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Holy Cow! You got your Jesus in my hamburger!
From our top-rated guide to the secret menu to Eric Albertoni’s stomach-churning pictorial on surviving the ingestion of a 20×20, In-n-Out has long been Badmouth’s favorite fast-food establishment.
But the secrets of In-n-Out don’t stop at the menu. Sharp-eyed patrons have noticed that there are biblical passages inscribed on the wrappers of In-n-Out’s burgers, sodas and milkshakes. How did they get there? What do they mean? Can a Double-Double technically take the place of a Communion Wafer? We’ll attempt to answer these and other pertinent questions on the following pages.
Why are there biblical passages on he fast food wrappers at In-n-Out?
In-n-Out is a privately held corporation. They are still completely owned by the Snyder family. And the Snyder family is down with the G.O.D. And that’s OK with me. The Snyders can do this because they own In-n-Out lock, stock and barrel — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Since the Snyders own the entire chain and have refused to franchise, they don’t only get to slip Bible passages into your cheeseburgers. They also get to demand that all of their hamburger is ground at their own plant. They get to decide that none of their food will ever be frozen (so all locations must be within a few hours drive of Southern California.) In short, the Bible passages are just another sign that In-n-Out is owned by real people, and not a soulless corporation.
Do the Bible passages mean In-n-Out supports radical anti-abortion groups, intelligent design, anti-homosexual agenda or ground-beef-based faith healing?
We have no idea what the Snyders do with their money. It’s possible that they spend it in ways that we wouldn’t approve of. But hey, McDonald’s is mowing down the rainforests, Carl’s Jr. employs Paris Hilton and we have it on good authority that the guy in the Burger King outfit molests sheep. (OK we made that part up.)
The point is it is entirely possible to be religious without being intolerant. We know that In-n-Out makes great hamburgers, they pay their employees well and provide them with full benefits and paid vacations. Sounds like they are Christians in the good sense of the word to me.
What are the biblical passages and where can I find them?
We’re so glad you asked. There are four different Bible passages. We’ve took photos, looked up the passages and provided a brief analysis, complete with grading below:
1. Burger and Cheeseburger Wrappers
Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
This is my personal favorite. It’s religious. It’s food related. And it’s from the book of Revelation, which was obviously written while the apostles were dropping acid. A+
2. Double Double Wrapper
Nahum 1:7
“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,”
Good solid Christian message. I feel I have to deduct points because I had to look up the so-called “Book of Nahum” to prove to myself that it was actually in the Bible. B
3. Milkshake Cup
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”
I would give this message more credence, but people if it was that easy to know what God wanted you to do, everyone would do it. In fact. the people who seem most certain that they are doing God’s will tend to be the biggest assholes. Evidently God wants us to hate fags, kill the Western infidels and invade Iraq. If that’s the case, I’d rather “lean on my own understanding.” God gave me that, too. C-
4. Soda Cup
John 3:16
“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.”
This is best line in the Bible. It’s like the Cliff Notes version of Christianity. It may be a little overdone, but you can’t beat a classic. A-
Conclusion
So there you have it. Everything there is to know about the Bible passages on the wrappers at In-n-Out.
I don’t understand why people would be upset with a reference to a bible scripture being in a place that is not obvious in the first place, or why it is a problem that if in fact they do give to organizations that are pro-life and pro-traditional marriage. Your only speculating anyway. Yes, some Christians are well certifiable, but 98% of them are not. I have worked and been friends with homosexuals, they know my beliefs and that I will vote for traditional marriage, but they also know that I love them just as I love everyone else. I have always had and will always have their respect. I do not preach to them, but when asked I do answer with my honest opinion of how I read the bible, but it is done with no disrespect and no judgement toward them. Just because I am pro-life, I have a lot of friends that are pro-choice. That is their choice. The one thing I do want to point out is that all countries over thousands of years have only recognized traditional marriage, if it was natural and accepted as something that is normal, then why hasn’t it always been? Same with abortion, it is not natural to terminate a pregnancy. The one thing they don’t tell you before you have an abortion is the high risk to your body later down the road, with increased risk of cancer or scaring that prevent later pregnancies. Or the fact that you will need counciling for a very long time. Everyone I have ever met that had an abortion done are very much against it now and live with a tremidious amount of guilt. I think that if it continues to be legal, they should have available some counciling for that healing process.
