How Roundup's Connection to the Manufacturing of Munitions Calls Us to Be Alert

Most of us think of weed killer when we think of Roundup, but it turns out it’s used for more than just killing unwanted plants. This agricultural product is connected to warfare in some surprising ways. The production of munitions and this herbicide are connected. Roundup contains glyphosate, which is a widely used herbicide and requires white phosphorus. The white phosphorus is a key component in military incendiary weapons and smoke screens. Bayer, which owns Roundup, is also the manufacturer of Monsanto, the sole U.S. manufacturer of white phosphorus. While Roundup itself is not a weapon, its chemical supply chain is tied to materials used in munitions, raising ethical and spiritual questions about stewardship, industry, and human responsibility. 

Roundup was developed by Monsanto in the 1970’s and is widely used globally as a weed killer by disrupting plant growth processes. The product is the most commonly used herbicide in history. The chemical is used in agriculture, lawns, and public spaces. Over the years, there have been legal actions regarding the product, as questions about its safety and environmental impact continue to be investigated. Roundup is a key component of the modern industrial farming system. Most U.S. soybeans, cotton, and sugar beets are engineered to grow when directly sprayed with Roundup, allowing farmers to kill weeds without harming the crops. No-till and conservation farming are achieved by replacing mechanical plowing with herbicide application. This reduces soil erosion and fuel consumption. Roundup prevents global crop losses due to weeds, without Roundup, it is estimated the cost of food would increase by $10 billion annually and raise produce prices by 35-45%. 

Genesis 2:15 states, "The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” As we consider the widespread use of this product and the many ways this chemical compound is used in our world, we must carefully assess whether we are using creation responsibly or exploiting it. 

The Connection and Concern of Roundup to Munitions

The ingredients manufactured solely by the producers of Roundup are also used in military applications. Glyphosate, the primary ingredient in Roundup, contains phosphorus. The white phosphorus manufactured by Monsanto is a key material used in smoke screens and incendiary weapons. This dual-use chemical infrastructure connects agriculture and defense manufacturing. The connection between the two industries is indirect, as Roundup on its own is not a weapon. Shared supply chains and raw materials are how the two industries are linked. They are both produced by the same manufacturer. As food production and military supplies are both matters of national security, this industry is vital. Oftentimes, governments classify chemical production as strategically important because it can serve the country's agricultural needs and support military supply chains. We have an interest in protecting glyphosate production, as without it, our economy, food supply, and military would be negatively affected. Although we can feel the ethical tension as consumers when we realize that the same systems that help grow our food can also support warfare. We have to ask if Christians should be concerned about dual-use technologies.  Ecclesiastes 3:8 states, 

"A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” 

The Bible acknowledges that we live in a fallen world. We often struggle through wartime, and we all hope for peace. As believers, we are to champion God’s heart for peace. Matthew 5:9 reminds us that the peacemakers are blessed. We are to pursue peace even in complex systems. Proverbs 14:34 states, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” God is aware of all that happens in our world. Nations, leaders, industries, and citizens are accountable to God for their actions. 

The Challenge of Ethical Living in Our Modern World 

That being said, being ethical stewards is complex in our modern world! So many industries are connected in ways we as consumers aren’t aware of and have no control over. Many everyday products are connected to larger systems we don’t see. Separating ourselves from these systems is often nearly impossible, as we are dependent on modern farming practices for our nourishment. Things that can be done include advocating for better practices. We can find more ways to locally source our food or grow our own, so we are not so dependent on mega farms and the chemicals they use. We can pray for daily discernment on how to live a conscientious and ethical life. Romans 12:2 states, 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

God leads us through this murky world by his grace. We must stay as informed as we can, think critically about problems our world faces and our role in solving them, seek wisdom when we are unsure how to proceed, and pray for God’s mercy to be on our world. 

3 Questions to guide us ethically:

1. How do we live with awareness without fear? 
2. What is our role in the issues our world faces? How can we combat paranoia? 
3. How are we as believers praying for our world and staying engaged? 

Holding Corporations Accountable

Corporations hold a greater responsibility for how they wield the power they have. Companies that produce chemicals hold great power in a world that is, in many ways, dependent on their products. Ethical production is vital to the well-being of our world. We must push these companies to remain transparent, create safe products, and to protect our nation from security threats as their products impact food and military munitions. Micah 6:8 reminds,

”He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 

Believers must advocate for ethical practices, environmental care, responsible manufacturing, transparency, and safer products. Justice and mercy matter to the Lord. These corporations hold so much control over how our needs are met as a country! Just practices matter a lot to these large companies. 

Trusting God Amid Complex Systems

Even in a complex and troubling system, God is still in control. Psalm 20:7 reminds, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” We can trust God will bring justice in his perfect timing. He works things for our good! Our hope is not in perfect systems but in Christ. We can look forward to the future we promised, where the world is restored and free from conflict and injustice. Our hearts lament that things are not as they should be in the present; we pray for God to intervene, and we hold onto the hope of Heaven! Roundup’s connection to munitions is indirect but significant through the shared chemical production systems. Our awareness of these connections should help us grow in wisdom rather than become fearful. Christians are here to be faithful stewards, peacemakers, and truth-seekers in our very complex world. 

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/    Daria Nipot