Do you avoid religious businesses?
Some businesses readily demonstrate a preference for religiosity or have overtly religious management teams. One example is Chick-fil-A which cites religion as reasons for closing on Sunday and opposing gay marriage.
1. Are you, as a consumer, less likely to spend at a business that is overtly religious? Why or why not?
2. Do you keep track of which businesses bill themselves as religious, which have taken no public stance, and which are run by atheists? Do you know of any resources for keeping track?
3. Say you pulled into a gas station and read this message on the pump. Would you still buy gas there? Say you have a choice between a Catholic hospital and a secular hospital. Do you avoid the Catholic hospital because it is Catholic?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by onyango makagutu on -
Most shops here do not promote a specific brand of christianity or theism and no one really promotes any such theme unless you go to catholic bookshop which is within the church precinct. I just shop anywhere.
-
Permalink Reply by Val Wuthrich on
-
What can I say. Messages like the one on the gas pump really piss me off! One Cristian nation under delusion.
-
Permalink Reply by Colleen on -
I think the reasons here get mixed up a bit. If I avoid a business, it's because (1) I disagree with political causes that they financially support, (2) I find their business practices to be discriminatory or unethical, or (3) I was displeased with the product or service. Some business owners may cite religious reasons as to why they do what they do, but I would avoid companies that meet the above criteria no matter the reason.
-
Permalink Reply by Ed on -
Regarding those standing in the prayer circle I wonder if they have already washed their hands for the impending surgical procedure?
-
Permalink Reply by Ed on
-
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/24/7-religious-companies-besi...
Number 3 on the list of religious companies was Tyson Foods which are headquartered here in northern Arkansas. Don Tyson (founder & CEO) used to be one of the biggest party guys around. He loved his cocaine. He's older now so maybe he's mellowed a little.
-
Permalink Reply by Claire Couch on -
Didn't our Bush Jr strike you as a tad religious? Wasn't he a bit of a coke hound, too, or just a boozer? I honestly don't recall.
I guess my point being, cocaine and christ have never actually been mutually exclusive. In fact, I can sorta see how they might dove-tail nicely.
-
Permalink Reply by Lewal on -
1. No, I take enough away from them that I can afford to give when it's easier than not.
2. I remember, but I don't make a point to seek it out. Unless it's a charity or something.
3. Yes, because I'm not going to go out of my way. They have something I want. As to hospitals, I'd use the one with better care (assuming I had decent health insurance-- I live in the US), regardless of whether or not there's a "St. So-and-so" in the hospital's name.
-
Permalink Reply by Reg The Fronkey Farmer on -
I do sometimes eat in the restaurant belonging to the local Mosque. Mostly because the food is excellent and I do my little bit for integration. There is the added bonus of telling Christian friends what they are missing out on and watching their reactions. I would also buy food form their shop. I buy a lot of spices and pulses from a Hindu only because he has a great selection and is helpful and enthusiastic even if he is very obviously a Hindu.
I seldom notice any religious overtone to any shopping transactions. In fact I can’t think of any at the moment.
I recently went into a revamped Christian bookshop and asked if they had a non-fiction section. Priceless!
-
-
I will have to remember to use that last one!
-
Permalink Reply by Claire Couch on
-
Mostly concur with this sentiment.
The last line, that's just pure awesome!
-
Permalink Reply by Dale Headley on
-
I do try not to patronize religious-oriented businesses. That being said, I was referred by my regular physician to a Catholic hospital for diagnostic tests. I was a bit uncomfortable with it, but I didn't want to make trouble for my doctor, so I went. I am not so doctrinaire as to reject, out of hand, ANY possibility of entering a religious business establishment, but I do avoid it.
What's new today
Forum
Why do atheists ask for so much proof to believe in God?
Started by Mercedes in Welcome to Think Atheist. Last reply by Tom Sarbeck 1 hour ago. 492 Replies 0 Likes
Events
Services we love
Check out our new mobile/tablet version of Think Atheist! www.ThinkAtheist.com/m
© 2013 Created by Morgan Matthew.
