What does the scripture say?

"Love your neighbor as yourself". So says the Bible, along with many other teachings about behavior and relationships. The extent to which the Bible influences business ethics is complicated, mostly due to the fact that the teachings of the Bible are woven into the fabric of our society. What makes it more complicated is the fact that people of business in this country cover the gamut in terms of being faith-based in their ideology. Some are devout believers while other have no particular spiritual views, and yet are guided by "something" that resembles religious teachings.

Reading a best-seller

The Bible is the best-selling book in the world today. Many homes in America have a Bible on the bookshelf, even those whose members do not attend church and do not consider themselves "spiritual" or "religious". We are categorized on some level as a "Christian" nation and words of God or references to God are sprinkled through monuments, allegiances, and currency. Therefore, it is fair to say that the Bible has "influenced" this nation from the colonial days.

Faith? Guidelines? Anything?

Specifically, some people are "believers" and use the Bible as their guideline for doing business. It keeps them from lying to others or cheating them unfairly. In addition, it instills a sense of compassion and fairness in people which can cause them to put people in front of commerce. Others have less of a sense of spiritual conviction, but still harbor some sense of morality and ethics. For example, some people are driven to "do the right thing". They may not attribute this drive to the Bible, but it does have some spiritual connections, particularly in the teachings of the New Testament.

Subtle cultural impact over time

Whether people realize it or not, the Bible still has a strong influence on business ethics. Whether directly or indirectly, the teachings of the Bible provide a barometer for behavioral patterns in business which prevent commerce from becoming completely self-serving. This isn't to say that the Bible is distinctly followed on a universal basis, but there is still a definite influence which should still be present for years to come.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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