The Great Commission - Essay Example

The jury is still out on the legality of hiring only 'professing Evangelical Christians'. On the surface, it seems very logical to do so, but the legal implications make it a delicate body of water on which to tread. Some say it is thoroughly illegal, still, others say it is legal only under certain circumstances (such as the organization not receiving government funds), and others say it is perfectly legal because of the nature of the organization and its methods, means, goals, and outreach. There is also the other side of the legal and ethical issue, which is that an atheist or non-Christian may be ill-advised to work in an environment that may offend them. Says World Vision “...Our hiring policy is vital to the integrity of our mission to serve the poor as followers of Jesus Christ.” The pertinent words are “as followers of Jesus Christ.”

            In the case of a manufacturing facility, which is a private for-profit non-government-funded operation, the “Christian-only” policy may be instituted, but it could be outlawed or struck down if legally challenged in court. Instituting that policy is legal, but not advisable. Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act is a provision that exempts religious organizations from being held liable for charges of discrimination. Title VII, which remains open to interpretation by the courts, states: “(a) Inapplicability of subchapter to certain aliens and employees of religious entities: This subchapter shall not apply to an employer concerning the employment of aliens outside any State, or to a religious corporation, association, educational institution, or society concerning the employment of individuals of a particular religion to perform work connected with the carrying on by such corporation, association, educational institution, or society of its activities.”

                        The Great Commission of Matthew 28:19 and 20 (NIV)

                        … 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name                        of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey                everything I have commanded you...”

            It is hard to decipher whether or not the Great Commission applies to U.S. discrimination law or its religious exception. The obvious gray area is “therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” Not “go and discriminate between all nations.” One would have to be aware that the Lord and Savior would never turn an unbeliever away...those who well have not to bedoctor. An organization would need to determine whether or not they want to think in terms of ministry to the “non-professing non-Evangelicals” by opening their doors to the possibility that an unconverted soul may be converted by simply being exposed to the environment. In any event, a disclosure and signed waiver informing a new hire would be to advise them that it is a “faith-based” organization and that professions and expressions of faith and prayers are openly allowed during working hours.

            If this were a Christian school, the advice would theoretically change to “legal and advisable” because of the nature of the work to be done. In that type of environment, parents who send their students to school to be educated under the influence of Christian orientation, and to be taught the common Evangelical beliefs, it only stands to reason that the “qualification” to teach Christian beliefs and perspectives and truly be sincere about it is a “professing” Christian.

            In the final analysis, the religious exception preference in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 carries a level of undefined legal protection that could easily be taken away if challenged. However, the moral implication of any organization is not to generate ill will by being discriminatory in that area and of being open-minded about non-Christians who may meet the Lord at your place of business.