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Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions

Christianity and Business Ethics

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Can you be a good Christian and run a good business?

A Christian approach could be described by either a Natural Law approach, which most Roman Catholics would follow, or a Situation Ethics approach, which might appeal more to Protestant Christians. There are also many businesses set up on Christian principles, as well as groups that support Christian business leaders, providing advice and a forum for discussion about how to be effective in business without compromising their faith. Christians would want tolook at what the Bible says about Business too.

The Bible and Business

The Bible condemns lending money for interest, and in Luke 6:35 Jesus says: "Lend, hoping for nothing in return". This explains why for centuries there were no Christian banks. There are also many teachings about greed, which was one of the seven deadly sins. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul says, famously, "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness." Clearly it is wrong for Christians to enter business purely to make money.

However, when a Christian provides a service, or makes a product, there is no reason why this should not be profitable. In fact, the Protestant Work Ethic, a concept that Max Weber based on the teaching of Calvin, considers hard work to be part of one's calling, and worldly success a sign or result of personal salvation. In fact, there is a movement among some of the larger, evangelical churches, particularly in America, called Prosperty Theology that sees personal wealth or success as a sign of God's favour. If a man is prosperous or successful in business, he has been blessed by God.

As well as 'Do not covet', which reinforces other teaching on greed, the 10 commandments include "Do not steal" and "Do not lie" (bear false witness). Christians in business would not get involved with espionage, as this is underhand and is really the theft of ideas.

The prophet Amos highlighted the unjust way that the poor were treated. A Christian in business would support a decent level of pay, and would avoid sourcing materials or products produced in sweatshops or by child labour. Amos highlighted the practice of using false weights and measures. A weight would be hollowed out, so that when you thought you were getting, say, a kilo of corn, you would be getting less. In the modern business world, as well as being honest a Christian would avoid selling inferior goods or products.

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