Mr. Grudem reflects on each of the chapter’s categories, and clearly illustrates how each of the activities fall. He then lists the 11 aspects of business, which he will address in each chapter. Grudem argues that the basic components of market economics are private property, entrepreneurship, trade, competition, employment, profit, money, inequality, lending, even a fractional reserve banking system are not "neutral" as we often assume. However, they rather inherently God-instituted and God-glorifying (while also containing the potential for misuse and sin). We should therefore "be thankful" for them. He reassures us that businesses are not only to be considered in a negative way but reminds us that they are for the Glory of God. Business people are an imitation of God’s character by representing Him on Earth through the approach of various business activities. We are to “imitate God, in everything you do” (Eph.5:1 NLT). Are things like profit, competition, money and entrepreneurship evil? These are all things that God has given the human race and we should embrace it. We know these things to be true because God says, “Fill the earth and govern it” (Gen.1:28 NLT). In Chapter 1, Ownership, Grudem starts off by saying, “You must not steal,” which are very powerful words (Ex.20:15 NLT). It shows that God wants …show more content…
With the barter system, it took longer for you to get what you wanted because of the trades you would have to make and with the money you have direct access to the goods or service that you desire. The Bible says, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil,” (1 Tim.6:10 NLT). This speaks to the love of money and not money itself. This is for the people who cannot balance money and the world. The feeling of being powerful because of the amount of money they have, will sometimes lead to them taking advantage of certain situations or
A Biblical Worldview would also provide many economic principles filled with wisdom. Such principles include protecting those
In the seventh chapter of Why Business Matters to God, Van Duzer asks readers to answer some questions to see if they have an understanding so far on how they then should do business? Some of the questions included on what the proper purpose of business and what are some of the convenient limit to the practices of business. Some of the major points are the answers to the three questions that were introduced about the summary of business framework. The first main point within the novel is the purpose to serve. The author states that to understand why business matters to God, you have to understand the role that God plays in wanting to profit companies within our world.
Impressive your assignment was straight and to the point. I was really inspired to hear that BB&T, was not just a company that you invest in; it has been an enduring occupation for your spouse for many years. After doing further research on BB&T, I quickly discover that BB&T gives back to the community. Which is important, Colossians 4:1 reminds us of that with the following statement “Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven” (King James Version). One large, public banking corporation, BB&T, has funded grants to more than 60 colleges and universities in the United States to address what the corporation refers to as the “moral foundations of capitalism (Beets, 2015).
The physical aspects of life must line up with the spiritual aspects in a business with a Biblical Worldview. Any business that lasts is organized to line up philosophically, values wise and has the principles that demonstrate the nature of God (Chester, n.d.).
wealth and merchants. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for
Another aspect of business activity that Grudem inquires about is profit. When people think of profit the first thing that comes to mind is making money and a famous saying usually follows that train of thought; money is the root to all evil. This saying is derived from the Bible but the scripture is reworded and taken out of context. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “for the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows”. Because some people feel that money is the root to all evil, they view making a profit as being evil. Grudem explains that making a profit not only helps others, but also corresponds with God’s teaching to subdue the earth in making use of the earth’s resources. Therefore, profit is an indication that I am making good and efficient use of the earth’s resources, thus obeying God’s original “creation mandate” to “subdue” the earth
1. The barter system has been around for a very long time. We even use the barter system in the United states today. The barter system is essentially an exchange of goods and services, something for something, Of course it has evolved over the years. Back then it would be like giving flower in exchange for sugar, but now it is paper currency in exchange for anything.
