Business through the Eyes of Faith
Business through the Eyes of Faith
Introduction
The Business through the Eyes of Faith was written in 1990 by Chewning R. C. Roels, S. C. and Eby, J. W. The book demonstrates business from a Christian perspective. Christians have often had a difficulty in determining what is Godly in business. Traditionally business has been referred to as an evil activity. However, The Business through the Eyes of Faith is set to change the mindset of Christians regarding g business. In this paper, I will give a brief review of the book. Besides, I will analyze the authors’ arguments presentation effectiveness. After that, I will analyze the arguments of the authors and breakdown giving an assessment of the things I agree with and those that I do not agree with. I will demonstrate how the book has been beneficial for me professionally and personally.
Business through the Eyes of Faith sought to address questions such as; how can Christians use power in work place? Is there any Christian perspective regarding business? Is capitalism Christian? The book provides a pragmatic affirmation on the role of committed Christians in the business world. The authors stress on the relationship between good management, and Christian principles. It provides the biblical passages to support their principles as well as relate them to the issues that are practically faced by the Christian managers. Issues such as workplace communication, the role of profit, social responsibility, and employee motivation and employees relationship are all addresses in the book. Besides, all the arguments are reinforced with vignettes as well as biblical passages. Also, commentaries from the contemporary practitioners and theorists are used to support the arguments by the authors.
I concur with the argument of the authors on business leaders. Chewing et al. argued that Christian leaders ought to be models of the business’s moral behavior. They handle articulation and development of the organization’s vision. Besides, establishment and maintenance of an open communication is their responsibility. The business leaders are expected to develop an environment that enhances creativity and growth as well as team building. Also, they handle the management of the procedures and functions of the organization Chewing et al. 1990, p.109). Indeed, any Christian with a worldview ought to be the mirror of the Christian community. The Christian business leaders are in the position of curbing vices such as false scales and corruption for instance when bidding for a tender in another institution. Through cultivating a culture of honesty, integrity, and respect in their respective organizations.
Chewing et al. demonstrated that business is a legal structure of work whereby people express their dominion beyond creation. It offers opportunities to organize, lead, develop skills and follow in numerous sectors while reflecting the Godly qualities (Chewing, et al. 1990, p. 178). In their argument, the authors demonstrate the argument by Paul the Apostle who advocated for people to work. Indeed, business is one form of work; people are employed while investors can earn their income from the business. Therefore, branding it as an evil activity was wrong. Through business activities, various people can learn new things while others improve their skills. Bussiness has become the core economic activity in the world. Would it mean that Christians cannot take part in the activity because it is branded as evil? Chewing et al. indicates business as an institutionalization of the intentions of God for us to work as well as serve others (Chewing, et al. 1990, p. 193).
About work, the authors were able to present effectively their argument. Chewing et al. supported their arguments with scriptures from the Bible. Christians often want to relate what they do to the scriptures, since it is considered holy. Chewing et al. argued that Christians should perceive work as Godly (Chewing, et al. 1990, p. 134). I agree with them since people should be able to deliver better work even without being supervised. This can only be achieved when everybody sees work as Godly. It will push them and make it interesting.
Besides the authors having good arguments, it is my disagreement on how they argued with regard to business as an evil activity. Indeed, business is an organized work, however, the authors ought to have demonstrated how evil business can be. There are some ventures that are evil for instance, smuggling goods. Also, there are some practices that are considered evil for instance corruption and cheating on the customers i.e. changing the weighing scale. The argument should have also shown such evil practices in business. Christians having the difficulty of determining what is wrong and right in business would not benefit much from the book. I say so because the book only portrays business as good disputing the evil aspect that had been attached to it traditionally. I believe it would have been fair for the authors to be argumentative regarding the issue.
Impact of the Book Professionally and Personally
The book has changed my perspective of work as well as a business. I would always do the work assigned to me for the sake. Now I can dedicate my efforts towards achieving the best. Besides, the book has provided me with a better understanding of the business world. Being a manager or a leader in business is not only about leading. The book has made me realize that leading is about cultivating good practices and culture among the people one lead. Ensuring that good morals and behaviors are cultivated within the business organization is important for any leader or business manager. Professionally, I can provide the best for the organization. Everything I do in my daily duties I must ensure that they are Godly. From the book I have learned that it doesn’t mean that because I am a Christian, I shouldn’t associate with non-Christians. Instead, I should stand out in my association wi th them to enhance and facilitate change in them. Indeed, the book is very beneficial for any professional and Christians in general.
Reference
Chewning, R. C., Eby, J. W., & Roels, S. J. (1990). Business through the eyes of faith. San Francisco: Harper & Row
