The Picture above is my sister-in-law walking into the first Starbucks ever. Located at Pike’s Place market in Seattle it is surrounded by small shops, vendor’s stands and the constant buzz of the beehive of culture. As I stood, observing the constant noise and and activity of the crowded street, smelling the fresh ocean air with my tall vanilla latte in hand, I couldn’t help but to reflect on where our society is and where it is going.
As we study eschatology we see where modern culture is ultimately headed, but what of the steps in between? How do we get from a more or less peaceful society to that of social oppression, economic collapse, and outright chaos? On this side of things we can only guess, and if you know me at all you know I will.
We can see the beginnings of these downward trends even now with the acceptance of “Coexistion” way of thought. The Idea that all Religions are right as long as they can get along and that there are many ways to god. Even now people dislike the idea of radical Islam and radical Christianity but as long as we’re socially friendly we are ignored. My question is when will a trend of serious dislike appear our culture?
One possible scenario (and the heart of this blog) centers around the same company whose tall vanilla lattes I enjoy and by whom I am currently employed: Starbucks. Sound absurd? Yes it does, but hear me out. I strain to think of a company whose policies are more open minded and equality-based. One of Starbucks’ main Guiding Principals is that diversity is key to growth. Now don’t get me wrong this is no racist slam against other peoples or cultures but when diversity and openness is key without any biblical boundaries you leave the door wide open for the validation of wickedness.
Please don’t think that this is some personal vendetta against Starbucks. I love the coffee, the atmosphere and the people. I’ve given over a year of my life to them. Well, I only work there part-time so perhaps it’s more like over half a year. I like the way they do business, the benefits and the way they treat their employees.
The reason I target Starbucks is that I can think of no better example of a company that might require something of their employees that would grieve the Heart of the Lord. I can imagine a scenario that would be a modern type of a Daniel 3 event. I would guess that it would have something to do, as I mentioned earlier, with validating sin and wickedness.
I can’t foresee exactly how it could happen but if companies began requiring their employees to choose between words or actions that would compromise Christian morals and an authentic walk with the Lord OR loosing their job I could see it starting with Starbucks.
6 responses so far ↓
Ben Shaffer // March 10, 2007 at 8:23 pm |
I like this post. I think the very thing that “open-mindedness” (with the qualifiers you mentioned) is intended to keep from happening, will ultimately end up causing the very creators of this manifesto to defy it by disallowing the “diversity” of viewpoints opposed to their own.
On a less serious note, I knew it!! Howard’s the Antichrist!! (just kidding, if anyone found this by a Google for “anitichrist”)
Also, is “coexistion” really a word?? I’m gonna ask Refe what the Greek form of that is….
Marcus // March 11, 2007 at 8:40 am |
To All Concerned,
As a native of the Emerald City (and home of Starbucks), I would like to confirm that “Coexistion” is a real word. Websters defines “Coexistion” as follows:
Coexistion – Coe is greek for the word “Grande”, Exis is a greek term meaning “light on the foam”, and “tion” is persian for “man this drink is costing me a bundle”.
Simply translated the word “Coexistion” means – Give me a Grande, light on the foam latte, and MAN is this drink costing me a bundle!
Now its up to you IHOPers to relate a Grande Latte to the End Of Days:)
PS – Man! This Aaron guy is one smart cat! Its this kind of guy you would want for a son in law.
Seattle Slew
justeastofwest // March 11, 2007 at 11:37 am |
I’m 85% sure I just made that word up but if it sticks I will be the only one on my block to name a worldview.
Josh Motlong // March 13, 2007 at 8:18 am |
This sort of thing seems so likely. And will be so easily snow-balled once it happens.
And “coexistion” is definitely not a word, but who cares. Let’s see if I can’t make up a word in your honor in my next post.
Josh Motlong // March 13, 2007 at 8:29 am |
@ the Seattle Slew, Marcus:
As a native Ihopper, I shall take your challenge.
Grande Latte : End of Days. Here goes.
“Grande”, of course, when translated from the Latin vulgate & then transliterated into the mid-american Mayan oaxhete dialect, is revealed quite accurately as, “really, really, especially very large in bigness.”
The meaning of “Latte” is easily discovered at any local coffee shop with just a few short steps. 1) order a Short Latte 2) turn to nearest bystander 3) toss the Latte in their face and ask them what they’re feeling: “Burning Hot Fire”.
And there you have it: “Grande Latte” when translated is “huge burning hot fire,” a most basic and accurate description of many events found in the Revelation of John regarding the End of Days.
Josh Motlong // March 13, 2007 at 8:34 am |
@ Marcus: I laughed quite hard at your definition of “coexistion”, that was hilarious.