The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Nelly Kaye of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, from the tape, GC 1301-H, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 10."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. ©1978. All Rights Reserved.

Question

Is it unbiblical to belong to a Labor Union?

Answer

No, and I hasten to add this, the Bible does not say anything about labor unions. The Bible doesn’t say anything about economics and political economics most of all. That is at the discretion of every Christian. It is not more sanctified to be in a non-union shop than a union shop. That just isn’t true. Those things are political and economic.

Question (continued)

Should a Christian strike?

Answer (continued)

When you join a union you pledge a certain amount of support to that union, right? That’s basically what it is, the union seeks to better and improve your job situation on the basis that you will commit yourself to be loyal to their pursuit. Now, I think you have a responsibility as a Christian to submit then and to keep your word to that organization, until such a time as you feel they have violated what is right. And so it comes right down to the place where every Christian must decide for himself and herself whether or not such a strike is a right thing to do. If it is right, if it is equitable, then you can submit to the structure of that union. If on the other hand, it is inequitable, it is unjust, it is unfair, then I think you can go ahead and break the lines and go across and work if you wish, but that is for every Christian to decide. The Bible makes no specific comment in regard to that particular issue. But I think that what you need to do in that case is to get your Bible and go to the sixth chapter of Ephesians and you need to read that through carefully there where you have God’s divine labor relations all laid out, how you are to function and it talks about a master and a servant and it means an employer and an employee, how you are to function. And when you have done that go to Colossians chapter three and make a comparison of the two, then ask God to give you direction.

I know in my own situation, I used to be in local 770, when I was a kid working in high school in the market. And there were times when I submitted and times when I did not submit. And they were based upon what I felt was right. I remember that I was in a situation and the union wanted me to stand up in front and raise my hand and swear loyalty to the union and in my own conscience I felt that I couldn’t swear by any thing. That I couldn’t swear my allegiance to anything in this world other than Jesus Christ, that’s just where I was in my understanding and so I said I’m not going to do that, and so they picked me up bodily, the guy threw me on the street, on Hollywood Boulevard. And then of course they came back next week to get my dues and get me back in again. And at that point I submitted and I was willing to be a part, I just didn’t feel I could pledge my allegiance to any other than Jesus Christ. Now that was my own conscience at that point and I’m not trying to set down a law for you, but I think that’s the rule by which you have to function in the economic, political world in which we live. You’ve got to be responsible as a Christian. God doesn’t give you these kind of pat answers, don’t strike, do this… You’ve got to work your own situation under the energy, power, and direction of the Holy Spirit.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Our websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986