A Canadian ice cream company is getting the cold shoulder from Christians over its name. Sweet Jesus is based in Toronto, but the company is planning on expanding into the United States. They already have an outlet in Baltimore and want to open more new establishments in other cities soon. That is, unless Bible Thumpers have anything to do with it.
And it’s not just the name that’s causing a stir. The brand’s imagery is reminiscent of Satanic Metal rock bands, and it’s pissing off Christians almost as much as a woman’s right to choose (yeah, I went there). As of Tuesday morning, 1,000 people have signed a petition against the company at Change.org. "This is a mockery of taking the Lord's name in vain and also highly offensive to Christian,” said one signee.
According to the petition, "God forbid the name of the prophet Muhammad was used in this manner or the name of Allah against Muslims." It continues, "So why is it that the name of Jesus Christ can be openly mocked in our so-called fair, equal, and democratic society?" Um, that’s kind of like comparing apples to bicycles, but you do you, I guess.
Canadian Christians are not too pleased with the company, either. Nearly 10,000 people have signed a similar petition on the Canadian site CitizenGO.
Meanwhile, one might argue that Sweet Jesus is doing the Lord's work by bringing soft-serve to the people. The company, which is sticking with the name, maintains that their intention was never to offend anyone. Sweet Jesus released a statement on their website saying that they came up with the moniker by drawing upon "the popular phrase that people use as an expression of enjoyment, surprise, or disbelief. Our aim is not to offer commentary on anyone's religion or belief systems. Our own organization is made up of amazing people that represent a wide range of cultural and religious beliefs."
In an interview with the Toronto Star, co-owner Andrew Richmond said the name came from an employee at a taco restaurant, who would always say, "Sweet Jesus," when he served the restaurant’s ice cream.
