A Christian Perspective on Big Tech: Navigating Ethics, Faith, and Investments

Big Tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are everywhere and shaping how we work, connect, and even think. But as Christians, investing in these companies can feel like walking a tightrope. On one hand, they offer incredible opportunities for growth and innovation. On the other, they’ve been at the center of controversies like censorship, data privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas that can make any believer pause. Add to that the challenges of being a Christian in a secular corporate environment, and it’s no wonder many of us feel torn.

My fascination with Big Tech started early. As a teenager, I was a huge gamer, and Halo was my gateway into the world of Microsoft. Around the same time, I took a computer technology class in junior high where I learned about the epic battles between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs with Apple vs. Microsoft. It was fascinating, and honestly, those early days were some of the first indicators of why I’m a business-minded person today. When it came to choosing a “team,” Microsoft won me over, and that loyalty has stayed with me ever since. Today, I’m a proud Microsoft investor and user from my Surface to my Xbox and I deeply admire leaders like Satya Nadella, who is open about his Christian faith.

I’m also an Amazon shareholder, drawn to their customer-centric approach and their support for faith-based content like the House of David series on Prime. But let’s be real—no company is perfect, and Big Tech is no exception. So, how do we, as Christians, navigate these complexities? Can we invest in Big Tech with a clear conscience? And what should we keep in mind as we steward our resources in a world that often feels at odds with our faith?

In this post, we’ll explore the ethical concerns, the quiet presence of faith in Big Tech, and practical tips for Christian investors. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just curious about the companies you support, this is a conversation worth having. Let’s dive in.

Why Big Tech Worries Christian Investors

For many Christians, investing in Big Tech comes with a mix of excitement and unease. Here are some of the key concerns:

Censorship and Free Speech: Many believers are troubled by how Big Tech platforms handle content, especially when it comes to silencing or shadow-banning faith-based voices. This raises questions about supporting companies that may not align with Christian values.
Data Privacy and Surveillance: The way Big Tech collects and uses personal data can feel invasive. As Christians, we’re called to honor and protect others, making this a key ethical concern.
Cultural Influence: Big Tech plays a huge role in shaping societal values, often promoting ideologies that conflict with biblical principles. This can make investing in these companies feel like a compromise.
Workplace Challenges: For Christians working in Big Tech, the environment can feel isolating or even hostile to faith. This adds another layer of complexity for believers who want to engage with the industry.

The Quiet Presence of Faith in Big Tech:

Despite these challenges, faith is still alive in the tech world. Many Christians are making an impact behind the scenes, even if their faith isn’t always visible. Some are open about their beliefs, while others choose to stay quiet—but their presence is a powerful reminder that faith can thrive in unexpected places.

Christians in Leadership

Leaders like Satya Nadella at Microsoft demonstrate that Christians can lead with integrity and innovation, even in a secular industry. While these companies aren’t perfect, the presence of believers in leadership is a testament to the influence of faith in shaping corporate culture. Satya, for example, has spoken openly about how his Christian beliefs inspire his emphasis on empathy and ethical AI development.

Everyday Believers

Countless Christians work in Big Tech, striving to live out their faith in a challenging environment. Their presence is a reminder that the mission field isn’t just overseas—it’s in boardrooms, coding sessions, and design labs too. Many of these believers are making a difference in small but meaningful ways, whether it’s through their work ethic, their relationships with colleagues, or their commitment to ethical practices.

The Silent Believers

Not all Christians in Big Tech are open about their faith. Many choose to stay quiet, not because they’re ashamed of their beliefs, but because they’re navigating a corporate environment that can be hostile to Christianity. For these believers, speaking openly about their faith could mean risking their careers, reputations, or influence. Leaders like Tim Cook (who is rumored to be a Christian) often avoid discussing their faith to prevent unnecessary controversy or distractions from their work.