dear mom
if you believe abortion is their choice then you would not be opposed to legal access to it.
and if you loved your gay friends as you say you do, and understand what marriage really is, you could not possibly vote against two people that choose it, regardless of who they may be.
as for the cultures all over the world that have only “traditional” marriage and lack of pregnancy termination, I am afraid that you need to travel more, and read more. every culture has homosexuality and pregnancy termination. it is just not advertised. because really, both are personal decisions. which is why your beliefs should not affect the law.
Roy,
You need to read my comment again. Over thousands of years, only traditional marriage has been recognized. If it were natural, it gay marriage would have been recognized as well. Because we have a democracy still, we vote on things that are choices. People still favor traditional marriage. I have to vote my beliefs, the same as you feel you need to vote the way you do. If it passes, it passes. I have traveled and gay marriages are still not law in other countries. Some have passed it, but others have not.
I am pro-life. I don’t believe abortion is a choice. I said that I have friends that are pro-choice. I do not have to stop being friends with people because we disagree about abortion or gay marriage. We are all adults and vote differently. Some vote conservative, some vote liberal. That is what makes America great, it is ok to believe differently.
I do believe in the foundation of the land and what this country was founded on and the modest ways they found this country on. I am Christian and have been for years but I do believe this is the country that was founded on the simple principle of FREEDOM! I do not encourage gay parades or anything like that but if 2 people love eachother that much and want to suffer like the rest of us heterosexuals that is their choice. I am prolife but the persons freedom to choose is their right. Just as it is with the Bible and with us and God. We are told what we are to do and what human on this planet follows the Bible to the T? Thats right cause God Almighty as powerful and strong as he is gives us the freedome to CHOOSE! If God has given us this choice I believe the government is no higher than God to impose rules and regulations that offend others.
Dear Mom:
I would like to gently correct your assertion that “in all countries, for thousands of years only traditional marriage has been recognized.”
What constitutes “traditional” varies wildly from culture to culture, and from era to era.
http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/ATLAS_EN/html/history_of_marriage_in_western.html
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/gaymarry.htm
Best to you from a “traditionally married” church-going woman who supports marriage equality
PS to Mom:
We are not a democracy, we are a republic. This means that we are governed by laws, not by a tyrannical mob.
A quick review of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution tells me that all people are entitled to equal protection under the law, not just “all straight people.”
Best,
Fiona
the act of you actually fighting over a cup of soda and some how making it a homo religous gathering makes religon look horrible and is why tell this day that christianity and protesting is frowned apon and never taken seriously you should all be in shame of your selves if just in-n-out not a big deal its ur chose to make your purpose in fighting against this stupid argument heard or laughed opon and the next person that comments about religon gays or anti or pro anything just makes their speech a joke to your self and cause
P.S 4×4 animal protein style with fries and shake is the good real good
Hey Mom,
Don’t agree with your views, but agree with your message. Everyone should stick with what they believe in and respect people who think differently.
I am pro-life, and pro-choice. I don’t believe in abortion or the government’s right to tell women what to do.
I am pro-marriage… all marriage. Traditional or non. I am Christian and my husband’s family is Jewish. That was considered non-traditional once.
I am also pro In n Out Burger and family owned companies. Yay America.
It’s funny how people are so “gays should get married” and “Christianity is wrong” but marriage was created by God for a man an woman to come together as one. If people did their history, they would find that to be true. I don’t hate the person but rather hate the action. No one, no matter your sexual choice or life decision should be treated negatively and everyone is deserving of love and people should be respected. Gay, straight, pro-choice, pro-life (which I am very pro-life btw) black, white, indian…whatever. But God created marriage. People have the right to choose but one day people will see the results of their choices on earth.
