nonsense printed on a coffee cup.

   If she wants to help society, she should drown herself in the overpriced coffee she just bought.

8. David Barrett — May 07, 2007 at 9:43:36

   

   I’m a Christian, and I’m offended. The two are not connected; I just think naff preachy comments are incredibly lame.

9. Ryan — May 08, 2007 at 3:43:29

   

   Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Jim.

10. Ryan — May 08, 2007 at 4:47:27

    

    “nowhere did I read that the disenters should be removed from the discourse.”

    Did you miss all the killing?

11. Greg — May 08, 2007 at 6:17:55

    

    > Did you miss all the killing?

    What the hell does that mean?

12. Jeremy — May 09, 2007 at 10:09:43

    

    You are right, they could do all of the things that you listed and more, but as a retail establishment would that be good for business? We preach diversity and tolerance in this country not out of a genuine respect for faith or heritage but out of simple marketing. We don’t want to offend our customers because we want their dollars. Why would anyone in marketing allow a statement plastered on the cup that could potentially offend a single customer? Because it was religious in nature we can have this discussion--safe in a vacuum, but if it were racial in nature, I am sure that the public outcry would be deafening.

    Most importantly, I want to know if she had a steady supply of methadone to ease with the withdrawals.

Orange you glad you have an opinion?