A thoughtful approach to Biblically Responsible Investing:
At its core, Biblically Responsible Investing applies Scripture directly. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." If everyday actions can glorify God, so can investing.
BRI is often misunderstood. Some assume it is mainly a financial boycott, a political statement, or an attempt to punish companies we disagree with. While Biblically Responsible Investing does avoid owning businesses engaged in immoral practices, its primary purpose is stewardship, not outrage or activism.
At its heart, Biblically Responsible Investing is positive, not reactionary. It honors God with every part of life, including our finances. Jesus teaches us to show our faith openly, so others "may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Even if culture never changes, BRI matters. Faithfulness is not tied to outcomes.
Simply put, Biblically Responsible Investing is less about forcing companies to behave better and more about stewarding what God has entrusted to us with alignment and integrity consistent with Biblical ethics and convictions.
A thoughtful approach to Biblically Responsible Investing uses three disciplines: Endorse, Engage, and Exclude. These will be covered in future blog posts.
At Oakstreet Financial, we help faith-driven Americans Invest on Purpose. We build a plan that brings confidence and peace. If you would like to explore whether this approach is right for you, we invite you to start a conversation with us.
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This content and the Endorse, Engage, and Exclude framework referenced here are adapted from Robert Netzly’s Biblically Responsible Investing: On Wall Street as It Is in Heaven and applied within Oakstreet Financial’s broader stewardship-focused investment process. Robert’s book is available at https://canonpress.com/products/biblically-responsible-investing-a-wake-up-call-to-christians-everywhere.