The Application of Religion to Business 578.4
Most Americans say they’re religious and their beliefs are important to their lives, yet I’m astonished at how many blatantly ignore the moral expectations intrinsic to their religion.
Religion is not only about worship and ritual; it tells believers how they’re supposed to live. Thus, the holy books of every major religion are filled with precepts and principles about honesty, justice, fidelity, compassion, and charity that leave no doubt about the role ethics and personal virtue should play in our daily lives.
In his fine book The Business Bible, Rabbi Wayne Dosick tells of a soapmaker who challenged a rabbi: “What good is religion? It teaches honesty, but most people are dishonest.”
The rabbi answered, “My dear soapmaker, religion – like soap – only works when you use it.”
The ancient truths and enduring values embodied in traditional religions are much more than guidelines or suggestions about how to behave. To those who profess religious belief, moral and ethical behavior is not an option. It’s a mandate.
To practice the rituals of a religion and to claim reverent identity without scrupulous concern for the moral teachings of that faith is like going to a fine restaurant and eating the menu rather than the food.
It’s also blatant hypocrisy. Integrity is about wholeness – the unity of beliefs, words, and actions. I’m not saying you have to be devout to be ethical. I’m saying if religion is important to you, so is ethics.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
It would take me several hours to go into detail.
Just read 1 Peter and 2 Peter in the Bible.
Most Christians have God or a god in their image.
Most of them are Christian actors instead of acting Christians.
No fear of God, no values, greed and Hollywood is their understanding of life.
Posted by: Dieter Oltersdorf | August 7, 2008 9:41 PM
I will never forget the rabbi's sermon. He asked "What percent of the population do you think believes in God?" I thought 50-60%, so when he answered 92%, I was shocked. My mind went elsewhere during the rest of his speech. NINETY-TWO PERCENT of the population believes in God! I asked myself "but when do they believe in God and what difference does it make on a daily basis?" Sadly the answers I came up with were "Rarely" and "Little to none." In my opinion, most people most often believe in God, or even think about their faith, at births and funerals. The rest of the time it is not a consideration for them. Most people go about their days without belief in God ever being considered.
Belief in God does not require any special rituals or sacrifices. But a belief in God is only meaningful when we remember that fact in the choices we make and the way we conduct ourselves and treat others on a daily basis. My guess is that if that 92% of the population remembered their faith 92% of the time, we could change the world.
Posted by: Michael Gerber | August 8, 2008 12:18 AM
Can I say AMEN? So much of what we profess to believe as life's way is used one day a week and then discarded for the other six. Our belief is something we should practice constantly.
Posted by: Gerri Warden | August 8, 2008 8:33 AM
The problem with religions and religious texts is that they leave much open to interpretation, and thus ambiguity and contradiction. One sect of Muslims defend their holy wars with the Koran, while others decry their false interpretation. One sect of Christians believes in the involvement of women as priests while another considers it blasphemy. Who is right and who is wrong? When there is no agreement amongst religions and their leaders, is there any wonder that integrity is so lacking in business?
Posted by: James | August 12, 2008 6:07 PM
Not only is there a disconnect between religion and business, there is an even bigger one when it comes to politics.
Notice how all that 'love thy neighbor' and 'turn the other cheek' stuff goes by the wayside when there is a war to be fought. Especially a religious war, the type most commonly found throughout history and still very much in fashion.
Posted by: Serginho | August 15, 2008 9:07 AM
Many seem to forget that there is a difference in being "religious" and in being "spiritual". While the religious may think they have the answers because they follow rules, the spiritual search for answers by following Jesus.
Posted by: Ruth Smith | August 15, 2008 3:05 PM
Many of the most moral and ethical people I know do not follow any religion, and in fact, do not believe in God. Contrary to prevailing opinion, you can be dedicated to being the most ethical, moral, compassionate person possible and not believe in God.
How someone leads his/her life is far more relevant than whether or not they adhere to a religion.
Posted by: sea | August 18, 2008 3:06 PM
Has anyone commenting here read William P. Young's book, The Shack, Windblown Media publishers (2007)? It has made a huge impact on me, affirming the way I experience my God in trinity. In "relationship with", not merely "in following"... Won't you take the time to read it for yourselves and see what kind of shift it creates in your beliefs? I'd be interested to read what these same commentators have to say after they've read it!
Posted by: BB | August 21, 2008 7:41 PM