Christian Businessman

[meowmie]

Is it possible for a Christian businessman with a strong faith to be the head of a very large business without compromising his beliefs? I don't mean a small privately owned company but rather a nationwide/worldwide FOR PROFIT business...the type of business where you make a huge profit or you will be replaced?

 

[ZiSunka]

Is it possible for a Christian businessman with a strong faith to be the head of a very large business without compromising his beliefs? I don't mean a small privately owned company but rather a nationwide/worldwide FOR PROFIT business...the type of business where you make a huge profit or you will be replaced?

Dominoes Pizza was started and developed by a Christian who became very very rich. I consider that a major corporation.

I don't think the Bible condemns for-profit businesses or getting rich. I does warn against letting money become a source of comfort or satisfaction to you. (Rich man with the barns). If we get rich and forget where it came from and to be thankful for it, then we get into trouble.

As long as you say grace over your paycheck and don't forget to offer some of it back to God, it's not evil to be rich.

 

[jones_of_pbf]

The Bible isn't condemning of people in those possitions.
It says that it's easier for a camel to do some sick stuff, than for someone who is rich to enter Heaven.
I've know six figure types before, and know that they served Christ daily.
Also, David Jones Sr. is a devout Christian, and is the only surviving founder of Humana Healthcare.
So yes.

 

[TwinCrier]

There is no sin in being successful, but if to achieve success you are causing other people to lose their jobs or underpaying your employees I would say that falls under the category of sin. Do unto others.

 

[JPPT1974]

There is no sin in being successful, but if to achieve success you are causing other people to lose their jobs or underpaying your employees I would say that falls under the category of sin. Do unto others.

Almost all businesses are not Christlike
That's sad but true
But it's the real world people!!

 

[arunma]

Dominoes Pizza was started and developed by a Christian who became very very rich. I consider that a major corporation.

I don't think the Bible condemns for-profit businesses or getting rich. I does warn against letting money become a source of comfort or satisfaction to you. (Rich man with the barns). If we get rich and forget where it came from and to be thankful for it, then we get into trouble.

As long as you say grace over your paycheck and don't forget to offer some of it back to God, it's not evil to be rich.

Or as John Wesley put it, "make as much as you can, and give as much as you can."

To answer the original question, I believe that it is possible, though difficult, to operate a large business under Christian ethical rules. Abraham is an example of a godly businessman. The problem is that Christian rules aren't as profitable as unethical business practices (if not for his recent conviction, Ken Lay would be an excellent example).

Here's what I think is ultimately the problem with riches. Many conservative politicians, lawmakers, and businessmen oppose such things as social welfare on the basis that people should give individually, of their own free will. This is a perfectly valid position, if you actually end up giving to the poor. Often, many "Christians" use this as an excuse to not give at all. And I think it is this attitude that makes wealth dangerous for many Christians.

 

[Amisk]

Is it possible for a Christian businessman with a strong faith to be the head of a very large business without compromising his beliefs? I don't mean a small privately owned company but rather a nationwide/worldwide FOR PROFIT business...the type of business where you make a huge profit or you will be replaced?

I think most here have missed the question meowmie is asking, correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe what he or she is asking is, can one take a position in a company where they are in control as the head of the company, answering to shareholders etc. and still be a Christian.

I would say that it depends how far one is willing to go in appeasing the shareholders. If one has to cheat customers, employees, shade in government laws in ways that leaves a bad taste in one's mouth then the answer as no. After all we need to treat customers and employees as Christ would treat them or as we ourselves would like to be treated. I realize that shareholders, it would seem at times, are only interested in the profit line. One's dealings must at all times be an open book and accounts be kept above board, and grey areas have to be shunned.

I believe that if one can do that then there is no reason why a man or woman can not be head of a large company. I also believe there are men and women out there running large conglomerates that are living the Christian life.

I also believe that the same rules apply to running a small one horse business as well. God demands honesty at all times.

 

[JPPT1974]

Unfortunately, not all businesses practice honesty
They may also lie in order to get the All-mighty dollar
Sad but true as that is the way to go these days.
Wished it was fair but no it ain't!