On Phobias, Banning Books, and Boycotts

1. On Phobias

A phobia is an irrational fear such as the fear of heights, spiders, or water. However, we should fear that which poses real dangers to us. We should fear God, which is the beginning of wisdom. This is because God is our Maker and our Judge. He is totally good and we are not. We should also fear things like disease and crime. Because we fear disease, we consult physicians. Because we fear crime, we lock our doors and watch where we go. Perhaps we carry a firearm or have one at home for self-defense.

A conservative view on sexual ethics is sometimes rejected as homophobic or transphobic. However, if the biblical view of sexuality is true and rational (as I have argued), then Christian will fear the expansion of LGBTQ perspectives in society, including the teaching of this ideology to children. This is not irrational, but rational, given the biblical worldview. Simply labeling something as “phobic” does nothing to invalidate the biblical perspective.

2. On Banning Books

Those who do not want LGBTQ-affirming books in public schools are not authoritarian book banners. Rather, they believe these kinds of books should not be there. The First Amendment forbids the civil government from restricting free speech. It does not mean that excluding some books from some places in unconstitutional. But if a law restricted the publication of atheist books or Islam books or Christian books, then that law would be a case of book banning and would violate the First Amendment. Not wanting pro-LGBTQ books in public schools or public libraries is not a case of book banning, but of prudent moral judgment.

3. On Boycotts

It is right to boycott a company that opposes one’s deepest convictions. Recently, I turned around and left a restaurant after I saw the Pride colors displayed. I was already boycotting Budweiser (not hard; I hate their beer) and Target because of their LGBTQ-affirming practices. On my Facebook, I was criticized for cherry-picking and being self-righteous.

My response is that I cannot possibly monitor all the businesses I support, but when I find out that one is supporting Pride, I boycott it. Better something than nothing. Simply because I cannot apply my boycotting across the board does not invalidate boycotting where I can. I don’t see my boycott as self-righteous, but as right moral behavior, since money is vital for cultural formation, deformation, and transformation. I was also criticized for not associating with non-Christians, since I would not go into the establishment. That doesn’t follow since I try to share the gospel or otherwise comment the Christian worldview in all kinds of settings. One could boycott many companies and still interact with people who work there in other settings.

For more from Dr. Groothuis, visit DouglasGroothuis.com

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