Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective: A Comprehensive Introduction

by Michael E. Cafferky

Publisher:

IVP USA

, 2015

Overview

It is legal for CEOs to make 300 times the amount of the average worker. But is this fair and just? Is it ethical for a customer to purchase a digital camera for the sole purpose of using it on a ski trip and then return the item to the store afterwards? Should companies who purchase advertising space on websites that offer pirated videos for download be held accountable for breaking intellectual property laws? The world of business is fraught with ethical challenges. Some of these are relatively straightforward, but others are complicated and require careful reflection. While there are numerous theories to help people navigate these dilemmas, the goal of this book is to provide a comprehensive biblical perspective on contemporary issues in areas such as consumer behavior, management, accounting and marketing. In Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective, Michael E. Cafferky explores the biblical resources for moral guidance and ethical consideration. He identifies twelve key themes in the narrative of Scripture: cosmic conflict, creation, holiness, covenant relationships, shalom, sabbath, justice, righteousness, truth, wisdom, loving kindness and redemption. By looking at ethical approaches and issues through this multifaceted biblical perspective, Cafferky helps readers appreciate the complex nature of ethical decision making, particularly in the context of business and finance. Designed from the start with the classroom in mind, each chapter of Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective provides example scenarios, questions for intrapersonal and interpersonal ethical reflection, review questions, ethical vignettes for discussion and an exploration of the chapter material in light of the biblical themes.

Key Features

• Explores the biblical resources for moral guidance and ethical consideration.
• Presents twelve key themes in the narrative of Scripture.
• Helps readers appreciate the complex nature of ethical decision making in business and finance.

Contents

• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Outline of the Book
• General Introduction
• Part I: The Fundamentals
• 1. Why Ethics in Business Is Important
• 2. Fundamental Tensions in the Environment of Business
• 3. Biblical Themes for Business Ethics—Part 1
• 4. Biblical themes for Business Ethics—Part 2
• Part II: Contemporary Approaches
• 5. Egoism
• 6. Relativism
• 7. Common Sense
• 8. Social Contract
• 9. Utilitarianism
• 10. Universalism
• 11. Agency
• 12. Justice and Rights
• 13. Virtues and Character
• Part III: Contemporary Issues
• 14. Ethical Issues in Consumer Behavior
• 15. Ethical Issues in Management
• 16. Ethical Issues in Accounting and Finance
• 17. Ethical Issues in Marketing
• 18. Ethical Issues in Global Business
• Part IV: Widening the Perspective
• 19. Corporate Responsibility
• 20. Evaluating the Morality of Political-Economic Systems
• 21. Moral Muteness and Pressure to Compromise
• Part V: Appendices and Case Studies
• Appendix A: Key Questions from the Biblical Themes
• Appendix B: Scriptural Basis for the Biblical Themes
• Appendix C: Biblical Themes Summary Tables
• Appendix D: Ten Principles for Flourishing
• Appendix E: Summary of Ethical Models in Comparison
• Appendix F: The Purpose of Business Through the Lens of Biblical Themes
• Appendix G: Ethical and Social Issue Debate Topics
• Appendix H: Prosperity in the Bible: QA Bible Study
• Case Studies
• Notes
• Subject Index
• About the Author

Praise for Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective

Michael Cafferky in Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective has done a yeoman’s job in developing a matrix of biblical themes by which to evaluate ethical systems while simultaneously engaging business activities with acumen. By using contemporary examples, case studies, summaries and analyses, and providing review and discussion questions, he guides readers into a holistic personal and corporate engagement with business ethics as both people of business and followers of Christ living within the economic realities of our world. This work will be a resource, a tool and a survey that will be used repeatedly for learners of Christian business (and all believers who live in our world), whether as college students, advanced business practitioners or active embedded citizens of heaven who are interested in truly integrating their faith and life in the pew, the marketplace and the world.

—Paul Lewis, Evangel University

Michael Cafferky and InterVarsity Press are to be congratulated on producing such a comprehensive and readable textbook on business ethics from a Christian perspective. It contains a rich diet of biblical wisdom and sound analysis. The biblical story themes, immersion in the nitty gritty and identification of fundamental paradoxes are particularly helpful features of the book.

—Richard Higginson, Ridley Hall Theological College, University of Cambridge

Making Christian choices in the web of global economic exchange is no simple matter. This book is a key resource for Christian business practitioners, educators and students who seek faith-based decisions in complex contexts. It recovers relevant Biblical themes and stories, considers conceptual frameworks for business ethics and applies both Scripture and big-picture thinking to on-the-ground business situations. I commend it to those seeking faith-informed foundations for business teaching, learning and decision making.

—Shirley J. Roels, senior advisor and director of Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education

Product Details

• Title: Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective: A Comprehensive Introduction
• Author: Michael E. Cafferky
• Publisher: IVP USA
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 496
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Business ethics-Biblical teaching; Business-Biblical teaching; Management-Religious aspects-Christianity; Ethics in the Bible
• ISBNs: 9780830824748, 9780830898664, 0830898662, 083082474X
• Resource ID: LLS:9780830898664
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-11-07T22:18:38Z

About Michael E. Cafferky

Michael E. Cafferky (D.B.A., Anderson University) is the Ruth McKee Chair for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics at Southern Adventist University. He is the author of Management: A Faith-Based Perspective and Breakeven Analysis: The Definitive Guide to Cost-Volume Profit Analysis.