faith and business ethics midterm

The scriptures teach that all mankind was

created by God and in the image of God

Christianity operates on the notion that ethics (the study of human character)

logically follows theology (the study of God's character)

Egoism

promotion of the individual pleasure through goods or career success

Utilitarianism

the option which best maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain for all involved

deontological reasoning

the keeping of moral rules such as "Don't harm others

the ultimate goal of christian ethics is to

emulate God's character not for human happiness or fulfillment

We learn God's character by

studying the scriptures

we interpret the scripture through

the unlimited lens of Christ and the holy spirit

the foundation of Christian ethics is

not rules but the changeless character of God

the major difference in Christian ethics and secular ethics is

the central priority is not focused on humans but on God

three divine characteristics which have a direct bearing on ethical decision making are repeatedly emphasized in the Bible

God is Holy
God is Just
God is Loving

Sin

refusal to emulate God- makes us self-seeking rather than seeking God

our job in making decisions is

to line up the lenses of holiness, justice and love so that they align as much as possible

holiness is

the concept of a single minded devotion to God and absolute ethical purity. At its center, holiness calls us to zealously make God our highest priority. It demands that all other concerns such material goods, career goals and even personal relationships b

Jesus says

Our greatest duty is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind

Honesty is crucial for three reasons according to one ethicist

1. it builds trust
2. establishes community
3. protects the dignity of the audience

Christians are called to be

intentional and move across ethnic, gender, age and religious lines

social responsibility is

an organization's obligation to maximize its positive effects and minimize its negative effects on stakeholders

ethics applies to

all levels of work and management

honesty

Your business and its employees are a reflection of yourself, and if you make honest and ethical behavior a key value, your team will follow suit.

trust

firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something

code of ethics

...

code of conduct

...

due process in an employment setting

provides the wrongdoer an opportunity to tell their side of the story before a decision is reached

equal protection in an employment setting

ensures that each individual is treated according to the merits of his or her claim, not on the basis of group membership

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs

integrity

the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness

affirmative actions

a policy in which an individual's color, race, sex, religion or national origin are taken into account by a business or the government in order to increase the opportunities provided to an underrepresented part of society.

at will employee

can be fired at whatever time or in whatever way one pleases-- no up front cessation dates

term employee

the final date of employment is established at the time of hire-- may be extended later-- must have just cause and provide due process to fire them

dual morality

(separation of personal and professional ethics) it challenges Christ's leadership over all things by carving out a special niche that is somehow exempt from his rule

Deuteronomy 8:10-18 - warns us from using what as a false security?

our own strength and wealth

3 major ethical systems of the world:

1. Egoism
2. Utilitarianism
3. Deontological reasoning

We all have traces of our Creator which form the

backbone of our morality

Factors which distort us:

1. nationality
2. education
3. occupation
4. social class
5. gender
6. age
7. place of residence
8. family
9. friendships
10. religious affiliations

Best ethical principle:

model the character of God

Christianity is the only major religion that

requires nothing of you in terms of works

What is the most widely known text in the entire world?

The Holy Scriptures

Grace: He accepts us ___________________

just as we are

Grace: He sets us apart

for his work

Grace: He wants us to ______________ and to _______________ forever

be with him; worship him

The basis for many ethical systems throughout the world are

the principles taught in the scriptures

Christianity operates on the notion that ethics

logically follows theology

We have 2 fundamental rights:

1. right to be treated with dignity
2. right to exercise free will

ethics is

the study of "shoulds" and of doing the "right thing

Zeal for God:

At its center, holiness calls us to zealously make God our highest priority. It demands that all other concerns - material goods, career goals and personal relationships - be considered of lesser importance

The concept of holiness is not violated so long as

the business is a means of honoring God rather than an end in itself

What does holiness abhor?

When a business or any other human activity becomes an idol. When your career, wealth, and desire to please others become more important, then God has been displaced from the primary

Justice - 3 steps to make a decision

1. person must be impartial
2. fair and adequate evidence must be presented
3. both sides have a chance to tell their story before a decision is reached (due process)

Don't live a life based on God,

but live a life led by God

Christian ethics makes provision for the gap between

the high moral aspirations of the theocentric approach and the way we really live

Amount of settlements that were made in discrimination lawsuits with Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and Smith Barney

$200 million

Integrated Christian Approach

The integrated Christian approach does not separate law and ethics. Predicated (found or based) on sovereignty, this view argues that God's moral principles supersede and overshadow human law.