Christian values-based investing has become increasingly popular in recent years. For devout Christians who want their money to align with their faith, it provides a way to ensure investments mesh with beliefs. There are several approaches Christians can take, from screening out companies involved in practices objectionable to Christians to actively investing in organizations that promote religious values. This article provides an overview of Christian investment options, things to consider, and leading providers of biblically responsible investing.
Avoiding investments in companies against Christian values is a key priority
Many Christians want to avoid investing in companies engaged in practices contrary to their religious beliefs. Common screens include avoiding firms involved in abortion, LGBTQ issues, pornography, alcohol, tobacco, gambling and weapons. Christians may also want to avoid companies with poor human rights records, environmental damage and unfair labor practices. By screening out such companies, Christians can invest without violating their moral convictions.
Actively investing in companies upholding Christian tenets is also important
Beyond simply avoiding companies against their values, many Christians want to proactively invest in firms aligned with their beliefs. They may seek out companies with charitable programs, environmental stewardship and fair business practices. Certain Christians also look to invest in organizations specifically promoting religious values, such as producers of faith-based media and book publishers. This allows them to use their money to actively further their faith.
Biblically responsible investing firms can tailor approaches to specific Christian denominations
Christians are not monolithic, and different denominations have varying social concerns. Firms specializing in Christian investing often allow custom screening to fit the priorities of Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans and other specific sects. For example, Catholics may emphasize avoiding abortion and birth control manufacturers more than other groups. Investors should look for providers able to tailor portfolios closely to their denomination’s vision.
Community investing and shareholder advocacy are other options for Christian investors
Beyond screening approaches, some Christians pursue community investing aligned with their values. This involves directing capital to non-profits or social enterprises addressing specific issues like affordable housing or economic development. Christians can target investments to assist the poor and marginalized. Shareholder advocacy is another approach, where Christian investors use their ownership stakes in companies to push for change on religious priorities.
Leading Christian investment firms include faith-based institutions and specialized advisors
A number of leading firms offer biblically responsible investing services catered to Christians. Major Christian denominations like Catholics, Lutherans and Methodists operate investment arms screening for their specific values. There are also firms like Praxis Mutual Funds and Eventide Funds specializing in Christian-oriented portfolios. Larger brokerages like Merrill Lynch offer biblically responsible options as well. Christians have an array of choices to invest according to their faith.
Biblically responsible investing allows Christians to align investments with their religious values, either by screening out objectionable companies or proactively investing in organizations promoting faith. Leading Christian investment firms provide customized services catered to specific denominations. With values-based investing, Christians can build wealth without compromising their beliefs.