Buyer Beware: Forever 21′s Hidden “Evangelical” Message
by Kelly
One of my favorite pastimes is shopping. However, as a financially-challenged college student, I do not have the luxury of purchasing items with designer labels or from expensive boutiques. So what is a fashion-crazed girl supposed to do other than turn to affordable stores such as H&M and Wet Seal? While I am a huge supporter of thrift stores, there is only one (over-priced) consignment shop near my college that is within walking distance. So, on the occasional rainy Saturday, my girlfriends and I take the local bus to the mall. Our favorite haunt? Forever 21.
I don’t always like the cheap quality of the clothing at Forever 21, but I generally pick up the occasional party dress, cheapie sunglasses that I expect to lose anyway, and lots of staple items like cardigans and hoodies. However, after unpacking my recent purchases, my room looked like Big Bird had molted plastic feathers all over my floor. Picking up one of Forever 21’s signature glaringly-yellow bags, I noticed something I had never seen before. I dropped the bag like I’d been bitten, causing my boyfriend to look at me in alarm.
What did I find so utterly terrifying? On the bottom of the bag, in tiny black print: John 3:16.
Now, as an atheist who has never read the Bible (other than translating a few pages in an Ancient Greek class), I had to ask my boyfriend, “Is this some sort of religious…thing?” Sure enough, it was. I googled John 3:16 and came upon this excerpt from the bible:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Alright. I’ve taken many a literature and philosophy class. This isn’t too hard to dissect: Believe in God and you will go to Heaven and not perish (in Hell). That’s pretty straightforward Christian doctrine. But what the fuck is it doing on my shopping bag!?!?
With the wondrous tools of the internet at my disposal, I quickly learned that not only has Forever 21’s evangelical owners been slapping “John 3:16” on their bags for years, but there’s not a lot we can do about it. Forever 21 is a privately owned company, and at best, you can boycott their stores if you have a problem with their branding.
I’m no stranger to boycotting brands and products. Ever since I was little, my mother has instructed me to never buy Dominoes pizza, since Dominoes founder Tim Monaghan financially supports pro-life organizations (arguably, with the wealth he has acquired by owning Dominoes). However, there are plenty of pizza chains to choose from . . . where else will I get my cheap designer-knockoff duds other than Forever 21?
Before going any further, I should probably answer this question, “Why do I care so much about what a stupid bag has written on it?” Well, as one blogger puts it, “I feel weird buying clothes from a store that propagates messages I don’t agree with.” Even worse, how do we know that Forever 21′s owners don’t fund evangelical or faith-based organizations with some of their profits (much like Dominoes’ owner does)? That is what really scares me. It’s bad enough that I am unknowingly carrying around a Christian message . . . it is even worse if my money is being used to support organizations that I am fundamentally against.
Regardless of specific religious views, the subliminal and shady aspect of Forever 21’s “hidden message” doesn’t sit right with me. To be sure, next time I go shopping, I’m asking the store clerks if I can see the bag before I purchase anything. Just in case.
So what do you think is the right course of action? Boycott Forever 21? Refuse to use their bags? Whether they carry a hidden message or not, plastic bags are pretty bad for the environment. Tell us your thoughts on the issue!
Woah. That is SO freaky. I’m scared.
I’ve never shopped there before, but I always hear about them. I wonder what ‘forever 21′ means, too…?
Eep. I’m gonna remember this one and spread the word, lol.
It’s definitely NOT okay to include hidden messages and agendas in products.
creeeeeeeeeeeeeepy big time
I don’t want to see Bible passages on a plastic bag unless they’re out of the sacred scriptures store… and even then…
HaHa! This is what you get for using plastic bags :)
Actually this is pretty creepy. While freedom of speech is ok, this falls more under propaganda and subversive tactics (which just goes to show a) the lengths Christians will go to, to spread their cra… ahem, stuff and b) how underhanded clothing chain stores can be). I’ve heard of Forever 21, have no idea if they have any stores in Australia, and certainly will NOT be buying anything from them if they ever do. And I suggest you write a strongly worded letter to the CEO of the store – it will more than likely get thrown in the bin straight away, but if everyone does it maybe they will start to get the message that this is not ok.
I would like to referance the previous comment (this is what you ger for using plastic bags…”
You have issues with a company propogating a religious ideology, should you not likewise have issues wtih companies that have poor sustainable tenants? Google plastics and find out how much plastic is produced and NOT recycled. Or any petrolium based industry for that matter.
WHat I have an issue with here is that you have desire to censure. You manufacture conspiracy to enable a more narrow view. The words “evangelical” and “subliminal” are counterintuative and beyond that for the message to mean anything to you (to affect you “subliminaly”) you would have to know what John 3:16 is which would mean yo have already been exposed to biblical teachings and the damage is already done.
Honestly, look at it this way. At least THIS company is letting you know its beliefs. How many do you suppose do not?
@ Ivy – thanks for commenting! I couldn’t agree more. However, as for the name…according to my research the store used to be called “Fashion 21″ and they changed it to Forever 21 when the store became a chain. I think (and hope) there are no hidden messages there…they are aiming at the 17-25 demographic…aka “21″.
@ dollyann – Exactly.
@ Shannon – I like the idea of sending a letter. I’ll mull on that one. I know for one thing I’m just not going to use their plastic bags or anyone else’s (yay, environment).
@ Ozymandiaz – Thank you for your thought-provoking comment. In response, I do what I can to avoid using plastic bags in general. It was an unfortunate oversight of mine to not bring an alternative bag on my last shopping trip and that is how I came to discover the 3:16 in the first place.
When I said subliminal, I guess I meant that it’s hidden from the average viewers eye…but it’s there. Some people probably notice it, understand what it is, and don’t really care that it’s there. However, that is still subliminal…it’s a way of saying “you support this statement, you are holding this bag, we are advertising our message through you”. Perhaps that’s not the definition of subliminal that you’re used to (i.e. weird images in ads, etc), but I believe it to be misleading nonetheless.
Yes, I identified the symbol (3:16) as a Bible reference by asking my more religiously-informed boyfriend (who was raised a Methodist) & by researching it myself online. I did not know the meaning firsthand, like you said, but I had a kneejerk reaction to it…meaning I knew there was something about the symbol that didn’t sit right with me. I’m not religious but I have been exposed to literature and pop culture, and was able to at least associate the symbol with religion. Therefore, still subliminal.
