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.