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.

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