How should Christians view cancel culture?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Cancel culture is a social phenomenon, where individuals or groups are publicly shamed, boycotted, or ostracized, often on social media, due to perceived misconduct or offensive behavior. The Bible doesn't directly address "cancel culture," but it provides principles for how Christians should approach disagreement, judgment, and restoration. Scripture teaches that while we should stand firm for truth and righteousness, we must do so with love, humility, and a recognition of our own fallibility. The Bible emphasizes God's ultimate authority in judgment and the importance of justice tempered with mercy. These concepts are further developed to emphasize love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of unity among believers. These principles can guide Christians to resist the harmful aspects of cancel culture while still upholding truth and promoting redemption.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Deuteronomy 16:20: "Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This verse emphasizes the importance of pursuing justice, but in the context of God's provision and guidance, not human vengeance.
• Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" We are to balance the pursuit of justice with kindness and humility, qualities often lacking in cancel culture.
• Proverbs 18:13: "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame." This wisdom literature warns against hasty judgment, encouraging careful consideration before responding—a principle often ignored in cancel culture.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Matthew 7:1–2: "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." Jesus warns against harsh, hypocritical judgment, which is often a hallmark of cancel culture.
• Galatians 6:1: "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." There should be an emphasis on restoration over cancellation, and humility in dealing with others' faults.
• Ephesians 4:15: "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." Paul encourages truthful speech but always coupled with love.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Christians should approach cancel culture with caution and discernment. While it's important to stand for truth and righteousness, we must do so in a way that reflects Christ's love and the possibility of redemption. Instead of participating in the harsh judgment and permanent ostracism often seen in cancel culture, believers should seek to engage in respectful dialogue, practice forgiveness, and work toward restoration when possible. This doesn't mean ignoring wrongdoing or avoiding accountability but rather approaching these issues with humility, recognizing our own fallibility and need for God's grace. Christians can offer a powerful alternative to the divisive and often destructive nature of cancel culture, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love and forgiveness in a world hungry for redemption.

UNDERSTAND

• Christians are called to seek justice with humility and kindness, avoiding the harshness of cancel culture.
• Christians aim to restore individuals gently, rather than ostracize them.
• Christians uphold truth with love and grace, avoiding harsh judgment.

REFLECT

• How can you practice patience and understanding when you disagree with someone, in light of how God calls us to interact with others?
• How can you contribute to healing and restoration, rather than division, when confronted with others’ mistakes or differing opinions?
• How can you ensure that your responses to others reflect God's love and grace, especially when faced with actions or behaviors you find troubling?

ENGAGE

• How does the principle of justice combined with kindness from Micah 6:8 influence my approach to interacting with others who would otherwise be publicly shamed or ostracized?
• What are practical examples of applying Matthew 7:1–2 in situations where I might be tempted to participate in cancel culture?
• How can Galatians 6:1 inform my approach to addressing wrongdoing in others while maintaining a spirit of gentleness and self-awareness?
• INCLUDE ARTICLE LINK: https://www.compellingtruth.org/cancel-culture.html