This is a complex issue that Christians have differing perspectives on. There are good arguments on both sides. Ultimately, each Christian must prayerfully consider the Bible, seek God’s guidance, and follow their conscience.
Those who support boycotting point to biblical principles like avoiding partnership with immorality (Ephesians 5:7-12), not being polluted by the world (James 1:27), and making a prophetic stand against ungodliness (Revelation 18:4). They argue that buying from a company that promotes anti-Christian agendas makes us complicit in their immorality. It also sends the message that we tolerate or approve of their unbiblical policies. Refusing to do business can be a way to avoid partnership with evil and take a stand for biblical truth and values.
However, those who oppose boycotting counter that Jesus ate with sinners and engaged the culture (Luke 5:30-32). The apostle Paul said to accept invitations to eat without asking about the food’s origins (1 Corinthians 10:25-27). Christians have freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1). Boycotting could also be a self-righteous overreaction that fails to display Christlike love. And it may do little to change the company’s behavior. Some see boycotting as inconsistent with turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21).
There are good reasons why sincere Christians end up on both sides of this issue. Each person must carefully consider their own conscience and motivation, while extending grace to other believers who in good faith come to different conclusions. We must seek balance between avoiding partnership with immorality and displaying Christ’s love to our neighbors – even those with whom we strongly disagree. Wisdom, discretion, and dependence on God’s Spirit are essential.
Here are some key biblical principles to consider when deciding whether or not to boycott a company:
Avoid partnership with evil
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)
The Bible warns against joining hands with those engaged in immoral activities. Boycotting certain companies could be a way to avoid cooperating with their wrongdoing.
Maintain a distinct Christian witness
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
“Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
As God’s people we are called to be morally and spiritually distinct from the world. Refusing to support anti-Christian companies can strengthen this witness.
Be wise, not reactionary
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6)
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” (Proverbs 15:18)
While boycotting can be a moral stand, it can also turn into reactive knee-jerk behavior. Be wise in your approach.
Consider effectiveness
“Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Will boycotting a company actually be effective in changing their policies? Or does it merely make us feel better about ourselves? Weigh potential impact.
Act on conscience, allow liberty
“Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions… Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls.” (Romans 14:1, 4)
Since this issue is complex, Christians of good faith choose different courses. Be true to your conscience but allow liberty to others.
Be willing to sacrifice
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3:7)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Boycotting companies may require sacrifice or inconvenience on our part. Are we willing to do so out of devotion to Christ?
Act in love
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14)
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10)
While avoiding partnership with immorality, we are also called to love our neighbors – even those with whom we disagree. Let love guide you.
Depend on God’s wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Since this is a complex issue, pray for and rely on God’s wisdom in deciding whether or not to boycott a company.
In summary, deciding whether to boycott anti-Christian companies requires balancing competing biblical principles like avoiding partnership with evil versus loving our neighbors, acting with wisdom versus making a bold moral stand. Seek the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom from God’s word.
Common Arguments For Boycotting Anti-Christian Companies
Here are some of the most common arguments made in favor of Christians boycotting companies with anti-Christian policies:
- Boycotting can avoid giving material support to immoral agendas.
- It tangibly expresses moral opposition to anti-Christian policies.
- Boycotting exercises good stewardship of money and purchases.
- It helps ensure your purchases align with biblical values.
- Boycotting provides prophetic moral witness to companies and culture.
- It applies economic pressure which could lead to changed policies.
- Refusing to do business displays you disapprove their agenda.
- It avoids implicating or tainting your Christian witness.
- The Bible commands separating from worldly culture.
These show why many believers see merit in boycotting as a way to avoid moral compromise and take a meaningful stand for truth.
Common Objections to Boycotting Companies
Some sincere Christians oppose boycotting companies on these biblical grounds:
- Jesus engaged sinners rather than avoiding them.
- Paul said eat food without questioning its origins.
- Boycotting seems incompatible with turning the cheek.
- It conflicts with overcoming evil with good.
- Boycotting could be misguided, self-righteous, or legalistic.
- It may fail to change company policies or do more harm than good.
- We have freedom in Christ to make purchases as our conscience allows.
- It ignores how extensively sin permeates fallen world.
- Efforts should focus on changing hearts, not just laws.
These arguments reasonably caution that boycotting could be misapplied in unloving or ineffective ways.
Who Supports Company Boycotts?
Here are some examples of Christian groups or leaders who generally favor boycotting certain anti-Christian corporations:
- Family Research Council – Boycotted UPS for supporting Planned Parenthood.
- Evangelical leaders – Boycott Netflix for airing programs with lewd content.
- One Million Moms – Long history of boycotting companies like Disney, Starbucks, Target over LGBTQ+ policies.
- Albert Mohler – Supports carefully considered boycotts to exert economic pressure.
- Franklin Graham – Has called for boycotting corporations that promote LGBTQ+ agenda.
- John MacArthur – Says purchasing a product makes you a partner in that company’s sin.
These and other conservative Christians emphasize avoiding entanglement with corporate sin.
Who Opposes Boycotting Companies?
Here are some examples of Christian leaders who argue against boycotting companies:
- Russell Moore – Says most boycotts are not prudential or effective.
- Gabe Lyons – Sees boycotting as unhelpful to cultural engagement.
- Ed Stetzer – Concerned boycotting primarily serves Christian consumerism.
- Kevin DeYoung – Questions whether boycotts faithfully apply Scripture.
- Matt Chandler – Believes engaging culture will be more transformative.
- Tim Keller – Concerned with unintended consequences of boycotts.
These think boycotting often lacks discernment, grace, and true gospel impact on culture.
Alternatives to Company Boycotts
For Christians who oppose boycotting companies as a primary strategy, here are some suggested alternative responses:
- Continue buying but also advocate biblically with company.
- Divest from or avoid investing in company stocks.
- Focus on making a positive case for biblical values in culture.
- Engage and build relationship with leaders in company.
- Use purchases to support Christian companies and ministries.
- Seek to share the gospel with and disciple company leaders.
- Organize direct charitable action versus political pressure.
While no perfect solutions exist, these alternatives may better display God’s grace and truth in response to anti-Christian corporate agendas.
Key Considerations When Deciding About Boycotting
Here are some important questions to reflect on when weighing whether or not to personally boycott a company:
- Does this company actively and directly enable immoral behaviors?
- Are there well-founded biblical grounds for boycotting in this case?
- What specifically am I hoping to achieve through a boycott?
- Is boycotting likely to succeed in pressuring desired change?
- Does refusing to do business demonstrate grace and love for neighbors?
- How will it impact my Christian witness to non-believers?
- Are there other more constructive alternatives to a boycott?
- Is my conscience genuinely troubled at the thought of buying their products?
Honestly assessing these questions can provide clarity on if boycotting a given company is prudent and justified.
Conclusion
The issue of boycotting anti-Christian companies does not provide easy black and white answers. Faithful Christians can and do differ on whether corporate boycotts are advisable. Each believer must carefully wrestle through the biblical principles and come to their own Spirit-led conclusions after prayerful study. Seeking wisdom from the scriptures should guide whatever course of action we pursue. Boycotting may occasionally be justified, but requires much discernment.