Is it for a Good Cause?

Hi Rachel,
When you choose to buy "justly" do you always order from Christian organizations or any organization as long as they have a good cause? Just curious. My mind has been thinking on those things since talking about stewardship at church in the Fall.
-Emily

What a great question! And thanks to my friend Emily for bringing it up. 

I think there are a couple of facets to this question, so let me get started breaking it down. 

1. What determinates a Christian organization?  

         a. Is it stated in their core beliefs or purpose statement that the organization is Christian?

         b. Is it that it is run by Christians? But if this, then how can you know unless personally affiliated with the organization?

         c. Must this organization be a gospel-sharing organization?

         d. Is it an organization that cares for the things Christ cares about, but might not outright say it?

If the consensus answer is D, then I buy a lot more from Christian organizations than if the answer is A. The truth is, most businesses don't outright say, "Hey! We are Christians over here!!" I mean, that would be kinda weird. But it can be pretty obvious by looking at their name, purpose statement and where they are working. Most people not affiliated with Christ wouldn't go into Indian brothels and employ ex-slave prostitutes as seamstresses in order to give them a new life and a new hope. (thanks Punjammies and International Princess Project!)

And I won't buy something just because the organization is Christian either. For me it is a definite mix of my need at the moment and which organization has the best business and community development model. Some of the best models may or may not be Christian organizations. Take one of my favorite shoe companies, Chooze shoes. Both Adeline and I love these shoes for her. They are cute, whimsical, playground and everyday wearable, and best of all she can get them on all by herself. Their anti-poverty program is FAR superior to any other shoe options, which are all basically handout programs. Now, I have absolutely NO IDEA if Chooze is run by a bunch of nature-worshiping pagans or a bunch or God-fearing Christians. I do know that I am helping lift women out of poverty. And I feel better about that than buying another pair of TOMS which perpetuates the cycle of dependency on the West. 

2. What is a "good cause"?  

Wow. This one is even trickier. What is good? A strict theological interpretation of good would take us to something along the lines of "whatever brings God the most glory".

What about a definition of cause?  Living in Austin I know all too well that pretty much anything can be a "cause." Is reforestation a cause? Sure. What about people? Are they really causes? I don't like to relate to my fellow brothers and sisters like that. Lets call people community. 

So, we have community building organizations and cause organizations. Now for combining the "good" with the "cause."

Can a non-Christian organization working on creating fair working conditions for laborers in the garment industry in China bring God glory?

What about a an organization run by Christians although not outright Christian, working on fair trade products and subsequent poverty relief, but not engaged in any sort of gospel sharing mission? 

What about a Christian stated organization focusing its efforts on something completely off the wall? Rescuing Atalantic Sea Slugs or something? (I do believe that environmental efforts are good cause worthy, by the way, just trying to think of something zaney). Is that organization bringing glory to God? They are not focusing on the least of these (well, now, maybe the Atlantic Sea Slug really is the least of the least...), but they are doing it in God's name. 

Is the cause of Christ the only one you consider good? 

Shopping justly is a mixed bag of a whole lot of different ethos swirled together. I have found, though, that the majority, have the heart of Christ at the center. It is, however, your money. Spend it how you will. 

So there you go Emily, everything you ever wanted in an answer. Short, succinct and to the point.