Starbucks’ New 'Unity Cup' Accused of Taking Jesus Out of Christmas

By Julie Brown Patton
Starbucks Unity Cup
Like the prior Christmas season, some people believe Starbucks is again attempting to eliminate the presence of Jesus in their new cups released Nov. 1. Starbucks spokespersons instead say "it's just a new green, unity cup." Starbucks

Although some people believe Starbucks' new cup released this month is a Christmas cup that again eliminates Jesus Christ from the annual observance, Starbucks' spokespersons have replied:  "Uh, no. It's a green cup about unity."

One Twitter user, Mark Koschwitz, stated:  "TIL that #Starbucks is trying to take Jesus out of Election Day and instead promote some hippie concept of unity. More like Satanbucks..."

Another person Alex Lewis, lamented:  "Lots of people on these new holiday cups BUT NONE OF THEM ARE JESUS."

Starbucks commissioned artist Shogo Ota to create the artwork on the new cup. His threaded design reportedly represents shared humanity and connection, serving as a symbol for stitching people together as a united community. The single line in the artwork connects the figures, which frame a coffee farmer, a family, a barista and friends embracing.

The mosaic of 132 people are drawn in one continuous stroke on the new Starbucks green cup.

"It's kind of a weird feeling and also kind of nervous about it, too," Ota said. "I couldn't have imagined, didn't imagine yet, that I could see my stuff everywhere in the States!"

The new green cup was available exclusively in U.S. Starbucks stores starting Nov. 1, for a limited time while supplies last. "The green cup and the design represent the connections Starbucks has as a community with its partners (employees) and customers. During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other," said Starbucks' Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz.

The online discussion about the cup broke out on Twitter, and the woman who suggested the new cup should go viral "to make Starbucks make red cups again" stated her tweet was meant to be sarcastic and humorous.

The artist also recreated his one-line art on the windows of Starbucks in Times Square. "Everybody on the Earth. People should feel and think everybody is happy together," said the artist, who moved to Seattle from Japan. "I feel like I'm doing something good."

Starbucks' managers have been working with Ota since 2014.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories