Values Blog
Deciding When to Drive on By
Last week a prominent Christian family organization called for a boycott of a popular fast food restaurant. The corporation, known for its distinctive golden arches, is more than a little supportive of the chamber of commerce for businesses owned by and catering to gays, lesbians, transexuals and bisexuals. Now on more than one occasion I’ve decided to take economic action against a company such as the gasoline company that reportedly has a sweetheart deal for oil with the despotic ruler of Venezuela. I would drive right on by that certain company’s gas station to get my auto fuel elsewhere, even if my gas gauge showed “E.”
If you learned that a certain manufacturer had factories in Third World countries in which under-age children labored and employees were underpaid and exposed to hazardous working conditions, would you continue to purchase the product from that company?
Discerning Southern Baptists, as well as all people of faith, note which corporations support causes or movements which are antithetical to a biblical perspective, and then weigh carefully which businesses in good conscience and, perhaps of necessity, they can patronize.
In this day of conglomerates and multinational corporations, it is difficult to find a large corporation that does not in some way support something which stands in opposition to what we know to be good and moral.
As Christians, we should be consistent in living out our values, rooted in God’s Word, even if it means we have to sacrifice. Each of us have an obligation to carefully and prayerfully consider where we spend our money. Yet at the end of the day, that is a personal decision each of us must make.
Comments
1
I believe the bible teaches that we should not associate with darkness. It is MY personel opinion and belief and I do boycott busineswses that go out of their way to support the gay agenda. It is hard, but that is what the gays do. They are a small percentage of the population, but they are very vocal. The bible tells us to be salt and light in the world. We don’t see too many being either. Churches don’t preach for people to get involved in politics. We would not be AMERICA Today if the people back in the 1700’s didn’t get involved. Until American Christians wake up, American is going to sink deeper and deeper into darkness. To see what the gays are up to, go to “gay agenda” on the internet and you will find out.
posted at 9:01pm on July 08, 2008 by Harry Wilkinson
2
The best source for information regarding boycotts is the American Family Association. They have called for the boycott of these fast food chains, so they should be able to verify the information and also announce when the boycott is over. It takes a majority vote at the Southern Baptist Convention meeting each summer for the SBC to call for a boycott of any business or organization. Thank you.
posted at 8:16am on July 09, 2008 by Sulyn Wilkins
3
I agree that the American Family Association is the best source. They just don’t say “boycott this company”. They actually sit down and talk with representatives and get a feel for what the company is doing. No one can say that the AFA hasn’t been fair.
posted at 8:35am on July 09, 2008 by Cathy
4
I agree that I want to patronize Christain businesses. What I am seeing is that if I knew all that went on in every corporation or business, I would not want to shop or eat anywhere. There are very few places or companies to buy products from that are not or do not support evil. Honestly, I am tired.
posted at 3:01pm on July 09, 2008 by Jolene
5
Yes-the American Family Association is very fair on these boycotts, as you said, Cathy. I listen to their radio station every day on my computer to keep up with things. I never liked the “golden arches” place, myself, but my husband and kids did, but we are not going there anymore. They have lifted the boycott on the Ford Company, but I still do not trust them. Ever since I heard that Ford was supporting gays, I totally changed my mind with them. It’s not like I buy cars everyday, but if I know a certain company is supporting gays, I will not contribute.
posted at 8:59pm on July 09, 2008 by Cassie Black
6
You might be surprised by how many companies do not support evil. It’s true that no company is perfect because it is made up of people but it is possible to find out what companies are supporting and what they are contributing too. Groups like the American Family Association are a good source of some of that info but there is much more than that. Corporations are required to report what groups they financially contribute to so it is possible to find out if a corporation is supporting “Planned Parenthood” or the ACLU. A new web site will be up next month that compiles all this information from many organizations, including the AFA, and allows you to search for companies and find out what they are involved in. It is our job as Christians to act as stewards over the resources that God has given us and not to use them to fund evil. That means that the decisions we make with our money need to be educated decisions that have been thoroughly prayed over.
posted at 10:25am on July 10, 2008 by Mark
7
To Jolene (previous poster),
I empathize with your feelings. I am tired, too. Please don’t give up, though. You need to stay strong for your faith. It’s true…we can’t boycott every company. However, we do need to take a stand when things are wrong. I struggle with this every day. Jesus gives me the strength to stand up for Truth and for what’s right. I’ll pray that He helps you, too.
posted at 7:51pm on July 10, 2008 by Sheila
8
As a Christian, my first reaction to a values/morals boycott is to take it to my Father-God to ask Him for His wisdom and direction in the matter. At the same time, I do enough research on the issue in question to enable me to make an informed decision. There are MANY moral issues currently about which I must decide. Therefore, I find seeking God’s direction enables me to choose which issues with which to be involved. I cannot possibly physically or monetarily support all the boycotts, issues, or organizations which are calling for involvement, so seeking God’s direction and following it allows me the freedom to be more fully involved with no regrets. One person cannot do it all, but if all persons do one thing, much will be accomplished for God. Isn’t this our goal as Christians anyway…to further the goals of the Kingdom of God?
posted at 12:51am on July 11, 2008 by bflymum
9
We must examine each place of bussiness and see what alternatives are available and which are feasable. We can surely do without a fast food joint. There are many more to choose from. It is true that some retailers can not be avoided, but most can.
In Christ, Thomas Brown
posted at 9:39pm on July 12, 2008 by Thomas Brown