Finally, I did not say I wanted to censure anything. I stated clearly that Forever 21 is a private company and I cannot do anything about their bags other than refuse to use them. End of story. I think that’s a pretty reasonable response. I appreciate your last comment, though, about companies putting their “message” out there. I would like to know companies’ beliefs up-front, actually. I just don’t think hiding it on a bag is up-front enough.
Quite honestly, *no* company is above censure. It astonishes me how no one talks about the fact that Dick Haynes, the man who runs Urban Outfitters AND Anthropologie, is a dyed in the wool Republican who contributed 1000s to Rick Santorum (a strongly right wing Christian senator who is openly homophobic and anti-gay rights or acceptance.)
That said, I’m not here to judge. Even spending your money on clothing on Etsy where you know it’s made by someone in their house for a fair wage–most of the fabric comes from China. Most of the beads & findings you see in jewelry on Etsy are from Asian countries where a living wage is a laughable thing. Not to be utterly pessimistic, but these issues are so much bigger than a Biblical chapter on a bag or a CEO who I fundamentally disagree with and I don’t even know where the solution begins. Probably much higher than my personal boycott.
Ugh, this got much darker than I intended but I just don’t think I’m one to judge how someone spends their money, especially when there are tragically few options where a shopper could be guilt-free.
i agree that it is a weird practice….although it creeps me out, i don’t so much care about them putting that on the bag. what i do not like is that my money could be going to support organizations that are against my own personal views. that really scares me. it’s good to figure out that forever 21 is owned by evangelicals who care enough to put a religious reference on their bags, but now it makes me nervous about all the places my money is going. i don’t even know what types of things i might be accidentally funding.
it is actually really depressing to think about.
-Harlequin
This gave me chills. Mostly because it’s so subtle as to be insidious. If they’ve been printing this on their bags for ages and you’ve never noticed it, there are countless other F21 shoppers in the same situation. Silently, unknowingly promoting a message they may or may not believe in. Yicks.
Well, just raising awareness by writing about it is a good start. What about seeing if anyone has ever written to a blog like Consumerist about this, or posting it to the community blog on feministing, or something like that?
Wonderful response. It is ever so nice finding folks here in the blogosphere who are vapid and espousing rhetoric or whatever flighty half truth they came upon.
Rock on.
ambika — I agree. I don’t know where the solution begins, and I doubt my individual boycott matters much in the great scheme of things. However, that’s the reason why I posted on this at all, to raise awareness. Is this Forever 21 bag thing my “chosen cause”? Absolutely not. There are, obviously, bigger fish to fry.
I did not know about the CEO of Urban/OutfittersAnthropologie…I’ll have to look into it. Thanks for your comment.
Sal — That’s what gives me the chills too! Thanks for your response :-)
EvilSlutClique — Good ideas. I’ll check out the Consumerist.
Ozymandiaz — Well, I don’t think I or any of the other commentors on this post have been “flighty” or “vapid”. Care to elaborate? Keep in mind that this is a blog — not a newspaper or some academic institution. Anyone who posts or comments here is entitled to their own opinion & that can extend to all subjects (whether substantial or superficial). If I want to write about shopping all day long, that’s my right. Go read another blog if my ideas are so “vapid”. However, I think I’m right in saying that this blog is not vapid, and the ideas and issues discussed here are relevant to many. If you don’t find such relevance in what I have to say, then I repeat: go read something else.
Oh, and one more thing: keep your lame sarcasm to yourself. Thanks!
It’s not hidden if it’s in plain sight!
Nothing wrong with having a strong opinion about where you shop and what you buy, even makes for good practice to research into the history of the companies involved…at the same time, this particular thing seems like such a ‘who cares’ topic. I’m not an atheist but I wouldn’t stop shopping at a store if they started printing *references* to books on atheism. Besides, it’s a thrift shop so it even makes this more irrelevant. Similarly, I, a linux user, don’t shop for laptops based on whether they have Microsoft’s logo on it, because it’s irrelevant!
Website design: It’s not in plain sight…no one can see the bottom of a bag when it’s being held by someone close to the ground. Also, Forever 21 is not a thrift store, it’s a nation-wide chain.
Furthermore, your linux vs. Microsoft argument is irrelevant. Thanks for commenting, but I think you probably should have read my post more closely.
uh… Who cares?!?! If its privately owned, let them do what they want.
@ bob G — I will let them do what they want. I’m just not gonna give them my cash anymore.
i think dollface needs to calm down.. stop attacking those who dont agree with you (ie. bob g, ozymandiaz…) they’re simply offering there own opinion.. the one u asked for. and website design makes a few good points. its not hidden!! many people have seen it. ITS IN PLAIN SITE. therefore not subliminal. 2nd point* the whole the irrelevance argument. dollface, you’re really over-reacting. just because a company supports and OPENLY admits to certain beliefs that you disagree with doesnt mean u should stop shopping there. i mean unless they are advocating murder and theft or something then you shouldnt be so offended. If you’re confident in your beliefs then allow others to be so.
@ BBlovexx — Thanks for your opinion. If you notice me personally responding to everyone who comments, it’s because I like to address all readers, not just the people who agree with what I’ve written.
So, please do not think that I am attacking anyone. In fact, upon re-reading these comments, I think I have been rather reasonable in my responses. I did, admittedly, get a little testy when ozymandiaz referred to me as “vapid” but that’s a personal attack. If you notice, I do not stoop to his level. Rather, I politely tell him to find other reading material if I offend him so greatly.
Finally, to your second point: It’s a private company. I state clearly in my post that there is nothing to do about their bags. However, I can (and will) boycott any organization I choose. Thanks for your advice, though.
Yeah, I’m gonna back dollface up here. To suggest that you should only boycott a company if they’re endorsing murder is a very limited perspective. I am a Buddhist (and I know dollface is an atheist) and we are both living in a culture that is very anti-people-who-don’t-believe-in-a-god. We feel that hostility regularly and we certainly don’t want to give our money (which confers power and influence in a capitalist society) to people that would continue to “other” and stigmatize us. Especially when we saw just recently how Prop 8 passed thanks to the funding of Christian fundamentalist groups. It’s not about how much confidence we have in our beliefs. It’s about thinking where our money will go and how that will ultimately affect us. That’s not overreacting; that’s thinking things through.
i think that the whole bible scripture on the bag isn’t harming anyone. I mean if they are giving our money out its the money their earning for their own company so why should we care?? we use the clothes so wer not losing our money. their giving up their own. … i guess if you don’t shop after you notice the scripture then that’s your problem but i don’t think it’s bad at all…. their beliefs should be respected as shud yours (the atheist)…. There’s other major companies with these scriptures.. check the inn n out cup… its on it…. and many more.
i don’t think it matters much. to be honest. geez….
