INSTRUCTIONS: Select at least 2 other classmate’s threads and post a reply that advances the conversation. Your replies must clearly link to the original author’s post, contribute new information, and be supported by the scholarly resources. Submit replies of at least 200 words each to at least 2 other classmate’s threads. Each reply must include a minimum of 2 scholarly resources (in addition to the Bible and Text) and demonstrate a substantive discussion that meets grading rubric specifications. Compare and contrast what you wrote in your main response to what each student wrote in the main response. Please copy and paste your thread into the Discussion. No title page or abstract is needed.
DISCUSSION POST:
Christian Business Ethics
Our focus this week is on the fascinating issue that revolves around the intersection between law and morality. These issues are crucial for Christians to explore because they pose very genuine challenges to Christian morality. There have been numerous debates on both topics. Both chapters illustrate the varied perspectives of famous personalities on the subject. I’m going to look closely at a couple of those viewpoints that align with my moral compass.
Chapter 5
“Do Right and Risk The Consequences” — Harry Truman
When it comes to dual morality, it utterly contradicts what ethics is all about. Ethics can be defined as “the study and practice of decisions about what is good or right (Kubasek et al., 2019 p. 16).” This is consistent with the quote that I have chosen, while on the other side, we have witnessed businesses that have chosen the latter and suffered as a result of their decision. Individuals make unethical decisions for a variety of reasons, including conflict between the parties involved or self-interest vs the interests of others. When the three pillars of Christian ethics — holiness, justice, and love — are thrown aside, the door to dual morality swings wide open (Hill, 2018 p. 75). This brings to mind a Bible verse that states, “let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (New International Version, 1973/2011, Galatians 6:9).”
Chapter 6
“In heaven there will be no law, and the lion will lie down with the lamb. In hell there will be nothing but law, and due process will meticulously be served.” — Grant Gilmore
God’s word is the highest standard of business ethics for individuals who are trying to conduct business in accordance with a biblical worldview (Kubasek et al., 2019 p. 16). Businesses, on the other hand, confront challenges not only from people but also from a technological aspect. Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are becoming more and more commonplace in our daily lives (Vesnic-Alujevic et al., 2020 p. 1). The moral conundrum posed by artificial intelligence and the tension between law and ethics is only going to become more pressing as society and technology continue to advance in tandem (Carrillo, 2020 p. 1). As we look to the future, we must ask: whose value system will be integrated into the most cutting-edge technologies available?
Biblical Integration
The earthy and heavenly perspectives offered by the two quotes are complementary to one another. They show what lawlessness looks like and the consequences of it. In keeping with the law, Paul urged his readers to avoid stealing, murder, committing adultery, or leaving bills unpaid, all of which are prohibited by law (Hill, 2018 p. 106). The law provides the framework within which we conduct business; it specifies our rights and interests as well as those of others with whom we interact (Kubasek et al., 2019 p. 7).