Dear Mr. Marcotte
I understand the fervor with which you are satirically addressing traditional marriage advocates because I was once just as fervent. That I have come to understand the position of traditional marriage advocates is why I am writing you today. Christianity has influenced my beliefs both then and now but I have come to understand how misguided I was then. Jesus refers to Satan as the father of lies and lies are morphed into an image of truth under his influence. As lies and deception look more and more like truth we can be caught up in its power. Ultimately its power fades, leaving us in a murky, muddy, messy place. To make a long story short; Leviticus (one of first five books of the Bible called the Pentateuch and is considered sacred in the Jewish and Chrisitian based faiths) lists in 2 different chapters most of the sexual deviations humanity could possibly conceive (including incest, beastiality and homosexuality) and calls them abominations. In the final book of the Christian sacred scriptures Revelation 21:27 it says, “and nothing unclean and noone who practices abominations and lying, shall ever come into it,’(the holy city of Jerusalem, come down from heaven and prepared as a bride for the Lamb), ‘but only those whose names are written in the Lambs’ book of life.” And chapter 21:8 tells us, “But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolators and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
It is for this reason that advocates of traditional marriage should be fervant in their beliefs. The father of lies would have us believe that God has either changed His mind about homosexuality being an abomination or that there is no God (who could make such a law). But since Christians worship a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever, the first claim does not hold up (the books of Leviticus and Revelation were written approximately 2000 years apart and stand firm in their descriptions of the wicked) and as for the second claim, psalm 14:1 tells us, “The fool says in his heart, ‘there is no God.’”
(We might consider that laws give us the opportunity to be obedient or not, allowing us to choose either God’s way that leads to heaven or our own way that leads to hell.) Many people have found reasons in their lives to hate and rebel against God and His laws (which were and are meant to bring us peace and a long life) but unless these individuals find their way back to God – all will be lost for them in the next life – which is all that really matters in the end.
As for Christians who are hypocrites (every belief (religious or not) has them), Jesus tells us that many are called but few are chosen. The truly religious and true believers are few and far between. We have to work hard for what really matters and attaining heaven is no different. Obedience to God’s laws that are primarily meant to bring us peace and long life or repenting and turning back when we have not been obedient (and the message of Jesus’ ministry)is the hard work that we are called to do.
I love this response Judi. Perfectly said. God bless you.
Come on Folks !
As someone else wrote, let’s calm down and just enjoy the food. . . . as for some of the profits, I don’t know if In-N-Out gives money to anti-gay causes, but if you want to go down that road then avoid Carl’s since the Karchers have for some time funded anti-gay groups (specifically, they gave quite generously to the Proposition 8 movement which reversed the California Supreme Court’s decision that gays and lesbians had a right to marry under the state’s Constitution).
Most of the anti-gay writing is limited to the Old Testament which endorses everything from slavery to polygamy (e.g. Abraham, David, Solomon), to an “eye for an eye” mentality while condemning the eating of shellfish or pork (unless, of course, you are in a Chinese Restaurant).
I wish right-wing Christians would remember that Jesus was not crucified for saying “consider the lilies of the field and how they spin” but for going into the temple and turning over the tables of the money changers and then challenging the religious hierarchy by saying “you have made my Father’s house a den of thieves”.
So next time you are enjoying a Double-Double and suspect that the couple next to you are gay, ask yourself “What Would Jesus Do?” and be sure to empty your trash when you leave.
Pax vobiscum.
Though on the converse side, two points of contention about the Bible referring to homosexuality as an abomination:
1. At least one of the two passages literally translates into “gay temple prostitutes” and says nothing about homosexuality generally.
2. In the Old Testament, there was in fact no written word that directly correlates to homosexuality- meaning it would have been very difficult for a person to pose much of an opinion.