@ Dollyann – Thanks, I agree.
@ Outspokenchick — So to show respect for their beliefs I should buy their products? Sounds like a plan. Thanks for enlightening me, really.
The point is simple, folks! The people who own Forever 21 are earning this money. They can spend it however they want. They can put anything on their bags.
I do not have to buy from them.
End of story. I’m not responding to any more comments, because many of you keep repeating each other (only the grammar gets worse and worse…)
If you’d like to see my argument, read the post carefully and my comments.
Geez, dollface, dontchya know you’re overreacting, you hysterical little woman you? I mean, you got CLOTHES didn’t you? Isn’t that what shopping’s all about?! So, like, why should you care??? yuh??!?!? Is my argument more compelling if I throw in more question marks and punctuationz.!?.,”? omgz i forgot to grammar today… and spiell… perhaps my adorable lack of writing skills will persuade you to see my viewpoint. CALM DOWN!
Lol… 20,000 hits was it? ;)
PS Feel free to delete this once you’ve had your laugh; I wouldn’t want the sarcasm to make some of your readers’ heads explodes.
oh jeez. i think you guys are missing the point that dollface and dollyann are trying to make. first of all, if you do not support a corporation’s beliefs and actions, then it depends on how committed you are to your own values. a lot of people boycott walmart because of its treatment of employees and cheap wages over in china or god knows where…is this really any different?
second of all, the issue for me lies primarily in the issue of money. some of you atheists do not care about your money funding Christian organizations, and that’s fine. we do care. do i want to get pizza from domino’s after learning that they fund anti-abortion organizations? no, of course not, because that is something that goes against my moral values. in addition to the fact that it could ultimately harm me in the sense that if abortion became illegal, then i would be screwed as a woman. i guess it depends on what you care more about, your clothes or your values. we have made our choice, and you can make yours. the point is not that forever 21 should stop printing this on their bags – in fact, i kind of appreciate that they do because in the end it is the only way that i would have ever found out about their religious/political leanings. they can put whatever they want on their products, but we also have the right to look behind the capitalist system of corporations and decide where we want our money to go. because in essence, if our money is going to buy their clothes (sure we get some pretty dresses out of it, gee whiz…) then our money is also going to whatever they choose to fund. they are a nation-wide chain, they are a corporation…they are making a PROFIT – not simply trading money with us. and that is not something i am comfortable with. it simply makes me more resolved to find out more about corporations and what they support. having cool clothes does not override funding faith-based organizations for me, sorry. this is part of the problem with our society in my opinion – people care more about material possessions than they do about political or moral issues or their own individual values.
we are not saying that they should stop printing biblical scriptures on their bags. they can and will do whatever they want, and that is fine. we respect their beliefs, but that does not mean that we have to SUPPORT them. we have our own beliefs, and all of you seem to be saying that we are “over-reacting” and being “hysterical” by standing up for our values. that is all we are saying. awareness is everything, and that is why we are spreading the word. if you do not care where your money is going, and you do not think it’s a big deal, then that is fine. we respect that as well. but again, this does not mean that we should sacrifice our own values for a couple of bangles and earrings.
- Harlequin
p.s. we do love getting comments from readers with all different viewpoints. but we do not have to agree with you. that is the nature of debate. we respect your opinion, but we do not respect personal attacks and unfounded statements that do not constructively criticize our work. of course you can disagree with us, but making off-the-cuff statements about how “vapid” we are (especially when that is ludicrous given the vastness of the issue we are discussing – faith-based organizations use funding to gain political headway in the battles against abortion, gay marriage, and many other things that i feel rather strongly about) and what a stupid issue this is to care about. so thank you all for reading, and for those of you with constructive comments, we thank you for your input. we really do appreciate debate as long as it is within the boundaries of the issue and not aimed specifically at us as individuals…since, let’s be clear, none of you really know us, eh?
Got your blog after doing a search for “boycott forever 21 religious”. i am also an atheist, and have always shopped at forever 21 for the same exact reasons you list. However, I do not think I can support such a group. Also, their godly beliefs haven’t gotten them very far, can you count how many times theyve been sued for knock offs? Guess God forgot to add Knock Offs to the 10 Commandments so they think they’re okay.
and i forgot to add that almost every item i have bought from that store has ripped in the arm pits.
@ Sari — Thanks for commenting! You make a really good point about the knockoffs…I do remember hearing about designers suing Forever 21 in the recent years.
Also, a ton of my clothes from Forever 21 rip/fray too! Ughhh
GO FOREVER 21 ZOMGGGG
i’m livin in saudi arabia (but i’m not saudi) and they have forever 21 shops here. i have to admit it scared me at first when i found out that they have “john 3:16″ written at the bottom after i read this blog post…i think they dont have them printed on the plastic bags here ( that’s cuz saudi is a really strict islamic country ) but i’m gonna go check next time i went shopping just to be sure…if there is the john 3:16 message written on it, i’m sure going to spread the word…thanks for posting this news Dollface…peace out
UM..wow…”dollface” is a little angry…this is too all who care for my opinon.
okay. so heres what i think…agree or dissagree.
1. if you dont like the fact that forever21 DOES use their money for christian charities etc. then DONT shop there.
im sure your $10 wont affect there sales..they wont miss you.
2. if you wouldnt have noticed it…it wouldnt bother you…so consider that you might be over reacting.
3. personal attacks…(specially on grammar) coming from a college student blogger is immature.
4. im sure if you owned a private company you wouldnt mind forcing your atheist ideas (as you do on your blog)
5. this blog fighting is a waste of time and energy..
ps. dollface..just boycott (as you said) or take your own bag.
to everyone else -enjoy the affordable fashions and realize that the money you spend at forever21 goes to a good cause..it shouldnt matter what religion..just know that your helping someone in need ; )
missteenagesocialiteNYC.blogspot.com
Oh noooooes… are we resorting to the “she’s too angry” argument to dismiss all of dollface’s reasonable points?
1. I think that’s the point of dollface’s article. She’s sparking discussion on whether you should stop shopping there all together or simply refuse to use the bags.
2. So, if I don’t notice people trampling one another on the streets, it won’t bother me, and therefore there’s no problem with it? There are a million things in the world that are problematic that people choose to ignore. That doesn’t make it right.
