Questions & Answers

The Bible does not give specific counsel, one way or another, regarding a Christian's membership and active participation in labor unions, trade unions, or professional guilds as such. Modern trade unions are normally traced historically back to the medieval trade guilds, but these kind of groups existed at the time of the Bible (see, for example, Acts 19:23ff.) yet no commands or prohibitions regarding them are given in Scripture. To join or not to join becomes a matter of Christian freedom to be decided on the basis of love, wisdom, motive, and specific circumstances about a specific group and its purposes.

Religiously, trade unions normally do not require any participation in false worship or a compromise in doctrine and practice as normally defined. Occasionally certain labor organizations (especially local ones) may end up with religious affiliations that spell potential trouble (for example, an assumed membership with the Masonic Lodge may be part of the larger picture). Economically, trade unions (or employers for that matter) need not be guilty of exploitation or loveless oppression, but may end up being guilty of that. Christians need to examine and appraise the guild or union in question and may proceed with an informed and clear conscience.