Relationships

What Is Cancel Culture and How Should Christians Respond to It?

The act of canceling ultimately calls for cutting a person, business, or organization off completely. In most cases, public apologies are no longer accepted. There is no corrective course of action. And anyone who continues to support something that’s been canceled is also publicly outed and canceled.

Cancel Culture is unforgiving. Living in a constant brood of unforgiveness can lead to bitterness. This can harm our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The Mayo Clinic cites that, “Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for improved health and peace of mind. Forgiveness can lead to: healthier relationships, improved mental health, less anxiety, stress and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, a stronger immune system, improved heart health and an improved self-esteem.”

Scripture states, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:14-15).

Additionally, Paul writes, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Everyone does wrong. Eventually we all hurt people, whether we intend to or not. But thankfully, we find grace in Jesus. In turn, we are called to forgive others. Cancel culture is merciless. It shames and shuns. Christians are called to forgive. The next time you’re approached about Cancel Culture, remind others that people change, they grow, mature. While you may have to create space between yourself and someone or something for a period of time, believe that God can bring about reconciliation.

Cancel culture is an aggressive form of online shaming. In extreme cases “activists” harass people, business and organizations until vengeance is achieved. They punish someone for an offense without mercy. And this movement is ever changing. One social media group dedicated to this very cause asks the daily question, “What are we looking to cancel today?” Every day that list gets longer and longer.

So how should Christians respond to Cancel Culture? Scripture states, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Continue to extend the grace that Christ gives us.

As Christians we are called to live like Christ, and Cancel Culture is not Jesus Culture.

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/shuang paul wang

Victoria Mejias is an international speaker and blogger. She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Omaha and holds a Certificate in Urban Ministries from the Dallas Theological Seminary’s Urban Ministry Institute. She is a contributing member of Wholly Loved Ministries and former Pastor who has spoken on leadership, diversity, spirituality and faith. Victoria is the recipient of two U.S. Congressional awards for her exemplary service to the community, has two children, loves the Lord and reaching the lost. To learn more, visit her online at www.victoriaelizabeth.com.