With a blog called Coffee Shop Pastor, what else did you expect?Over the past 30 years or so Christians have boycotted DisneyWorld, Pepsi, Proctor and Gamble, Ford and Levi Strauss Co. When a Pastor or Christian organization calls for a boycott, people rally, emails fly, posters are painted and local pastors are urged to stand with those calling for the boycott.
As a local evangelical pastor, I've long felt that boycotts tend to serve those who are advocating for them, rather than the greater cause that they are ostensibly against! Boycotts 'rally the troops', boycotts bring in more donations, and in my opinion, boycotts ultimately end up only increasing the profile of the person or group who initiated this action!
But what of the morality of the boycott? Should Christians use their economic power to affect change? What are the unintended consequences of these actions? Russell Moore, Dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary makes a strong case that Christians should not only avoid boycotting, but that the actual use of them undercuts the Christian witness and message.
Maybe instead of refusing to patronize Starbucks, Christians should do more business, have studies, get their small groups to meet at their local coffee shops! Let Starbucks see Christians and experience the salt and light of the Gospel!
Read Dr. Moore's thoughts here and send in your thoughts and comments...