3. Wow, the condescension here is simply delicious. So, because dollface is a college student, that means she’s too young/stupid to recognize others’ mechanical errors? And dollface hasn’t made any personal attacks on anyone here. She’s been reasserting her point and defending her post. How does that count as a personal attack?
4. Actually, it’s not really your place to presume what she would do.
5. So, why are you participating in it?
Yes, fund your money in Fundamentalist Christian organizations– they just want to revoke gay rights to marriage and adoption, as well as women’s reproductive and equal pay rights. That’s such a splendid cause. *rolls eyes*
Kyla, I would have responded to your comment with more depth, because your complaints are completely unfounded and easily disproven. But then I checked out your blog, and can I just say…omfg.
I think your site is one of the most shallow, incomprehensible, and self-indulgent blogs I have ever seen. I feel that Dollface’s argument about the Christian message on a Forever 21 bag is not unfounded, especially when your most thoughtful post is along the lines of what dress you think is “to die for” or how much it would cost someone to have your “influential” presence at their party/dinner. I find your personality to be vomit inducing and I can’t see how it would lend to one’s digestion at dinner.
http://missteenagesocialitenyc.blogspot.com/2008/11/frequenty-asked-questions.html (for those who want a laugh).
I don’t think Dollface has made any personal attacks on anyone, and as far as I have seen is it unnatural for her to do so. She does not force her ideology on anyone, and ‘christian’ values are not always synonymous with ‘charitable’ causes, as these include pro-life organizations, anti gay rights, and ‘jesus camp’ type events which, it can be argued, are inhumane.
I too just came across the hidden message on the Forever 21 bags. This creeps me out and the only solution I see fit is to boycott Forever 21. It’s going to be tough but I do not believe in spending my hard earned cash on some wacky company.
The owners are asian who cares. The corporate headquarters in california are run by asians who speak broken english
joria- are you fucking kidding me?
i allowed your comment through moderation because it’s a great example of the kind of racist morons we STILL have to deal with in this country
racism is not dead
WOW>
I will put all of you hell-bounders in my prayers tonight. You should be happy that Forever21 wants to send you to heaven. “Non-believers”? Lol. How could you be a NON believer…that would be assuming that you know of a higher power but yet, you refuse to believe. One day…you will believe…I just hope it’s not when all the saints go marching in…hopefully before.
I hope you have fun wasting your time praying for me :)
@angel: ROFLMFAO!!!
Dollface, join me for cocktails in Satan’s lounge later?
Okay first of all,
I don’t think its freaky at all. Here in America, we are given freedom of speech, also freedom of religion, and Forever 21 has the right to do whatever they please. I’m a Christian, and stand for what they are doing. To everybody else that’s against this store, don’t shop there if you hate the Christianity beliefs. Realize that America was brought up by Christian ways, and our founding fathers also wrote the Constitution with Christian values. But what has our world become today? Here in America, the media is all against Christianity. When some other religions: Muslim, Buddhist, etc is presented, the media doesn’t bash at it and become discriminate. When Christianity is brought up, the media attacks the people. Just realize that even though you may not believe in God, or think that Christians are stupid, know that God wil always love you. You might be thinking why is she using this Jesus trash, but the truth will always be in the Bible<3
EVERYONE…CALM DOWN!!!!
THEYRE JUST F***ING SHOPPING BAGS.
YOU CAN YELL OUT YOUR BELIEFS AND PREACH TO PEOPLE ALL YOU WANT AND YOU DONT SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT.
BUT THEY WRITE ONE BIBLICAL VERSE ON THE BOTTOM OF THEIR BAGS AND EVERYONE ACTS LIKE IF THEY WERE RUNNING A SWEATSHOP…WHICH THEY ARE!!!
YOU SHOULD BE MORE FOCUSED ON HOW THEIR PRODUCTS ARE MADE AND NOT WHAT THEY ARE CARRIED HOME IN.
doesnt the name “forever 21″ represent eternal youth? like youre never going to stop being young, and have fun, and care about looking good and buying the best style (from the store)?..[living it up?]
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
so its talking about eternal life and youth, not “OH EM GEE BELIEVE IN GOD, OR YOULL GO TO HELL”
you’re forever 21 [yrs old] ?
LISTEN TO ME YOUNG ONES,
this is God.
if you dont like the bible verse on the bag, then when the clerk asks you to bag your items, say “no thank you”.
Problem solved.
simple as that.
may you all have joy in your life.
Love,
the man upstairs.
Hey God, you must be a retard. Can’t you read?
Love and kisses,
The Heathen
I personally feel that If you do not believe in a company’s message then it is your RIGHT to avoid shopping there. I just noticed the verse this morning and it doesn’t bother me one bit, but then again I’m not an atheist. As far as the clothing fraying or ripping: You get what you pay for :) We all know its cheap, would you expect anything else?
How I cared enough to post something is beyond me…
But seriously? You’re ranting about something on the bottom of a bag. It’s not even on the inside so when you empty it out you can easily see 3:16. No, you have to physically flip the bag over to see it. So it’s not like anyone looks there because they figure that’s where they lost their cell phone.
Besides, whether or not you have bias against the whole religion thing or not, you cannot deny that religious based organizations tend to use 100% of the donated monies from such places at Pizza Hut or wherever to do charity work, like say if a hurricane hits, they can come in and help rebuild.
So I seriously suggest you get off you righteous little high horse before you go attacking something that may, yes be overall flawed, but does more good in this world than bad. So yeah, granted it may not be right in your eyes that they put 3:16 on bags, and make you feel personally attacked, but it’s America, so if you don’t like it, leave them a complaint in their little “suggestion box” and never go there again
By the way, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with many people who are deeply involved in religious groups and organizations, and when I asked them about things like abortion and gay/lesbian marriage and what they believed the law should be, they all simply answer “pro choice” because that’s what everything comes down to, is what we as individuals believe and how we choose to act upon them. If there is not a heaven and hell, then atheists lived a pretty guilt free life, and if there is, well atheist still lived a pretty guilt free life, except they’ll just have hundreds of millions of people who are religious lining up to tell them “I told you so.”
“Besides, whether or not you have bias against the whole religion thing or not, you cannot deny that religious based organizations tend to use 100% of the donated monies from such places at Pizza Hut or wherever to do charity work, like say if a hurricane hits, they can come in and help rebuild.”
Yes, actually I can deny that. The owner of Dominoes spends his money on anti-abortion groups. That’s just one example of many.
P.S. I’m sick of you guys commenting THE SAME SHIT over and over when, if you took the time to look at the comment section, you’d see that I’ve said time and again:
“I WILL JUST NOT USE THEIR BAGS. END OF DEBATE.”
