Should Christians Invest in Facebook? With Robert Netzly

Christian talk radio with Rob West

Facebook claims nearly 3 billion monthly users and reaches 60% of people using social media worldwide. Facebook has an enormous impact on public perception today, but too often, that impact is negative. Morally speaking, should Christians invest their money with Facebook? Robert Netzly of Inspire Investing joins Rob West today to help answer that question. Robert Netzly is CEO of Inspire Investing, which offers values-based, Biblically responsible investment options. Facebook has been accused of misdealings in user privacy, political manipulation, mass surveillance, fake news and over-estimating its number of users to increase advertising revenue. And Facebook was in hot water once again following whistleblower testimony by an employee who leaked internal documents to the Wall Street Journal. Those documents and testimony allege a wide range of misconduct and placing profit above ethical responsibility. So can Christian investors in good conscience still own Facebook stock? HOW DOES THE BIBLE ADDRESS ETHICAL INVESTING? Ezekiel 22:12-13 tells us, "'In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; but me you have forgotten,' declares the Lord God. 'Behold, then, I smite My hand at your dishonest gain which you have acquired and at the bloodshed which is among you.'" Proverbs 15:27: He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. Proverbs 16:8, "Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice." Proverbs 21:6, "The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death." WHAT TO DO ABOUT ETHICAL CONCERNS WITH INVESTMENTS: Netzly explains your options for taking action on your convictions with regard to investing: You can screen your investments for biblically responsible issues for free through the screening tool at InspireInsight.com. If so convicted, you may choose to move your money out of investments connected to companies that engage in Biblically objectionable activities. Another option is to use your influence as an investor to try and change a company’s behavior. Corporate engagement is an important part of the faith-based movement. Netzly describes what you can do to make your voice heard in a meaningful way. LISTENER QUESTIONS / TESTIMONIALS: ●A MoneyWise listener shares a program about building character through the repayment of debt. ●A listener asks if she should entertain an offer from a company offering to buy her home for cash. Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to [email protected] Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion! Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.