Christian Fast Food

I think as Christians we immediately like things more when we know they have Christian roots. For instance, Veggie Tales is way cooler to sing at 21 years old than Sesame Street. Bruce Almighty was better than Yes Man (or any Jim Carrey movie after Bruce Almighty for that matter). Matt Barkley is a much better quarterback than other USC quarterbacks, including Heisman trophy winners. The list can go on, but I want to bring up a specific category that has a special place in the hearts of Americans: fast food.

There are two Christian fast food chains that Christians hold in higher esteem than any other fast food chain on the planet. One was founded in Southern California in 1948 and is famous for its burgers. The other created the first chicken sandwich in 1964 in Atlanta. Of course you know what these two restaurants are. In-N-Out and Chick-Fil -A.

I had the pleasure of going to In-N-Out today after church with several of my friends today and ordered quite possibly the best order you can make: double double no onions, fries, and a strawberry shake. I'm pretty sure this meal confirms that In-N-Out is Christian because God wanted to bless us with such a delicious meal. If you couldn't tell, I love In-N-Out, as do many people. I think if there was a survey that asked people what they wanted most upon returning to Southern California after an extended leave (or a weekend roadtrip), 90% would say In-N-Out first, 6% would say family, and 4% would choose sleeping in their own bed.

Needless to say, In-N-Out is a cultural phenomenon. Chick-Fil-A, on the other hand, is a more Christian-acquired taste. That's not to say that non-Christians don't love Chick-Fil-A. Rather, more Christians crave it and will drive ridiculous distances to get a bite of a famous chicken sandwich. And the Christian community respects the fact that Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sundays. Of course it would be great if we could eat that after church on Sundays, but alas, they want their workers to take a sabbath as well.

While both companies are dearly loved by Christians everywhere, I think there has been an increased fandom towards Chick-Fil-A recently. It's good to give Chick-Fil-A more presence on the west coast, but we must not forget to be proud of In-N-Out. I'm going to get a little controversial here, so please don't judge me, but I think Chick-Fil-A has been over-hyped as of late. Yes, I said it. Chick-Fil-A is great, but not as great as everyone makes it out to be. In addition, it is pretty expensive for not a ton of food. When comparing meals from both restaurants, a meal at In-N-Out is cheaper, more filling, and more delectable than a meal from Chick-Fil-A. Call me "old school" or "traditional," but I'm sticking with my In-N-Out. Don't worry, I still support Chick-Fil-A and truly enjoy their meals, but if I had to choose between the two, In-N-Out would take the crown.

Ok, as much as I love being sarcastic, I digress with a more spiritual topic. As most, if not all of you, know, In-N-Out is most overtly Christian with it's packaging strategy. On nearly every piece of food wrapping and cup there is a bible verse. I go to In-N-Out all the time, even with non-Christians, and I never bring up the bible verses. They are making it so easy to share the gospel with people in their restaurants. I could be eating my sandwich and say "Hey look! There is a bible verse on my wrapper. Nahum 1:7. I love that verse." And then you share the gospel. Boom. That is so awesome and so easy. I need to make it an effort to memorize all the possible scriptures that I could encounter during my dining experience so that I can share them with people who are interested.

Since I like you all so much (and hope you want to memorize them as well), here is a list of all the verses and what wrapping they are on. Enjoy!

Burger and cheeseburger wrappers: Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Beverage cups and replicas: John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Milkshake cups: Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all of your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.

Double-Double wrapper: Nahum 1:7

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in Him.

Paper water cups (no longer in use) for customers. They are now used for thirsty employees: John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

License plate keychain: 1 Corinthians 13:13

And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

This got me thinking. What other things in my life make it really easy to share the gospel that I haven't noticed or haven't made an effort to utilize them? Or how cool could it be to just go to In-N-Out to go sharing? The Lord is so legit in the fact that He blesses us with these easy tools to spread his love. We are called to do it. Basically In-N-Out a great way to get "full" on His Word.