I just found it to be odd that the bag had 3:16 on it. What about Jewish customers? Muslim? Atheist? It’s just weird, that in AMERICA, where we have freedom of religion, people are still viewing the country as a Christian nation. Guess what, WE AREN’T. I’m pretty damn patriotic and guess what kids…being patriotic DOES NOT mean being Christian.
Satan only wants to distroy the world.therefore you all should be thankful to read messages about JESUS because He is your passport to Heaven.
Everybody would die someday and whoever did not accept Jesus as their savior will go to hell .
You probably dont care, but your death can be tomorrow or even today.
It is your choice.
Eternal life is your own choice.
Life in this earth finishes and your souls have to go somewhere :heaven or hell.
love
It’s kinda funny see they way we, as a generation, think these days.
I mean its all you to believe what you want to believe, but come on, all the crappy stuff that happens in this world and people are creeped out by “John 3:16″ on the bottom of a stinky bag?!
it makes no sense.
God saves, in my opinion.
Your own opinion is what matters in your own life, what you do with it is what matters to everyone else and their mother.
[...] seems like bloggers and reporters alike are upset, but what do you think? lauren | Oct 5 2009 9:56am | [...]
HAHA Sure a lot of crappy stuff happens, a lot also caused BY RELIGION. No one has decided to pray for their children instead of seeking urgent and needed medical help or commit a terrorist attack on September 11th because they’re an atheist. And don’t worry Christians, I don’t like and don’t support ALL religion, not just yours, so don’t feel special and entitled. Because that’s all you want, which is why you’re religious (:
Thanks for the tip, Dollface!
I don’t understand what all the fuss is about, it’s within their right to place the scripture on the bags. I have no problem with it; if anything it helps clarify the meaning of the stores name. Luckily we all have the right to believe what we want, say what we want, and shop where we want.
HEY I THINK IS OKAY ..NUMBER ONE STORE THAT PUT BIBLICal IN THERE BAG THAT MEAN THAT THE OWNER KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOINT AND IT NOTHING TO BE SCARED PEOPLE …IF I HAVE A STORE I WILL DO THE SAME THING …WHY ARE U SCARED ..HUH??? WOULD U LIKE THAT THE BAG HAD A SATAN MESSAGE …NO WAY!!! GOD IS EVERYTHING..AM SOO HAPPY THAT THEY HAVE JOHN 3:16 ….THANKS FOREVER 21…I FEEL SAFE THAT MY MONEY IS GOIN TO SOME1 THAT BELIVES ON THE BIBLES..AND NOT BAD AND SATAN`S STUFF LIKE URBAN BEHAVIOR!!!!
do you not use money either because it says in “God we trust”.
dont touch it!! lol
good point but it’s not that big of a deal..dont use the bag or dont shop there and dont use American money
i love God. he’s my everything, he helps me get through anything, and maybe if you’d just give him a try, ur life wouldn’t be as hard as it is now..? i know it is. for athiest, muslim, buddhist.. let them do what they want. but i believe in john 3:16. believe what you want. its just a scripture on the bottom of the bag , letting you know that ur money is actually going somewhere helpful and useful. :] he gave you life, you should be grateful..
After reading ALL the comments, I find it interesting that the tone of the debate has gone from simply questioning the motives of a corporation, (which we should always be doing anyways if we want to continue expressing our “freedom of speech”) to an all out war on disbelievers. Really we are all on the same team, as the youth of this country, (this I am assuming, being that it is a college blog) as feminists, (also assuming) as consumers, we should unite and question the authority this corporation has by not only subliminally putting religious messages on their bags, but also creating dialogue on the conditions of Forever 21′s workers. I believe what most of the religiously guided commentors are missing is that we clearly understand Forever 21 as a company has the right to put whatever they want on there bags, and give the money wherever they want, but the message is deliberately hidden, (and it is, if they wanted it to be seen they would stick it right on the front) they are purposefully inhibiting our decision of whether we support whatever the fuck John 3:16 is supposed to be. Choosing religion over conciousness is a joke, and to be blunt, my opinion is that religion is a waste of FUCKING time.
[...] my post on the 3:16 at the bottom of Forever 21’s bag? Here’s more reasons why Forever 21 is [...]
Wow. I cannot believe what I just read. You want to boycott Forever 21 because there is a bible verse stamped on the bottom, seriously? I understand that you are an atheist and you don’t believe in God, but what about all the other people that do? Just because you don’t believe in it doesn’t mean it’s wrong and it doesn’t mean it needs to be stopped. Seriously this is disgusting. It’s called a free of speech and thank God Forever 21 is a privately owned company so nobody can force them to change it. If you don’t want to use their bags bring your own. If you are scared of them funding organizations you don’t support, don’t shop there. End of story. There is absolutely no need for anyone to go boycotting that company. If you don’t like their religious views DON’T SHOP THERE!
I had a great laugh reading through all the comments where the poster had obviously not thoroughly read your post. While I’ve never personally shopped at Forever 21, and never will now, I want to thank you for posting about your discovery of the religious message on the bags – I’ll be letting my more fashionably minded friends know about this.
Do you know of a website where one might find a list of the national and international corporations who fund anti-choice, anti-women’s rights and other related campaigns? I knew about Dominoes and Chick-Fil-A but I’d like to do a bit more research into the topic.
S.L.
I didn’t have time to read through all the comments left on your post, so I apologize if someone already mentioned this, but the owner of forever21 does use his money to fund evangelical missions, actually, he spends lots of his money and time on FUNDAMENTALIST Christian missionary work. I just found this out today…although I have been curious about the John 3:16 at the bottom of my F21 bags for about a month now. I definitely don’t agree with this. It’s sad we can’t do anything about it.
@ S.L. — I’m not sure about other companies — I am going to have to look into it, perhaps write a post on other companies…definitely email me if you find out about any others we should all know about!
@ Connie — Ahh, that’s exactly what I was worried about. Where did you find out about this (is there an article you could link or send me?)
I was just curious about the F21 headquarters and random information about the john 3:16 popped up. You can try and check out these two links. One is just another blog though, but the other is actually on the LA Times site which is probably more reliable? The article in the times is short, but there is a bunch of info (and chatter) in the comments section about their labor violations too, haha.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/06/mixing-faith-fa.html
http://jezebel.com/355697/the-secretive-culty-christians-behind-forever-21
I think the name Forever 21 is also a Biblical allusion. From all of those horroe movies about the antichrist or whatever, we know that the devil’s ‘number’ is 666. God’s ‘number’ is supposed to be 777, which adds up to be 21… It is also believed by Christians that God is eternal, a.k.a. forever. the store used to be called fashion 21 way-back-when, but it could still be a Biblical reference itself, masked by the popular belief that it means eternal youth.