According to Duzer (2012), In pursuit of God’s purpose, people need to understand the ethical limitations embedded naturally in design of the God’s creation. It is not enough too simply align our businesses purposes with God earthly design, without limitation we still fall short of Gods expectations. God’s creation purpose for business includes businesses that serve the community in a positive way that strides to serve all citizens according to God’s plan. For example, a business might be able to produce more goods and services that would enable the community to flourish. It might create more vocationally rich jobs for its employees by disregarding its duty to provide return to its shareholders (Duzer,
Dr. Wayne Grudem is a New Testament scholar turned theologian, author, and Research Professor of Bible and Theology at Phoenix Seminary, Arizona ("Wayne Grudem," ). In lieu of many of his great accomplishes, Dr. Grudem has also written numerous books and articles. Among those books, he is the author of Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, which advocates a Calvinistic soteriology, the verbal plenary inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible, the body-soul dichotomy in the nature of man, and the complementarian view of gender equality ("Wayne Grudem," ). In 2003, Dr. Grudem released a book titled “Business for the Glory of God: The Bible's Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business”. Within this work, Dr. Grudem tackles
There are a few differences and similarities between the two articles. The main difference that I saw was that Grudem acknowledges that the earth is still okay. He discusses how god still left much that is good on earth. Also he quotes a passage saying how human beings should feel free to use earths resources. Where as Francis does not take that approach much if at all during his article. However they both agree on some things as well. Both authors acknowledge there is a pollution issue. Grudem discusses how humans produce a mass amounts of solid, liquid, and gaseous waste. Francis talks about how pollution has become a part of our daily lives and thats a big issue. Both Grudem and Francis discuss well relevant issues.
There are many Bible verses that relate to business character. Many of them speak of honesty and integrity in business actions. Character is defined as the combination of a person’s ethical and moral qualities, and it is shown through the choices we make. Therefore, as a business owner or decision maker, one needs to consider the impacts the decision may have on others and the community and not be hasty in making the quick decision that may have negative impacts in the future.
This paper will delve into a greater understanding of the following questions. What is the meaning of Worldview? What is meant by each of the four primary aspects of the Biblical worldview: creation, the fall, redemption and restoration? How does free enterprise comport with or reject creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration? How does socialism comport with or reject creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration? How does progressivism support or reject Biblical Worldview?
People are created in the image of God and by design all people belong to God. The people who have chosen to accept God’s promise belong to God forever. Psalm twenty-four is a praise to God, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it”. Everything belongs to God, our life, materials, business, relationships, absolutely everything. God cares deeply about our wealth and health. However, the sin that corrupts our bodies and minds, and there is no guarantee that the Christian business person will prosper. The core of true life is in
This is similar to the study of Kula trade in this week’s lecture, we analysed the system which works through the exchange of precious necklaces for goods. Clear in both examples was how important it was to have secured long-term relationships built on trust in order to be able to trade. In the example of Kula the featured family had not been involved in the trade for 25 years, and this meant that there were no trust relationships between this family and other Kula tribes. This is similar to an example in the case study where connections with one woman were completely cut as it was felt that she did not reciprocate in swaps. The lecture overall showed alternatives to the market economy, with the example of a gift economy. Yet, the combination of both show that whilst perhaps wealth gets divided more evenly, there are still inequalities and people who end up in better or worse situations then others and it is therefore flawed. The consequence of viewing these alternatives was that I thought about if these systems were in place instead of capitalism, how life would be different in terms of utility and general living standards. In my opinion a gift economy despite some benefits doesn’t allow for creativity and ingenuity in the same way as there are no incentives to innovate so perhaps poverty would be common and lifestyles more backwards, although this doesn’t necessarily mean utility would be lower as people may even be happier as their lives revolve around friendship and kinship as opposed to money. I would like to know what life was like before the creation of money and what life would be like without money, as I find it interesting to know how life can be organised without
Money brings the inequality of possessions, also called “the haves and the have not’s.” We may all be equal in the eyes of God, but here on earth some eyes grow green with envy. Children come home from daycare complaining that Little Jimmy’s truck was bigger than his, husbands and fathers are forever eying the Jones; new corvette, and entire wars have erupted over the “you have it and I’m gonna get it” mentality. Inequality of possessions is not bad though many passages in the Bible teach that even in heaven there are different degrees of rewards. Even God’s spiritual gifts are not given equally to each of us, but this does not mean He loves one person more than the other. It is what we do with