Should a Christian Join the Gideons?

Because the Scriptures do not mention the Gideons, I cannot give you an answer based on explicit Biblical testimony. However, I can cite some principles that should help you reach a decision on this matter.

Who Are the Gideons?

The Gideons International association is an organized group of businessmen that began in 1899 in Wisconsin. The founders came from different denominations and shared a common interest in advancing Christianity, as they understood it.

Accordingly, these gentlemen organized a group of traveling professionals to promote their message. They named themselves the Gideons after the biblical judge who led the Israelites in victory over the pagan Midianites during those "dark ages" of Hebrew history (Judges 6-7).

This movement emphasizes winning "individuals to faith in Christ, particularly through the free distribution of Scripture" (Freundt 1974, 412).

Objections to the Gideons Organization

While we commend the motives of these gracious people—and certainly we agree with the goal they aspire to, namely, the widespread distribution of the Scriptures—we cannot but raise some objections:

Unity in division

The Gideons ignore many fundamentals of biblical truth, combining various denominationalists who agree to work together for a common cause despite significant doctrinal differences.

The movement thus promotes a simulated type of "unity" that contradicts New Testament teaching (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10ff). Unity must be grounded in more than noble motives; it must be anchored in truth, not compromise.

Yoked with denominationalism

Christians are "complete" in Christ (Colossians 2:10). They are to glorify God "in the church" (Ephesians 3:21). They are therefore perfectly capable of proclaiming the true gospel, distributing the Scriptures, etc., without affiliating with a conglomerate of denominationalists.

Why cannot Christians accomplish their own objectives without entering the "yoke" of fellowship with those who teach and practice that which does not conform to the New Testament? (2 Corinthians 6:14). This is puzzling.

A crucial question, therefore, is this: why would a New Testament Christian feel the need to join the Gideons, or any other sectarian association (e.g., The Salvation Army or Promise Keepers), to implement Christ's will?

An inclination in that direction reveals a serious misunderstanding of what true Christianity is about.

For a related discussion, see What's Wrong with the Promise Keepers Movement?