3. Conversely there are tons of passages that ban eating pork and shellfish. It also repeatedly states that adulterers should be stoned to death- in no uncertain terms. For that matter, are you keeping the Sabbath holy by never working? Probably not. Clearly in the New Testament, there were differences of opinions as to how these passages should be interpreted (and enforced). And how were these issues handled?
From Romans: “Those who regard one day as special do so to the Lord. Those who eat meat do so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and those who abstain do so to the Lord and give thanks to God.” Big picture? People are going to have differences of interpretation about the Old Testament. Paul stated that the best solution to such issues was to preach tolerance and to let people live their lives in a way that allows them best to follow God.
On gay marriage, that would mean that if you think getting married to a member of the same sex is wrong- you should never do it. But it also means, that if someone else feels that marrying someone of the same sex wouldn’t hurt their faith journey, they should probably be allowed to do so. To block people from feeling equal and ostracizing them hurts their faith journey. And again, in the words of Paul: “Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister”
It’s pretentious to think that all Christians interpret scriptures the same way you do. Just as you differ in opinion with the Amish about if you should be able to flip a light switch on Sundays, I differ with you about if gays should be allowed to marry.
And it’s okay to have differences of opinion. The most important thing is that we conduct ourselves in such a way as to let each person work on their faith journey, without impeding them. And in that regard, if people truly believe it is fine for them to get married to a member of the same sex, given their relationship to God? I don’t see how you trying to stop that is any different than the Amish trying to pass laws to stop you from working on Sunday.
We love your institution and will now look for the verses, and God bless you. Sure wish you were in Tacoma, WA where we have to spend 1/2 our life wondering which burger to suffer with!
…and if believing in this Christ guy is the only way to this heaven place, then I guess I’m with the 3/4 of the world who won’t be going. So much for this notion of love and inclusivity. Oh well, I’d rather spend eternity with Ghandi than with George Bush anyway. Happy trails
Don’t worry ; you will.
I for one will never eat at another In-n-Out Burger again; nor will I pay for any item from there for my children. Their support of anti-gay and anti-choice legislation is not speculative. It is a fact. I cannot knowingly support any organization that uses my money for positions that are so filled with hate. And yet they have no problem with taking the money from the very people they would deny rights to. Also, the fact that they would sneak in their little bible verses smacks of attempted brainwashing–this may sound a little way out but think about it. Do we really need a fast food joint sneaking in their beliefs? How about sneaking in some information on better nutrition instead. At least then they would be doing some actual good.
Donna,
If you’re afraid of a wrapper or cup brainwashing people, what do you think of people actually doing that? Do the cashiers attempt to convert you to some other belief system?
What you’re saying makes sense, but it has no logic. People usually don’t peer under their cups, and I’m sure in most cases even if they do the next place the cup ends up is usually the garbage can. Besides, most people who see the verse likely don’t even know what it says (unless of course they read this article) so what’s a word and numbers going to do? If they really want to know what it says, they’ll go get a Bible and look it up. That’ll be their choice, not In-n-Out’s.
There’s a lot of material put out by plenty of other companies in the world that support things opposite to what In-N-Out Burger may or may not support. Go shop or eat there. I can think of corporations that support things I don’t…I choose not to purchase whatever they may have for sale, but that’s my choice. I’m not to worried about others going to that same place…we are all different and think differently. That being said, with America being a free country and with In-N-Out privately owned, is it so bad to print something the majority of people won’t even notice anyway? And it can’t be too brainwashing…obviously the only effect it’s had on you is to cause you to only take up an issue.
I understand you won’t want to eat there, and that’s totally cool you feel the way you do. Just remember; the fact is that life’s full of little stuff we don’t like…but it’s the same way for the other guy. You do your thing and they’ll do theirs. If you’re afraid of In-N-Out making everyone believe one thing, and your goal is equality and fairness, make sure you don’t unknowingly have your goal as being to get everyone to think as you.
I appreciate your input…well written and it made sense. I hope this does as well.
And to everyone else…the 4×4 Animal Style is the best ever.