While it’s understandable why some Christians stay quiet, their silence can have unintended consequences. It can lead to missed opportunities to influence their workplaces with Christian values, create a sense of isolation, and slow the cultural shift toward normalizing faith-based perspectives in the tech industry. As Christians, we can support these silent believers by praying for their courage, advocating for workplaces where faith is respected, and reminding them that they’re not alone.

Faith-Based Initiatives

Projects like Amazon’s House of David series show that faith-based content is gaining traction, even in secular spaces. This signals a shift in how faith is being received and supported by major platforms. It’s a reminder that, even in an industry often seen as secular, there’s room for stories and values rooted in Christianity.

Faith in the C-Suite: Christian Leaders in Big Tech:

When it comes to investing in Big Tech, leadership matters. The values and vision of a company’s CEO often trickle down to shape its culture, priorities, and decisions. For Christian investors, knowing which leaders share our faith can provide both encouragement and insight. Here’s a look at some of the biggest Big Tech companies and their Christian CEOs (or former CEOs):

1. Microsoft: Satya Nadella

Role: CEO since 2014.
Faith: Satya Nadella is openly Christian and has spoken about how his faith influences his leadership style. In his book Hit Refresh, he writes about the importance of empathy, a value rooted in his Christian beliefs.
Impact: Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has focused on innovation, inclusivity, and ethical AI development. While the company isn’t explicitly faith-based, Nadella’s values have helped shape a more purpose-driven culture.

2. Oracle: Safra Catz

Role: CEO since 2014 (co-CEO until 2019).
Faith: Safra Catz is Jewish, not Christian, but her leadership emphasizes integrity and strong ethical standards, which align with many Christian values.
Impact: Oracle has been a major player in cloud computing and enterprise software, with a focus on innovation and customer trust.

3. Google/Alphabet: Sundar Pichai

Role: CEO of Alphabet (Google’s parent company) since 2019.
Faith: Sundar Pichai has not publicly discussed his personal faith in detail, but he has emphasized values like humility and service, which resonate with Christian principles.
Impact: Pichai has led Google through significant growth and innovation, though the company has faced criticism over issues like data privacy and censorship.

4. Amazon: Andy Jassy

Role: CEO since 2021 (replacing Jeff Bezos).
Faith: Andy Jassy has not publicly discussed his faith, but Amazon’s support for faith-based content like the House of David series suggests an openness to Christian values.
Impact: Under Jassy’s leadership, Amazon has continued to prioritize customer satisfaction and innovation, while also expanding its support for diverse content.

5. Apple: Tim Cook

Role: CEO since 2011.
Faith: Tim Cook has not publicly identified with a specific faith, but he has spoken about the importance of values like equality and social justice, which align with many Christian principles.
Impact: Cook has led Apple to become one of the most valuable companies in the world, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.

6. Facebook/Meta: Mark Zuckerberg

Role: CEO since 2004.
Faith: Mark Zuckerberg was raised Jewish but has described himself as agnostic. However, he has expressed interest in the role of faith in building community, which is central to Meta’s mission.
Impact: Zuckerberg has transformed Facebook into a global social media giant, though the company has faced significant scrutiny over issues like data privacy and misinformation.
Personal Note: I’ll be honest—Mark Zuckerberg is my least favorite CEO in Big Tech. I feel he often shifts his stance to whatever benefits him most, lacking loyalty and genuine care for the well-being of his employees and customers. Facebook is my least favorite social media platform because it feels like a time capsule of people stuck in the past, and Instagram, while visually appealing, often feels like a thirst trap. That said, I do own a Meta Quest 3, and I appreciate Zuckerberg’s vision for the metaverse. While the Horizon Worlds platform still needs a lot of work, it’s the only Meta product I genuinely enjoy and see potential in.