At Ivy: I heard that Forever 21 is kind of representation of the New Testament’s book of the Bible, Revelations 21. (:
My views: I love Forever 21! I do admit, some clothes are cheaply made but all of their items are chic and affordable. Slutty? It’s how you wear them (if you choose to button down a shirt or not wear a tank top underneath a see through shirt, etc.). They sell regular clothes just like any other store would! Just because they sell tank tops or short shorts does NOT make it a slutty store! It’s how the consumers chose to wear them!
The owners of Forever 21 are Christians. Them putting this verse on their bags is just a representation of their faith. Although, some people take real offense to this. If you are one of these people that get deeply offended, you don’t need to shop there! There are also many other places that put Bibles verses such as Alley Cat and In-N-Out!
honestly, i already boycott them, but not because i give a crap about what’s on their bags.
its not that important if it’s on the bottom, virtually invisible when carried, and that people who are most likely to be offended havent even read the bible or could ID the passage reference on sight.
My reasons are that the service is terrible and I’ve heard firsthand accounts of terrible work-environment, AND they tried to scam me on my first internet transaction with them.
The quality of goods is even worse than plenty of others in the same price range.
Too frustrated with the immediate problems to worry about the bags, but as a result, I don’t have to deal with any of it.
This is soooo crazy. I’ve been shopping at Forever 21 for years..I get all my accessories from them. Well, the other day..some friends and I were watching some documenturies about religion and the government etc. The number “12″ was refrenced alot. Forever 21…is 12 backwards. WEIRD!!!
I get home…and on my dresser is a Forever 21 bag…left from the previous day…and what do I see…John 3:16….I had to pick up my bible..to refrence the verse. I grew up a Christian and look at myself as more spritual…not into organized religion. The movie was basicaly talking about how Jesus is a myth blah blah blah….
I dont know what all this means…but I took it as some sort of sign.
its not a big deal u guys need to hear the word of god i love forever 21 even more so bump u alll u goin to hell if you dont give yorself to the lord so ……jonh 3 16
What? you got a problem with their plastic bags? Get over with it.
I can’t believe hpw angry everybody is getting, this is just a bl0g, just opinions…your opinion, if they don’t agree withwhat you say they shouldn’t read it. You just have certain issues you want to address and i think this is a great one… calm down friends.
I dont get how this is creepy, he put that to put faith in his clothing, he is a catholic, and i believe to just shop there, it doesnt mean you believe in it, its just you like the clothes, so go buy it, go ahead and throw away the bag. Hes not forcing you to be christian or catholic
God is love. Jesus is the light.
Yeah I recently went shopping at Forever 21 and I also noticed the message at the bottom of the bag! I was equally freaked out!
I didn’t have the time to go through all the comments, so I will simply comment to Kelly, the author of this article.
First, I would like to say I am very sorry that you consider yourself an atheist. The reality is the very God you deny provides breath and life in your lungs every day. He has provided for you so much that you even have the resources to shop at Forever 21 while there are some people begging for scraps. I don’t know the journey you have taken in life to lead you to this road of atheism, but I can tell you that any pain, misfortune or trial that came your way is not worth forfeiting eternal life. Furthermore, I would advise you to be very careful what you say and exploit online. My God is a very jealous God, and doesn’t like anyone talking bad about him. However he is still a loving God which is why Forever 21 decided to put John 3:16 on the bottom of their bags. The owner of Forever 21 cares enough to inform non believers such as you about a God that desires to be in right relationship with you. My prayer is that your heart will not be hardened and that he gives you a second chance to repent. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
P.S. Don’t knock something until you try it. If John 3:16 was the 1st passage you have read in the Bible, you are missing out. There are great true stories that can help you get your life on track.
Hi – I’m sure the John 3:16 statement was made to boldly reach out to you in love, while fully respecting your rights to ignore it….
I am seeing the term freaked out often. The defintion of freaked is:
1. An experience of frightening feelings or hallucinations, especially as a result of taking a drug.
2. An experience or scene of unrestrained excitement or irrational behavior.
3. One having such an experience or participating in such a scene.
So I ask why? When a God regardless of race, greed, color, culture etc loves you unconditionally have done nothing but pour his love and grace upon you despite your feelings or rejection of him.
I can only speak on my experience as I comment. Although I am not a frequent Forever 21 shopper I applaud them for their bold efforts in spreading the good news. We live in a society where everything is acceptable but when some hear the name of Jesus they are frightened or what some of you have said “freaked out”. There is no need to be freaked out, afraid, scared or to associate any negative feelings with the world Jesus or Christianity. All I can do is encourage all of you to get to know him for yourself…
If you don’t know God, you better get to know him. I’m not here to pass judgment. God is the only way. You should rather leave here believing in him and finding out that he doesn’t exsist than Not believing and finding out he does. Your alarm clock doesn’t wake u in the morning… God does. Its really sad that u don’t even wanna know Him. I promise u that he will be the best thing to ever happen too you. I pray that u find him.
would you really not go to a store just because of what they put on their bags? i mean, think about it guys… thats just unreasonable.
did you also know that inn-n-out writes verses on the bottem of their cups? i bet you wont be getting food from there anymore either, huh?
God loves everybody, and its wrong of you guys to be so judgemental.
the verse on the bottem of the forever 21 bag says:
“for God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God loved us so much that he sacrificed his son for all of us (even the nonbelievers) so that we can be with him forever.
you should really rethink your thoughts about this one guys…
Just because you’re holding a bag that has a verse on the bottom of the bag that you do not know about does not mean you’re promoting the message. Nonetheless, I don’t see what’s the big deal. Chill out. And if you don’t support it, don’t shop from them.
Religion is like a penis. It’s okay to have one. It’s even okay to be proud of it. But please don’t take it out and wave it around in public, and PLEASE don’t keep trying to shove it down my child’s throat.
Robyn — hands down funniest comment I’ve ever received on this blog
It’s a few words on the bottom of a bag. I’m an atheist and I could care less. It’s their store, let ‘em do what they want with it. If you don’t like it…rather than boycott and this and that to get a bible verse off a bag, why don’t you just bring your own bag to put your newly bought clothes in…or better yet, just don’t shop there if you disagree with it. I like their clothes, so I shop there. Freedom of speech yo. Not a big deal.
