Liberty Counsel’s Matthew Staver is out with a “Naughty & Nice” list for stores this holiday—excuse me, Christmas—season.
If the store doesn’t specifically use the word “Christmas” in its store promotion, it goes on the “naughty” list and all God-fearing Christians are expected to boycott the business. Home Depot made that list by using phrases such as “Holiday Gift Center” and “Holiday Decorations.” Others on the list: K-Mart, Nordstorm, Best Buy, Gap, Sprint and Office Max. “Nice” businesses include Amazon, Macy’s, JC Penny, WalMart and American Eagle Outfitters.
Humbug! There are much bigger issues for Christians. For instance, are those on the “nice” list actually abiding by “Christian” principles in their business practices? Does the business treat its employees fairly with benefits and a livable salary? Does it refuse to buy items made in overseas “sweat shops.” Is it conducting business ethically or is it engaging in predatory pricing to put other stores out of business?
As I mentioned just Monday, these narrow litmus tests often miss the larger—and eternal—issues. So, while I’m at it . . .
