3 Benefits of Faith-Based Investing with Dr. Finny Kuruvilla

Mar 26, 2025

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When we invest our hard-earned money, we naturally seek a financial return—but could there be other rewards as well?

Faith-based investing offers more than just financial gains. Today, Finny Kuruvilla joins us to explore the deeper impact of aligning our investments with our values.

Dr. Finny Kuruvilla serves as a Co-Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager, and founding member of Eventide Asset Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. He holds an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University, a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, and a bachelor’s degree from Caltech in Chemistry.

Common Objections to Faith-Based Investing

Indeed, Christians might have different views on some of these, but here are three of the most common that Finny hears consistently:

Objection 1: “I’m not responsible for the actions of the companies I invest in.”

Many investors assume that purchasing stocks or mutual funds does not connect them to a company’s actions. However, investing is ownership. When you purchase shares in a company—whether publicly traded or private—you become a partial owner.

If you owned a small business and that business engaged in unethical practices, it would reflect on you. The same principle applies to publicly traded companies. As shareholders, we are tied to the actions and values of the companies we invest in.

Objection 2: “What difference can I make? These companies are too big.”

Some argue that individual investors cannot influence large corporations. However, history shows that even a small percentage of engaged investors can shape corporate values—just like voting in an election, where small margins can determine the outcome.

Through shareholder engagement, faith-driven investors can influence corporate decision-making. Large companies respond to shareholder resolutions, and when values-aligned investors unite, they can steer businesses toward ethical practices.

Objection 3: “Faith-based investing means I’ll underperform financially.”

A common concern is that limiting investment choices to faith-aligned companies will lead to lower returns. However, research suggests otherwise.

Companies with strong ethical foundations—those that treat employees well, operate with integrity, and provide valuable goods and services—tend to outperform over the long term. Businesses that exploit customers or employees may see short-term gains but often struggle in the long run. Faith-based investing is not just morally sound—it’s also financially strategic.

The Three Benefits of Faith-Based Investing

1. Integrity: Investing with a Clear Conscience

The foundation of faith-based investing is the principle of loving our neighbor. Jesus taught us to treat others as we want to be treated (Luke 6:31), and this applies to business and investing as well.

Proverbs 1 warns against pursuing “ill-gotten gain,” or wealth that exploits others. Many mainstream funds include companies engaged in tobacco, gambling, and unethical labor practices.

Investing with integrity means choosing companies that:

Provide valuable goods and services
Treat employees fairly
Operate with transparency and ethical leadership

Business should be about supplying goods and services—not exploiting people. Faith-based investing ensures that we support businesses that contribute to human flourishing.

2. Impact: The Power of Faith-Driven Investors

One of the most compelling reasons for faith-based investing is the ability to make a real impact. History provides powerful examples of how Christian investors have shaped industries and social policies.

A notable case is the role of Christian investors in ending apartheid in South Africa. In the 1970s, a group of faith-driven investors partnered with Reverend Leon Sullivan to pressure corporations like Ford and General Motors to implement anti-apartheid policies within their workplaces. These shareholder resolutions sparked a domino effect, leading other companies to follow suit.

This example demonstrates that investors—when united and strategic—can drive significant cultural and ethical change. Today, faith-driven investors have opportunities to:

Encourage companies to uphold biblical values in business operations
Avoid investing in industries that profit from addiction, exploitation, or human suffering
Promote corporate social responsibility by engaging in shareholder activism

3. Performance: Ethical Investing Can Lead to Strong Returns

Many assume that avoiding certain industries—such as gambling, pornography, or companies that oppose Christian values—means sacrificing returns. However, data suggests that companies with strong ethical principles actually perform better over time.

Most investors define total return as:

Share price return + dividend return

However, a biblical perspective expands total return to include:

Financial return + integrity + impact

Investing in companies that operate with integrity and long-term vision leads to sustainable growth and reduced risk. Ethical companies that treat employees well, focus on quality products, and manage resources wisely often outperform businesses prioritizing short-term profits over long-term stability.

How to Get Started with Faith-Based Investing

For many believers, the idea of faith-aligned investing is a brand-new concept. They strive to honor God in spending, giving, and career choices, but they haven’t considered how their investments align with their faith.

Here’s how to begin:

Use screening tools—Many financial platforms provide tools to evaluate how investments align with Christian values.
Work with faith-driven investment professionals—Christian financial advisors and fund managers can guide you toward biblically responsible portfolios. You can find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) when you go to FaithFi.com and click "Find a Professional."
Explore faith-based funds—Several firms specialize in faith-aligned investments. Eventide is one of many great options available. To find a complete list of faith-based investment funds and companies, visit faithandinvesting.com/faithfi.
Pray for wisdom—Ask God to guide your financial decisions, ensuring that your investments honor Him and advance His kingdom.

Faith-based investing is more than a financial strategy—it’s a movement. As more believers align their financial decisions with their faith, they contribute to a marketplace that reflects God’s heart for justice, integrity, and human flourishing.

When investors choose integrity, prioritize impact, and trust that God honors ethical investing, they participate in kingdom work that extends beyond their own lifetime.

If you’re ready to take the next step, learn more at EventideFunds.com. Faith-based investing isn’t just about returns—it’s about stewardship that glorifies God and blesses others.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

My wife and I inherited a house from a family member, and it's out of state. We would like to keep it and use it for friends and family, but we don't want to rent it out. What are your thoughts on this situation?

Resources Mentioned:

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