Forever 21 is a private company, they can write whatever they want on their bags. For instance Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sundays because that’s something the founder believed in. So are all the non-Christians who go there getting Christianity pounded into their heads? No. I was an atheist until this past year, and God has done amazing things in my life. Quit your griping, it’s not a big deal. You can believe what you want, I’ll believe what I want. OH and you think Forever 21 is trying to brainwash you? I’d suggest living in a forrest and take on a naturalistic lifestyle, because apparently the world is out to brainwash you regardless of where you shop, where you eat, the music you listen to, the news programs you watch, and the websites you surf.
[...] the comments section of this highly controversial post (if you go by the comment section, anyway), I just got this gem of a [...]
I think that there are a lot of really strong reactions here, which I think is attributable to the culture of extremes.
Here is my view:
-I think that it is totally okay for this company to put this on their bags. This, however, is NOT because of free speech, because corporations are not people and therefore free speech doesn’t exactly apply to them (this is an issue that is a hot topic for debate among Constitutional scholars, and if you are interesting in learning more about the issue of corporate free speech it is very interesting)
-I also think that consumers have the right to know that these words are there. I did not know about this practice, and I think it is very good that blogs like this are putting the word out there and educating consumers.
-I do not think that Forever 21 is trying to brainwash us-if they were, why would these words be in such small print on the bottom of a bag? If they are trying to spread a message, why is it hardly noticeable? However, I respect the fact that some people may feel offended or brainwashed by this.
-I think that, as an informed consumer, you can choose to buy or not to buy from this store. If this message feels strange, go ahead and stop buying there.
Freedom of speech is important and there’s nothing wrong with that but if you don’t like the fact that a bible verse is printed on a shopping bag then just don’t shop there.
@Robyn Nothing is shoved down your child’s throat unless you let them have it so your child can shop wherever is pleased thank you. GOD BLESS YOU! JOHN 3:16 lol
I figured since this post is still getting comments, that I’d comment on it and add my two cents.
Most of the commenters are idiots. They can’t seem to read the post and determine what you’re saying before flying into a biblically induced rage and attacking you.
She’s simply saying that she saw it on there, thought it was a little sideways of Forever 21, much like In ‘n Out and other similarly inclined corporations and decided to stop giving them her money. She’s not saying they should stop, she’s not saying it’s wrong, she’s merely saying that she prefers not to support them, because there is no telling what they use their money for.
I’m the same way, I boycott most, if not all, organizations that supported Prop 8, because it goes against my beliefs. It’s akin to if McDonalds supported the eating of babies, you’d probably stop eating there, because you don’t agree with it. Granted most will probably think that that’s more major of a topic, but for some it isn’t and they have the right to disagree, and the right to spend their money where they wish.
Deal with it.
The bag itself I don’t consider a big deal, it’s all the other evangelical Christian stuff that the owners do. If you don’t agree with their message than boycott them if you want. But even more than that, you should boycott them simply because they’re a terrible company that relies heavily on sweatshops and stealing designs.
More info here: http://www.39thandbroadway.com/hate-21/
Of course, almost every major clothing retailer uses sweatshops. If you don’t wanna cave you can do what I do — make your own clothes. ;)
@Katerina: “Just because you’re holding a bag that has a verse on the bottom of the bag that you do not know about does not mean you’re promoting the message. ”
Yes it does. That’s kind of exactly what promoting the message means.
@feminist anonymous: “If they are trying to spread a message, why is it hardly noticeable?”
Have you ever heard of subliminal messaging?
@Christian
“There are great true stories that can help you get your life on track.”
Stories like stoning adulterers, or my boyfriend ripping his eyes out when if he finds another girl attractive? Or stories that say rapists must marry his victim and pay the father 50 shekels of silver to compensate for “property loss”?
I suggest you pick up an issue of The Economist or start taking a biology course. There are some truly great stories in there that can tell you how you have “breath and life in your lungs every day,” or “the resources to shop at Forever 21.” (It’s called oxygen and a job.)
[...] session, here is a link a reader suggested highlighting why Forever 21 is terrible (beyond their infamous bags): check it [...]
Thanks for a great summation of what I feel. I just noticed it tonight and alas google brought me here. Once I saw it, I immediately felt duped and I had been hoping it was a bag printing error or something. Anyway, I know this entry is like 3 years old, but that is the beauty of the internet. Thanks again. (I now know I won’t be shopping there any longer.)
Your boycotting a plastic bag!? Woooow…
I’m praying for you all…in the end all you need is Jesus.
Nah, we just need logic and reason. 2 things that actually exist and actually provide some measurable benefit.
I think the most important thing of all this banter is that we have the right to shop where we want – we can support those companies that reflect our views. I am glad that we are still free enough in our country that a company has the right to even do this type of thing. I have always felt bombarded with morally corrupt messages from many companies and stores and am personally glad to know that there are some who are willing to print a verse on the bags…after reading some of these posts, I was reminded of the owner of Domino’s beliefs, and will now make more of an effort to frequent his company BECAUSE of what he believes and where he spends his money. I recently purchased something from Alley Kat, they also have a bible verse printed on the bag. I am not sure what their reason is but I looked up the verse and liked what it said. The bible can be a very touchy subject as it’s words cut straight to the heart of a person…causing people to get fired up and emotional…be more open minded and look up the verses…reading the bible and getting to more about God can change your life, fpr the better!
re do on last sentence :) “reading the bible and getting to know more about God can change your life, for the better! thanks for reading
I agree completely with “D”. I mean really… There are messages hidden everywhere. Did you know that on the dollar bill, there are at least TWO references to the “illuminate”? Two references to something that is based on the devil. And we use dollar bills every day, yet there are messages hidden on it that people don’t even know about. Yet with one Bible verse on a little plastic bag, you say it “creeps you out”. What “creeps” ME out is the idea that the government has it’s own secret agenda, related to the devil. What “creeps” ME out is the idea that the media we watch, the news we hear, the information given to us, it twisted in ways that make us believe certain things that the government wants us to believe. THAT is what “creeps” ME out. And you say it is bad to buy clothes from a store that might support a “Religious based” organization. But did you know that these “Religious Based” organizations which you are so unhappy about supporting supply millions of children with food and more? a bible verse is the least of our wories.
Anna and D are right, you’ve convinced me. After all, I’m sure that you would be fine shopping at a store with references on their bag to the Koran or the Upanishads or Mahaburata. Right?
