Oh, Boycott
I just read a March post by Isaac that challenges the effectiveness of and reasoning behind Christian boycotts:
There’s a shop down the street from my house owned by a family that emigrated from India. From my experiences and conversations with them, I have discovered that they are devoutly Hindu. I know for a fact that a portion of the profits from the operations of their store go to support the worship of a false god at their temple. What is the more effective message…if I say, “Well, you are donating your money to a cause to which I object, so I am boycotting your store until you act the way I do.” or if I show the love of Christ through my words, life and actions, and work to change change the root of the problem, not just fight the effects of them?
How true. While I would definitely argue that Christians have an obligation to participate in the democratic dialogue in our country (which includes boycotts and public stunts), I think that we often do so with angry attitudes and bitter hearts. Not only is this ineffective (by sendng a decidedly “non-christian” message) … but it also simply hurts people and maligns the name of Christ.
I’m guilty of this type of thinking on a personal level quite often … not necessarily with product or company boycotts, but with my approach to immorality and opposing viewpoints in general. I speak coercive and condescending words and send classist and exclusionary messages by my choices. Guilty as charged.
Father, help me to walk humbly with you.
Remind me to speak life-giving words
and to make grace-laden decisions.
And show me how to acknowledge you in all of my ways.
May 31st, 2006 at 8:47 am EST
You make a really good point – there are definitely times when we should participate in boycotts and stand up for what we believe. Great thoughts on this. It’s nice to be reminded of what I write so I can be held accountable… (also guilty)