Practical Tips for Christian Investors:

If you’re considering investing in Big Tech, here are some practical steps to help you navigate the complexities:

Do Your Research: Look into the values and practices of the companies you’re investing in. Are they aligned with your faith and ethical standards?
Engage as a Stakeholder: Use your voice as an investor to advocate for ethical practices. Shareholder activism can be a powerful tool for change. The more Christians invest in these companies, the more influence we can have. By pooling our resources and voices, we can push for policies that reflect our values—whether it’s supporting faith-based content, promoting ethical data practices, or fostering inclusive workplaces. Remember, investing isn’t just about returns; it’s about stewardship and making an impact.
Diversify Your Portfolio: Consider balancing investments in Big Tech with faith-based or ethically aligned companies. This approach allows you to support positive change while minimizing risk.
Pray for Discernment: Ultimately, seek God’s guidance in how to steward your resources wisely. He cares about every aspect of our lives, including our finances.

Making an Impact: How Christians Can Shape the Tech Industry:

As Christians, we’re not just called to navigate the complexities of the tech industry, but we’re called to influence it. While investing and working in Big Tech are important steps, we can go further by actively promoting institutions, values, and initiatives that reflect our faith. Here are some practical ways to make a difference:

1. Support Faith-Based Tech Education

Institutions like Bethel School of Technology are training the next generation of Christian tech professionals. By supporting these schools—whether through donations, partnerships, or simply spreading the word, we can help equip believers to bring their faith into the tech world. Imagine a future where more Christians are leading in AI development, software engineering, and data ethics, shaping these fields with biblical values.

2. Advocate for Christian Values in the Workplace

If you’re a business leader or investor, use your influence to advocate for values that align with your faith. This could mean:

Pushing for ethical data practices that respect user privacy.
Supporting faith-based content and initiatives within tech platforms.
Promoting workplace cultures that value integrity, empathy, and inclusivity.

3. Build Bridges Between Faith and Tech

Christians in tech have a unique opportunity to build bridges between the church and the industry. This could look like:

Hosting conferences or workshops that explore the intersection of faith and technology.
Writing articles, creating podcasts, or speaking at events to share a Christian perspective on tech issues.
Mentoring young believers who are interested in tech careers, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities.

4. Invest in Faith-Driven Startups

Look for startups and companies that are founded on Christian principles or are working to solve problems in ways that align with our values. By investing in these ventures, we can help create a tech ecosystem that reflects God’s heart for justice, creativity, and stewardship.

5. Pray for the Tech Industry

Never underestimate the power of prayer. Pray for leaders in the tech industry, for ethical innovation, and for opportunities to share the gospel in this space. Pray for Christians working in tech to have courage, wisdom, and influence.

Stewardship in a Complex World:

Investing in Big Tech as a Christian isn’t a black-and-white decision. It’s a journey that requires wisdom, discernment, and a willingness to engage with the complexities of our modern world. While there are valid concerns about censorship, data privacy, and ethical dilemmas—there are also opportunities to support positive change and be a light in industries that shape our culture.

As Christians, we’re called to be stewards of the resources God has given us. That means not only seeking financial returns but also considering how our investments align with our faith and values. Whether it’s supporting companies led by believers like Satya Nadella, advocating for ethical practices as shareholders, or simply being a faithful presence in the workplace, we have the power to make an impact.

But let’s be real: no investment is perfect. Even faith-based asset management funds or companies that align closely with Christian values may still have practices or partnerships that don’t fully reflect our beliefs. And that’s okay. Part of viewing investments through a Christian lens is coming to grips with the fact that we live in a fallen world. While it would be nice to have an entire portfolio that’s 100% aligned with our values, it’s not always feasible—and that’s not necessarily the point.

At the end of the day, many of us invest to achieve financial freedom, provide for our families, or support causes we care about. These are good and God-honoring goals. So, while it’s important to strive for alignment with our faith, we also need to remember the bigger picture. If a company isn’t perfect but still helps us achieve those goals, it’s okay to invest while also advocating for change from within.

Big Tech and Faith: Navigating the Complexities as a Christian Investor