And just FYI, it seems to me you’ve decided on this “no more eating innout for my family because i just read this article but have never personally noticed or researched about these wrappers..” So first of all, the wrappers are not brainwashing you, this website is. And maybe you should tell McDonalds to sneak in better nutrition instead. Or just shut up in general, “at least then you would be doing some actual good.”
this is funny people fighting over religion when even the passage does not even remotly try to convert you what so ever you haev the chose to press the button and you have the chose to bitch about it
Donna…you are joking, right? First off, I’m willing to bet you have eaten at In-n-Out for at least 20 years, and have those “little messages” brainwashed you yet? Didn’t think so! Not to mention most anti religion people like you, seem to claim Christians “hate”, yet every post I’ve ever read from an “Anti”, is always hate filled, and mean spirited. Enjoy your crappy McDonalds cheese burgers from now on!
AMENNNN BRUTHA
Mom Elle said: “The one thing I do want to point out is that all countries over thousands of years have only recognized traditional marriage, if it was natural and accepted as something that is normal, then why hasn’t it always been?”
That’s a lame rationalization. Slavery existed for thousands of years, it was condoned in the Bible, but it’s morally wrong and has been trashed.
“Same with abortion, it is not natural to terminate a pregnancy.”
I guess Jesus is feeling guilty about all those miscarriages, then.
Jimmy,
I think perhaps you may be a little mistaken in your interpretation of the passages you may of heard or read.
The bible never condones slavery especially in the form our culture is most familiar with.
The first century world was not the same as today and many people entered into slavery willingly as a means to meet their personal or families financial obligations. Slaves were treated very well clothed, housed given a fair wage and often owned land. Many slaves would be richer financially than a great number of free people depending on who their master was.
When the bible says slaves obey your masters like many passages there can be many meanings but the literal one encourages people to honor their commitments and authority rather than saying any form of slavery is a good thing. Especially when we look at what Paul is talking about in the book of Ephesians he trying to teach us when you are in a relationship that is hierarchal i.e. Parent- Child or Boss-Employee it is better to have the heart of a servant rather than one of rebellion.
I believe that looking at the bible passages through their cultural, historical and literary context can be very helpful with determining the overall meaning of any verse.
I know many Christians that do this to hammer their own self service agenda down people’s throats and it is my hope I don’t come across that way.
Regards,
Drew
i realize this is over a year old but I just can help but call drew a moron.
Believe what you want but slavery is slavery, if you want to call it a boss-employee relationship i urge you to read exactly what the bible says in case your to lazy let me post it, no human should be able to call another human property nor is it ok to beat a human nearly to death.
Exodus 21:1 “These are the laws you are to set before them:
Hebrew Servants
2 “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. 3 If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. 4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free.
5 “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ 6 then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.
7 “If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as menservants do. 8 If she does not please the master who has selected her for himself, he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, because he has broken faith with her. 9 If he selects her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daughter. 10 If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights. 11 If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without any payment of money.
…
20 “If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, 21 but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property.
Great place to enjoy some of the best original prepared hamburgers. Today, I just learned about your “secret” menu and am very happy to have visited your website. Keep up the great cooking for consumers who want their hamburger and fries made to their taste. Uhmmmm good!
I am not religious at all, in fact I don’t even believe in God or any of that drama…If I were to worship something, it would be the deliciousness of In N Out!!!! They are privately owned and they are placing these “codes” inconspicuously, and if you are paying that much attention to your food containers, you might have issues!!! lol I am kidding. The point is shut up and just eat!!!
[...] amazingly good and topped with a “special sauce”. Sorry deeply-religious readers, no bible verses on the accoutrements. The fries, while good, do not compare to the [...]
Your use of Bible references is greatly appreciated. You mix the Old Testament with the New Testament. These references would seem to indicate that you believe the Bible to be helpful to people in the way they live their lives. God Bless you! Keep it up. I see nothing on your cups or wrappers revealing any political beliefs; those beliefs should be personal. Keep believing in the Bible as I do. {And keep serving GOOD food, or, should I say, the BEST food?!]
