A guide to faith traditions and their role in investing decisions

Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with advisors who tell me, “My clients are asking about faith-based investing, but I’m not always sure where to start.” It’s a fair concern — when you’re serving people from different backgrounds, it can feel challenging to understand how their values translate into investment decisions.

That’s why I spend time helping advisors explore how various faith traditions approach money and stewardship. Every client interprets their faith in a unique way, but there are some broad principles that consistently come up. Understanding these can give you a helpful foundation for better conversations with your clients.

While not exhaustive, these insights reflect some of the key themes that emerge across faith traditions—and can serve as a starting point for deeper, more meaningful client conversations.

Evangelical / Non-Denominational Christian

Values: Stewardship, generosity, and avoiding investments tied to industries that conflict with biblical teaching.

• Some clients may request the use of “negative screens” to avoid certain industries (abortion, pornography, gambling, alcohol, etc.).
• Growing interest in positive screens — companies that support families, communities, and human flourishing.
• Advisors often note that this group is particularly active in asking for portfolios to reflect clear moral boundaries.

Catholic

Values: Human dignity, care for creation, and the common good.

• Guided by Catholic Social Teaching and USCCB investment guidelines.
• Some Catholic clients may request avoidance of industries that they believe to be contrary to Church teaching (abortion, contraception, exploitative labor).
• Encouragement of investments promoting justice, environmental stewardship, and respect for life.

Mainline Protestant

Values: Social justice, creation care, and responsible corporate citizenship.

• Emphasis on shareholder advocacy and proxy voting.
• Common focus on racial justice, climate change, and human rights.
• In conversations with advisors, these clients are often described as being interested in “using their voice” as investors.

Jewish traditions

Values: Justice (tzedek), repairing the world (tikkun olam), and community responsibility.

• Ethical investing often guided by principles from Jewish law and tradition.
• These clients may express interest in supporting businesses that they feel promote fairness, sustainability, and community well-being.
• Avoidance of companies tied to exploitation, corruption, or harmful practices.

Islamic (Sharia-Compliant Investing)

Values: Ethical stewardship, prohibition of interest (riba), and alignment with Sharia principles.

• Sharia-compliant investing often involves excluding industries such as alcohol, gambling, pork, and conventional banking/finance.
• Investments screened for excessive debt or non-compliant revenue streams.
• Strong focus on shared risk and social responsibility.

Hindu traditions

Values: Stewardship, non-harm (ahimsa), and alignment with dharma.

• Emphasis on avoiding harm to people, animals, or the environment.
• Some clients may express interest in areas like renewable energy, healthcare, or education, reflecting stewardship and alignment with dharma.
• Attention to sustainability and long-term balance.

Buddhist traditions

Values: Compassion, mindfulness, and avoiding harm.

• Some clients may prefer investments they feel promote well-being and avoid industries they associate with suffering (weapons, exploitative labor, animal cruelty).
• Focus on sustainable, mindful, and socially beneficial enterprises.

Why this matters for advisors

Every faith tradition carries distinct values, and every individual interprets them uniquely. For advisors, being aware of these perspectives can:

• Build trust with clients by honoring their convictions.
• Help uncover goals that go beyond performance — such as impact, justice, or alignment with spiritual principles.
• Position you to offer solutions that reflect both financial and faith priorities.

A note on individual perspectives

It’s important to remember that these are broad themes drawn from faith traditions, not strict rules that every client will follow. Within each religion — and even within each denomination — individuals interpret and live out their faith in unique ways. The most effective approach is to ask open-ended questions and listen carefully to how clients want their values expressed in their portfolios.

Closing thought

Faith-based investing is as diverse as the clients you serve. By broadening your understanding of how different traditions approach money and values, you can create space for richer conversations and stronger relationships — helping clients invest in ways that align with who they are and what they believe.