A boycott is being declared.
One Million Moms (1MM), a conservative group, has launched a campaign against the NIV Upside-Down Kingdom Bible: Think Deeply/Love Widely published by Zondervan. The group argues that the study Bible promotes “woke theology” and diverges from traditional biblical teachings. They are urging Christians to avoid purchasing the Bible and to sign a petition pledging to boycott it, claiming that the Bible incorporates aspects of theological and gender diversity, which they believe align with modern Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) values.
The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible addresses various social issues, including race, ethnicity, gender, abortion, and environmentalism, and includes contributions from scholars like Preston Sprinkle, the general editor and president of The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, which advocates for LGBT+ inclusivity. 1MM, however, believes that the Bible’s approach reflects a “woke” perspective that contradicts core Christian beliefs.
In response, Zondervan defended the Bible, stating its purpose is to provide biblical guidance on contemporary issues while adhering to evangelical Christian principles. They emphasized that all contributors are respected biblical scholars who affirm the authority of Scripture, and the Bible’s content was carefully reviewed to ensure it aligns with Christian values while offering thoughtful reflections on modern-day challenges.
Despite Zondervan’s defense, 1MM continues to oppose the publication, voicing concerns that the Bible could mislead Christians by distorting biblical truths. The group also urged Zondervan to reconsider publishing this material, arguing it poses a spiritual danger. This is not the first time Zondervan has faced criticism, as the publisher was also scrutinized in 2011 for introducing gender-neutral language in an update to the NIV Bible, which upset many conservative Christian groups.
While 1MM and others remain critical, some experts contend that engaging with modern societal issues through a biblical lens does not compromise the faith, but instead helps provide valuable insights into current challenges. However, the controversy continues, with some conservative voices arguing that Zondervan is yielding too much to cultural trends.