The Bible's Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business - Book Report/Review Example

The Bible's Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business Introduction At most times, many individuals fail to realize the opportunities that are present in a business or business activities that can be applied as a way through which individuals can give glory to God. In his book Wayne Grudem attempts to show that ventures can be fundamentally linked to bring the glory to God. The writer gives his audience an extremely insightful topic in the introduction concerning numerous issues that are relevant in culture (Grudem, 2003). Businesses and the Glory of God The writer presents a dilemma within the book. This is related to business activity and Godliness. Thus the main argument that the author presents is whether business activity can in itself be pleasing and morally good to god. He argues that there are times where business can appear to be shady and manipulative since, at the bottom line, the main purpose is usually to deceive customers. At times, most of the people involved only aim at gaining promotions because of the people whom they might know in great positions (Grudem, 2003). I like the way that Grudem especially introduces this topic in a new light to show that business can in itself be used to glorify God. With this, a totally new concept of the novel is brought out. However, according to him, business only becomes morally acceptable when it is conducted in a way that imitates the character and creation of God. This includes all aspects of the business that vary from business ownership, money, profits, borrowing and lending should glorify God only if they are conducted in a way that exemplifies his nature and character. This is possible because all of these activities, as long as they are not conducted contrary to the will and dictates of God, are capable of glorifying him and acting as a proper reflection of his nature. Although he discusses these activities in this way, the author is not ignorant of the fact that they can be perverted and used in selfish ways through which individuals take advantage and are driven by their own selfish natures. As such, they can be used to exploit other people and hence an easy means of sin. He acknowledges that this can also affect Christians who can be about the business of a business. He clearly shows this towards the end of every chapter where he shows some of these negative effects that are likely to arise in any business activities. With this, each of the topics that are presented in every chapter is used to show where it can be used in an incorrect way. It is after this revelation the Grudem (2003) provides ways through which these likely mistakes can be used to promote the kingdom of God and bring glory to him. The nine main areas through which a business can conduct its activities and at the same time bring glory to God are identified as; productivity, ownership, employment, commercial transactions, profit making, inequality of possessions, money, competition, as well as borrowing and lending. There is also an encouraging fact through which the author makes the chapters to focus on the good factors that are of importance in relation to business and includes some of the many areas that present opportunities through which Christians can fall short of God’s plan. As he indicates, each of these points is fundamentally correct and “provides many opportunities for glorifying God, but also many temptations to sin” (19). I am also impressed, by the way, the author writes the Christian based book and attempts to link it with secular activities that are portrayed in terms of business activities. He provides a guide that is very thoughtful with regard to the imitation of God during the various related interactions. It does not matter whether these are held between the business person and the customers, employees, fellow co-workers and other businesses. It is the mandate of every Christian who is a business person to consider how their businesses, as well as their general lives in businesses, can be dedicated towards the glory of God. In addition, it is filled with biblical philosophy and theology that is based on business activities. The overall element that interested me is the way the main subjects of money and inequalities are presented by the author. In addition, the other summaries with the title of “Attitudes of the heart” and “Effect on world poverty” are well presented to sum up the details already discussed in the previous chapters. They clearly summarize the nine topics discussed and show how the points have an effect on the heart and can thus be applied to bring poverty to an end in the world (Grudem, 2003). However, I am not fascinated by the fact that the author does not provide any links between business enterprises and the church yet both of them are important entities that are interlinked within the society. There should be an important correlation between the two so that they are able to bring out the glory of God. Majorly, he only concentrates on the different aspects through which a business can imitate the nature and glory of God. He does not highlight in any way how these different aspects can contribute to the churches. At the beginning of the book Grudem (2003) already acknowledges the fact that glorifying God, as well as his values and nature, is usually considered a role of the churches and hence associated with them as opposed to businesses. As such, it could have been important to provide a link between the two components. The whole concept is watered down since he later refutes the idea claiming that individuals are able to express their service and glory to God not only in the sanctuary, but all in all other places that include the boardroom. I tend to disagree with this claim since, however, much it represents the truth, there are certain places that are specifically set aside for conducting varied and particular activities to glorify God. Thus, the creation of a link between these places that are in the form of varied sanctuaries bring out the glory of God’s nature in its intended entity. There are numerous topics that are presented and discussed in the book. However, the abuses on each of the topics related to business that are presented in each of the chapters cannot also go unnoticed. This is an indication that most Christian business people and owners are always faced with the challenge that leads them to lose sight. In my view, this is slightly over expressed and far-fetched idea since it is over generalized. This is mainly because it implies that these business people usually forget that they are operating as God’s resources once they start engaging in business activities. Thus they stop functioning on God’s time and begin working on their own time. Nonetheless, in a very Christian manner and with the expression of concern for others, the author ends the book with highly encouraging words. It is concluded as Grudem (2003) provides hope to his readers in relation to one of the problems that are considered among the greatest in the course of humanity. This is highlighted as poverty all across the world. In this sense, he provides his argument that when business activities are conducted in the right way, then they gain alignment with the values of God. Thus, poverty is crippled if it is not eliminated altogether. I would recommend this book any time since it is a complete resource to a businessman or woman who is well guided on how he can conduct his business in a Godly manner and bring glory to God. One of the things that they will find completely thrilling and motivating about this book is that the author writes it with the business people in mind. He thus maintains chapters that are short and straight to the point. Nonetheless, they are still able to present biblical truths that fit well in the area of business. References Grudem, W. (2003). Business for the Glory of God: The Bible's Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business. New York: Crossway Read More