Let's be honest. This is not an easy topic to talk about, but I feel it's a necessary one nonetheless. The rise of the cancel culture across the globe has very serious implications for the future of free speech and can see innocent (and often, misunderstood) people being the target for abuse and discrimination. One group of people who have been the recipient of the so-called "cancel culture" are Christians.

For the record, I would like to say that there are times when it would be appropriate for someone to be "cancelled". This, I believe, should only really apply in extreme circumstances where the 1% of people (e.g. extremists) who seek to cause harm to others. But the reaming 99% of cases, I feel, shouldn't be subject to this.

Before I elaborate more on this and dig into how Christians should respond, it’s worth mentioning what cancel culture is along with a few examples. Cancel culture is when people stop supporting or publicly criticise someone due to their action opinions, often leading to social to professional consequences (e.g. getting sacked) In other words, people are ostracised or boycotted for comments or actions perceived as offensive.

In recent years, this as become an important issue for Christians, especially with the rise of social media and online platforms. For example, in 2018 a family run bakery, known as Ashers Baking Company, faced prosecution for decline an order for a same-sex marriage campaign cake because it conflicted with their faith. Another example includes the Chick-fil-A, where, in 2012, the company's president, Dan Cathy, faced backlash was immediate, with calls to "cancel" the company and boycott their products for supporting the “biblical definition of the family unit”.

In these challenging circumstances, it's worth asking, "How should Christians respond to the growing trend of cancelling others online?".

Grace and Forgiveness

In light of cancel culture, it's important to seek grace and forgiveness for those who have attempt to "cancel" us for our beliefs. After all, cancel culture stands in contrast to the Christian mandate to forgive and restore.

For example, Matthew 18:21-22 reminds us that when Peter asked how many times shall we forgive those who sinned against us, Jesus responded saying "not seven times, but seventy-seven times". Likewise, we are instructed to be "kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32) and to forgive as the Lord forgave us (Colossians 3:13).

Be Peacemakers in the Online Space

As we navigate the online world of social media, Christians have a responsibility to encourage healthy conversations and disagreement with love, instead of resorting to online attacks.

In a culture of outrage, we have a role to lead by example and to set the tone online by responding to conflict with kindness, humility, and a willingness to understand. As Matthew 5:9 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.". We are the mediators of peace and not conflict. Every word which is uttered, and every interaction we produce online, should reflect God's glory and reflect His kingdom.

Final Thoughts

In response to the challenges of cancel culture, as Christians, we should reflect on our online behaviour and challenge ourselves to engage in more empathetic conversations. We can start by asking ourselves, "How does my behaviour online seek to bring about peace?".

It's also worth reminding ourselves that the Gospel calls us to a higher standard - a standard of love, forgiveness, and redemption. We are to be part of the solution, fostering a culture of grace, not condemnation.