Drew and Dr. Joseph Capizzi addressed a major moral headache for modern Christians: Should we be supporting massive corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and Apple? Or are we just feeding a beast that crushes small businesses, mistreats workers, and funds causes that oppose our beliefs? 😬
Catch the whole hour of conversation and insight here.
The Convenience vs. Conscience Battle
Drew starts by laying out the issue: Amazon (and other corporate giants) are everywhere. You don’t even have to think; just click “Buy Now”, and boom 💨, your package arrives. Is that convenience making us complicit in unethical practices? Amazon has been accused of:
-Harsh warehouse conditions (basically an American sweatshop, as one caller put it)
-Driving small businesses out of existence
-CEOs making more money than entire countries
Yet… people still shop there. Why? Because it’s easy, sometimes necessary (especially for single moms juggling two jobs!), and often cheaper.
Boycotts: Do They Even Work? 🛑✋
Dr. Capizzi and Drew talk about boycotts as a tool for change. Some have worked: Bud Light felt the sting of a recent boycott. But Amazon? Walmart? These companies are so massive that skipping a purchase feels like throwing a pebble at a tank.
Dr. Capizzi warns against an extreme, scrupulous mindset where you’re constantly questioning every purchase:
-Can’t buy chocolate? 🍫 (Because child labor)
-No iPhone? 📱 (Because questionable labor practices and Apple’s progressive agenda)
-No big-box stores? 🏬 (Because low wages for workers)
If you start drawing the ethical line, where do you stop?
What Does Catholic Social Teaching Say? ⛪🧐
Dr. Capizzi brings up subsidiarity, a key principle of Catholic social teaching:
Problems should be solved at the lowest possible level—by local communities, families, and small businesses rather than distant, centralized powers.
So, in a perfect world, we’d all shop local and support small businesses. Real life isn’t that simple. Capizzi makes a huge point: people want connection. That’s why small, local businesses still matter.
So… What’s the Right Answer? 🤷🏽♂️
Drew and Dr. Capizzi don’t give a black-and-white rule, but they do suggest a balanced approach:
✅ Be aware of what businesses support and how they treat workers.
✅ Support local businesses whenever it’s practical.
✅ Listen to your conscience: if something really bothers you, maybe it’s a sign.
✅ Don’t go crazy trying to boycott everything, or you’ll end up living off the grid.
(It’s pretty hard to grow your own coffee beans☕.)
The “Little Way” of Shopping
Maybe we can’t tear down corporate giants overnight, but small, intentional choices matter. Supporting your neighborhood coffee shop ☕, shopping at the local bookstore 📚, or choosing an ethical brand when possible… all add up. Catholic social teaching isn’t about guilt; it’s about wisdom and balance.
So, next time you click “Buy Now”… maybe pause for a second. That’s a good start. 😊
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