Hey Lloyd. You are right, my son Nicholas loves their food! I hope he can come to AZ soon to enjoy it again with his grandfather!
the fact is this a burger and fries place..bad for your health..period…better than a mcdonalds burger..the scriptures should be on a veggie burger or a water bottle..not on a freekin burger and soda.
as far as the versus, no different than a fortune cookie…2012 there will be no in and out
All I gotta say is…what the eff?
geez, you guys are insane crazy. you may as well stop living, because a majority of the corporations in this country are pro- consertive. so to say that you won’t deal with this particular company because they happen to let it be known what they support, is ignorant
Something to think about. I am a christian also. What if we are right? It is a great way to live! What do we have to lose? You have everthing to lose. The bible is God’s word,true and alive. I pray God will bless you with knowledge and truth.
I am bored of this conversation thread.
Thank god I’m an athiest!
Actually, all of you are. I just believe in one less god than you do.
Worked an INO for three years and they never push religion on customers or even employees, at all. The Snyders are good peeps, well, one of em is crazy, but they are a nice family.
-bd
interesting how we ultimately argue (discuss) points that only God decides upon. who are we? filthy. deceitful. conniving. yet he comes at us with grace. and we still argue the points HE made. We should all just get over ourselves. We’re all gonna die and if God sais you go to hell, then you go to hell …if God sais you go to heaven, then you go to heaven. abomination or saint – on this planet there can’t be any difference in the eyes of God, there just can’t be – for NOT ONE of us is holy – NO, NOT ONE and all our works are but FILTHY RAGS. The most “righteous” human on the earth is still closer to absolute pure sh*t, raw sewage when compared to the ONLY being that can be called HOLY. Wow – and i’m so filthy i don’t even have the right to say the word “Holy” … or ANY word used to describe God. Here’s a news flash … our opinion in fact does not matter. Only his does. Believe that the grace of God can save ALL … don’t forget that thief on the cross … as long as you have a breath in your lungs, you’ve still got a chance to accept grace. It aint about killing babies, or boys marrying boys or girls getting off on dogs or vegetables or whatever … it’s about HIS grace. His glory. His opinion. And he can change his mind anytime he wants. Who are we to say ONE FREAKIN’ THING out loud about anything – what … we stand on the shoulders of others we repeat things others say – we are absolutely pollution to this planet and to everything around us yet we question and argue and point fingers and blah, blah, blah – pure consumers is all we are – we suck up everything around us and we just put out waste when we’re done and we think so highly of ourselves for the technology that we steal and the ideas that we exaggerate and all the stories we embellish … we are sooo funny. We were created by a God who created us for HIM, not for US and we act like the world should listen to us and we all have sooooooo much to say – we are soooo important to each other and we demand attention when we really should be focused on HIM. please people. we all better just beg God for forgiveness. SIN is SIN is SIN – there are no LEVELS of it. Tell a lie, be gay, have an abortion, eat pork, work on the sabbath = GO TO HELL, right – by the way, there is only one unforgivable sin and it’s not being gay or eating shellfish, read up on it people and quit fussing … people miss the point that what’s really being said is that ALL those rules for people who thought they could “work” their way into heaven were removed when Jesus died and rose from the dead. He paid for all of it and it’s never too late to accept it. Folks better recognize. Hell is already all around us. So what? Enjoy your time on the planet. Love God and love everyone else. It will all be over real soon – we are but a vapor. Praise God for his son Jesus. And if Abraham was walking around still, he’s throw down on some in-out burger, it’s tasty.
My only complaint, is your choice of John 3:16 as being a good summary. I much prefer Matthew 25:31-46 or any of the “Love your neighbor as yourself” passages.
John 3:16 supports the idea of a deity that demands human sacrifice (remember the Incas and Aztecs?) and personal salvation paid for by somebody else. Matthew 25:31-46 and the “neighbor” passages encourage good works. I believe this to be the true teaching of Jesus.