Keller and Alsdorf (2012) states, “We must love our neighbor, but Christianity gives us very specific teachings about human nature and what makes human beings flourish. We must make sure that our work is done in line with these understandings. Faithful work, then, is to operate out of a Christian Worldview” (p. 21).
The different Christian traditions “give somewhat different answers of how we should go about the task of recapturing vocation. The streams are often confusing to Christians, for they are not perfectly complementary to one another” (Keller and Alsdorf, 2012, p. 21).
In these assignments, you will reflect on some of these sentiments that Keller and Alsdorf introduces in Every Good Endeavor and explore the ethical and legal foundations of their statements as they relate to business.
INSTRUCTIONS
Your assignment should include two paragraphs: one consisting of a reflection, and one on the legal and ethical implications for business.
In your reflection, you will be asked to read a peer-reviewed article relate to the topic. Then you will reflect on the prompt from Keller and Alsdorfs’ book in light of this article. In your second paragraph, you will discuss the ethical and legal implications of Keller and Alsdorfs’ statement from a business perspective. You should reference one peer-reviewed source and your Keller and Alsdorf text. You should also follow APA formatting for in-text citations.
You will complete three different reflection assignments based on the following schedule and prompts:
Module 3: Week 3
For the Every Good Endeavor Reflection: Shareholder Theory & Biblical Perspectives of Generosity Assignment, you will reflect on the following prompt:
“The way to serve God at work is to make as much money as you can, so that you can be as generous as you can.”
Module 5: Week 5
For the Every Good Endeavor Reflection: Stakeholder Theory & Social Justice Assignment, you will reflect on the following prompt:
“The way to serve God at work is to further social justice in the world.”
Module 7: Week 7
For the Every Good Endeavor Reflection: Cultural Engagement Assignment, you will reflect on the following prompt:
“The way to serve God is to work from a Christian motivation to glorify God, seeking to engage and influence culture to that end.”
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
Keller and Alsdorf’s assertion that serving God at work involves furthering social justice aligns with the increasing emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR). A study by Margolis and Walsh (2003) suggests that companies with strong CSR initiatives not only enhance their reputation but also experience long-term financial benefits. This aligns with a Christian worldview that emphasizes the importance of caring for the marginalized and promoting justice. By engaging in socially responsible practices, businesses can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future, reflecting God’s love for all people.
Ethical and Legal Implications
While pursuing social justice is ethically commendable, businesses must also adhere to legal and regulatory frameworks. Ethical considerations, such as fairness, transparency, and accountability, should guide decision-making. Legal compliance is essential to avoid penalties and maintain a positive reputation. Striking a balance between ethical and legal obligations can be challenging, but it is crucial for long-term success.