Few phrases capture the spirit of our age quite like cancel culture. At its core, cancel culture is the practice of shaming, silencing, or cutting off individuals or institutions because of words, beliefs, or actions deemed unacceptable—sometimes from years or decades past. It often happens quickly, loudly, and with little room for explanation, repentance, or growth. While accountability matters, cancel culture frequently replaces justice with judgment and grace with exile.
Cancel culture doesn’t only target celebrities—it also shows up in everyday life. For the sake of brevity, the focus of today’s essay is on the canceling that has filtered down to interpersonal and familial relationships.
At its source, I believe that social media has contributed to this disturbing phenomenon. I’m not condemning all social media—I enthusiastically check my Facebook account to see how friends are doing and to chuckle at amusing memes. And yes, to watch cat videos.
It’s easy to blame the use/misuse of media for the attitude of the cancel culture. Technology itself doesn’t remove the ability to reason or interact, but it can reshape when and how those skills are learned and practiced. We all know individuals whose heads are so far down in their phones or computers that they lack any interpersonal skills.
Whether technology, or social media, or the internet is to blame, the fact remains that the cancel culture is here and we have to deal with it. But how do we respond as Christians when we are cut off entirely for holding a different political or theological view? What actions do we take when a relationship is replaced by removal and when discussion is replaced by distance?
Cancel culture thrives on condemnation rather than restoration. It declares that an individual is permanently unworthy of a voice, platform, or relationship. Scripture, however, tells a different story about how God deals with human failure.
Jesus did not “cancel” the woman caught in adultery. Instead, He said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone” (John 8:7).
One by one, her accusers left. Jesus then spoke both grace and truth: “Neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Accountability without condemnation. Truth without destruction.
Cancel culture lacks this balance. It is quick to expose, slow to forgive, and reluctant to believe that people can change. Yet Scripture reminds us, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8). A culture that forgets this truth becomes harsh and self-righteous.
Why do so many younger adults think canceling is ok? They often base their actions on the narcissistic idea that their beliefs/lifestyles are the way to go, and anything different must be wrong. If you don’t agree with them, you are evil/ignorant/racist/unworthy—choose your pejorative.
I will go so far as to posit that “cancelers” lack a Christian framework for forgiveness, repentance, and transformation. They believe their duty is to call to accountability anyone whose religious belief, political position, or lifestyle is different from theirs.
And rather than attempt a dialogue to resolve or at least understand differences, they mete out their punishment—erasing anyone or anything that disagrees with them. They don’t have the interpersonal skills or character or backbone to deal with disagreement.
As Christians, we should pause and ask what’s wrong with this way of responding—and how are we called to live differently?
First, we speak the truth with grace. Grace does not mean excusing sin; it means believing that redemption is possible. “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).
Second, Scripture calls for wisdom. And wisdom usually means taking a deep breath and figuring out a way to express an opinion instead of outrage. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Not every issue requires an immediate comeback.
Third, we are called to practice humility. We may believe that we are the righteous judges, but the Gospel reminds us otherwise. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3). Humility keeps us honest about our own need for grace.
And finally, we pray for reconciliation and transformation. God is in the business of changing. If you don’t believe it, look at Saul/Paul. If cancel culture had ruled his day, the church would have lost one of its greatest witnesses.
In a culture eager to discard people, Christians are called to stand out as people who restore. That doesn’t mean ignoring harm or pretending everything is fine. It means refusing to believe that a person’s worst moment is his or her final word.
Jesus bore the weight of our sin not to cancel us, but to redeem us. As His followers, we are invited to reflect that same grace—to be people who hold one another accountable and hold open the door to forgiveness.
In a world that cancels, choosing grace is a radical act of faith.
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