MICHAEL-ANN ASKS:<\/p>\n
Businesses like Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A overtly follow Christian principles and thus promote Christianity. Is it profitable for them to have this \u2018brand,\u2019 or do you think the CEOs have some deeper evangelical goal?<\/p>\n
THE RELIGION GUY ANSWERS:<\/p>\n
These two remarkable corporations are the largest in the U.S. that operate on an explicitly \u201cChristian\u201d basis, and both have been in the news lately.<\/p>\n
The Hobby Lobby craft store chain won U.S. Supreme Court approval June 30\u00a0of the religious right to avoid the new federal mandate to fund certain birth control methods the owners consider tantamount to abortion.<\/p>\n
September 8 brought the death of S. Truett Cathy, billionaire founder of the Chick-fil-A fast-food empire. His \u201cNew York Times\u201d obituary said that\u00a0to some he was \u201ca symbol of intolerance\u201d and \u201chate.\u201d Such journalistic labeling stemmed from Cathy\u2019s son and successor Dan criticizing same-sex marriage on biblical grounds in 2012. Afterward,\u00a0the firm cut donations to groups that back traditional marriage. No-one claimed Chick-fil-A discriminates against gays in hiring or customer service.<\/p>\n
With both companies, Christian commitment is accompanied by prosperity, and the question suggests their religious image may be calculated for \u201cprofitable\u201d advantage. But The Guy concludes that the companies\u2019 unique cultures result only from evangelical Protestant convictions. Both firms\u00a0surrender huge revenues by closing all stores on Sundays, and give away sizable profits to charity. As privately-held family operations they\u2019re free to do such things with no need to appease public\u00a0stockholders.\u00a0 No question the self-conscious Christian stance gives these firms a special responsibility to uphold ethical business practices and by most accounts they do so.<\/p>\n
Truett Cathy, a devout Georgia Baptist who taught 8th grade Sunday School for 52 years, was named for George W. Truett, a venerable pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas. Cathy opened a small restaurant following U.S. Army service in World War Two. He launched his first chicken outlet in 1967 and the company has posted sales gains each year since. It counted 500 restaurants by 1983 and 1,000 by 2001. In 2012 Chick-fil-A bypassed KFC to become America\u2019s top chicken chain in sales.<\/p>\n
Cathy always practiced Sunday closing, a somewhat common practice when he instituted it in 1946 but rare today. The company explains that all its employees \u201cshould have an opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and worship if they choose to do so. \u2026 It\u2019s part of our recipe for success.\u201d<\/p>\n
A 1982 plaque at Atlanta headquarters proclaims the firm\u2019s purpose: \u201cTo glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A.\u201d Optional devotions are held at the building each Monday. Chick-fil-A has donated some $68 million to 700 charities. In 1973 the firm started giving employees college scholarships, for a total of $32 million to date. Its WinShape Foundation aids youths and families\u00a0through 13 foster care homes, camps, and marriage retreats. Chick-fil-A also gives medical grants and its people often turn up with free food during emergencies.<\/p>\n
Hobby Lobby\u2019s similar self-definition says \u201cwe value our customers and employees and are committed to honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with biblical principles.\u201d It adds, \u201cWe believe that it is by God\u2019s grace and provision that Hobby Lobby has endured.\u201d<\/p>\n