After all, it’s not about the message of hell and damnation that is sent out, it’s about the love they show towards the people who, if they don’t convert, will go to hell, and letting them know about hell and scaring them into converting.
Oh and Anna, it’s “Illuminati”, and it means enlightened. And nothing that I’ve seen indicates that they’re based on the devil. Maybe if you try and be slightly less ignorant, you might learn something. Oh and try and actually read things for yourself, rather than just parroting what people around you, or even worse…people on the internet, have said.
And it is amazing that religious based organizations feed so many people, it’s funny cuz non religious based organizations do the same thing. Oh and what’s even funnier, is that religious based organizations bring faith into countries plagued by HIV and AIDS and tell them that condoms are bad, thus spreading the plague and killing millions…funny…right?
If you have a problem with it, you’re ring convicted. Be open and reread that passage. God age His kids life for you. Nowadays that doesn’t happen unless in communist countries for war purposes. That’s love right there and you’ll never be happier until you realize that. You can SEE te things God does. He’s not invisible. They’re doing their part to help lost people come to Christ, it nigt be somebody’s only hope.
Guys, honestly, it’s just a bag. The most dangerous part about it is the risk of suffocation from getting it wrapped around your face, not the verse that is printed on the bottom. Don’t read into it so much. Forever 21 is not shoving their beliefs in your face or forcing you to accept them either. They aren’t running after you in the store trying to smack you with a Bible. There are plenty of other things to be worried about in this world that are worth fighting for. You have every right to choose not to shop there, and if I didn’t agree with something that the store was promoting, I would make the same choice. However, I don’t think it’s worth it to spend any of your energy fighting for change. They have every right to design their bags the way they did just as you have every right to write this blog post on the internet. If you demand that the bags are changed because it scares you or offends you, can’t readers demand that you remove this post because to some it is just as scary and offensive as the few tiny words on the bottom of a shopping bag? Just sayin…something to think about.
Although I respect everyone’s opinions and beliefs…I can’t help but to ask at what point do we draw the line. You stated that you are atheist and you do not support Dominoes pizza because of their ties with pro life organizations..however at the same time..every dollar you spend is brazenly printed with the words..”In God We Trust”…so is not in some way extreme to boycott a store because of his subtle message printed at the bottom of a bag…
Big deal!! I work for the company and it is not pushed upon any1 to believe or advertise it. Everyone has there own opinion therefore you don’t have to shop there if your against what is on the bag.
I love u guyss wow I heart forever 21 god is amazing but I dunno what forever 21 still mean Does it still mean that when your 21 u should always feel like like it even when your 40
I find it funny that this scares everyone. The majority of the posts question the motives of the company and suggest boycotting and fighting the company. There are so many other major corporations whose “motives” you are not questioning, the government included. At least Forever 21 stands behind a belief and are proud to stand behind it rather than other corporations whose CEO’s have questionable histories and even more questionable values. If the simple John 3:16 at the bottom of the bag frightens you for fear that they are trying to impose their beliefs, grow up. There are A LOT more subliminal messages out there that are wrong and strongly influencing your life. “it is even worse if my money is being used to support organizations that I am fundamentally against.” The government does a lot worse with the money you give them.
This was written quite awhile ago, but I came upon this page when I did a Google search about the F21 bags.
@kodie, very good point about the “In God We Trust.”
I somewhat feel as if people, in effort to support “Freedom of Religion,” have gone somewhat backwards, bashing people and companies for openly stating to be a part of a religion. Why should we boycott a company because they are Christians? Should we all boycott the companies whose owners/founders are not of the same religion, or lack thereof, as us?
Should I boycott shopping at stores that do not share their religion or print something on their bag? Should I assume that by saying nothing, they are Athiest, and not give them my money for not believing in the same religion as I do?
Boycott as you wish, but I would suggest learning to sew your own clothes and growing your own food and raising your own cattle (that is, if your not vegetarian already) so many commercial companies in retail and the like are rooted by some sort of zealot, racist, pro-blahblah person… Ultimately does it affect you? It’s not hurting anyone… At this rate McDonalds should stop having tv ads because they are enticing millions to eat high fat food, by saying “I lovin’ it”, and I’m against eating animals for food. Oops. Better cut my cable too. No offense, but get over it.
Apparently Forever 21 also supports anti-gay organizations by donating some of their profits.
Kelly,
This is a fabulous blog. My daughter and I have been all over the ‘net after recently discovering the sneaky print on the bottom of the F21 bags… to our similar chagrin. DD is looking over my shoulder as I type this, after some lengthy discussion about responsible shopping (and not allowing our money to be used to fund causes with which we actively disagree). We similarly eschew other companies with practices we find distasteful. Wish we lived in a place with more clothing options (southern VT is not a fashion mecca), and since we recently discovered F21 on our travels, we’re quite disappointed at the thought of “losing” it so quickly.
Anyway, just thought you might like to hear from a bit older and a bit younger reader’s perspective. Thanks again for sharing your insights
Here’s the deal, the people that created forever 21 are obviously christians and as christians their mission is to reach as many people for Jesus as they can. No matter how. It’s what we believe and if you don’t like it then you do not have to shop at the store but you should by no means view it as an outrageous form of propaganda. Many other stores are completely covered in logos and things they’re advertizing, they just advertize Christ instead. I’m not mad and I guess I could see how you could view it otherwise but open up your mind a little bit. We just want you to know Jesus loves you and he died for YOU. and even if you’re not open to that right now he will keep on perusing you because you’re worth it to him. Again, if you don’t like it no one is forcing you to shop there.
Being a Christian and believing that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, I think the message on the bottom of their bags are pretty awesome! If it is something that you do not believe, so be it. All a believer in Christ shoulddd really do for someone who doesn’t agree with their beliefs is share, LOVE and pray for them. And leave it at that… in an ‘agree to disagree’ manner. If you feel offended by them wanting to spread that scripture on *Their bags… then, dont shop there. Its simple. Now If you wanna be super analytical about what company owners believe in (and see if their beliefs match yours) then…good luck! you’ll probably be changing alotttt of your shopping habits! If anything you all should be more concerned about their use of sweatshops rather than your fear of their attempt to spread what they believe. or perhaps just keep doin your thang at forever 21 and shrug it off, on some “to each their own” type stuff, yenno..
LOVE!
[...] that politically conscious consumer advocates are a very hard group to please. Forever 21 has a “hidden evangelical message,” and the Gap and its ilk have been accused of using sweat-shop labor. American Apparel came on [...]