The Crossroads of Business and Faith: Crossroad – Justice

Read and reflect on the following Bible passages relating to Justice:

Micah 6:8	Deuteronomy 16:19-20	Joshua 9:20
2 Kings 7:8-9	Esther 9-16	Psalm 140:12
Proverbs 8:18, 20	Proverbs 17:23	Proverbs 21:3
Ecclesiastes 12:14	Matthew 7:2	Matthew 23:23
Luke 19:8

When we hear the term “justice,” several meanings come to mind.  Most often, the first that comes to mind is the secular criminal justice system, Law and Order, finding the bad guy, and administering justice for a sympathetic victim.  As worthy and valid as it is, there is a higher use of the word that calls on justice for humanity that predates a nonspiritual understanding.  The spiritual, Biblical, Christian foundation may on justice at the crossroads of business and faith (Chewning et al. 1990; Timmons, 2018).

A secular view of justice involves pure real-world reason in the formulation of an absolute moral law, limiting human behavior, which obeys the principles of “reversibility and universality” (Kant, 1787, 2002; Rodgers & Gago, 2006).  Rawl’s theory of justice (1971) deals with the just allocation of limited societal resources (Timmons, 2018).  Luke 19:8 addresses an example of individual rights:

“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount'” (New International Version, 1973).

Matthew 23:23 goes on, though to say, while this is necessary, it is lacking:  

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former (NIV). 

Justice and its accompanying openness to ideas personify the fullest concept of loving your neighbor and being genuinely concerned for the best interests of others.  It builds on the question and answer of Micah 6:8. 

Justice in business requires that we help every worker understand its significance by showing how it contributes to a larger task.  Christians need to be sensitive to equity issues and try to develop systems that foster equity.  We are called to “do justice” in the marketplace.  Everyone should have an equitable opportunity to share the good and bad results of effort (Chewning et al. 1990; Timmons, 2018).

To question why God does not punish the unrighteous is to question His wisdom.  Proverbs says those who walk in integrity walk securely, but those who pervert their ways will be found out.  Too often, we expect God to practice justice by bringing vengeance upon those who mistreat us.  God has promised that justice is His, and His wrath is His, but he does not promise that we will see that in this lifetime.  Many times God’s justice is delayed … until the day of judgment. (Burkett, 1994, p. 267; Timmons, 2021)

The Thread – In essay form, think about Christian views on justice in the 21st century.  

• Has someone mistreated you?  Taken things from you?
• Think about a personal work situation where you were treated unjustly. How did you react?
• Compare the pay of professional athletes and rock musicians to teachers, secretaries, and you(?).  Why do these differences exist?  Is this unjust?
• How do these biblical teachings affect your feelings about justice?  

(Timmons, 2021)

Refer to at least three of the specified Bible passages and integrating your thoughts as they relate to Biblical principles. 

Your Thread should be ≥200 and ≤ 300 words.

The Replies – Each reply (x1) must be ≥100 and ≤200 words. 

You are required to write substantive replies to a minimum of one of your classmate’s initial Thread.  In contrast to superficial replies, substantive replies add value to the discussion, enhance learning, and contain references to any new thoughts presented.

The following suggestions will aid you in successfully composing substantive responses:

• Compare/contrast the findings of others with your experience.
• Compare how the findings of others have affected your thinking on these biblical principles.
• Share additional knowledge regarding thoughts on biblical principles.

References

• Burkett, L. (1994) The Word On Finances. Moody Press: Chicago
• Chewning, R., Eby, J., & Roels, S. (1990). Business Through The Eyes of Faith (1st ed.). New York. HarperCollins.
• Kant, E. (1787). Critique of Pure Teason (1996 ed.). Indianapolis: Hackett.
• Rodgers, W., & Gago, S. (2006). Biblical Scriptures Underlying Six Ethical Models Influencing Organizational Practices. Journal of Business Ethics. 64(2), 125-136. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10551-005-0657-7
• Timmons, R. (2018) The Crossroads of Business and Faith. Unpublished.
• Timmons, R. (2021) Adaptation and edit.

Related: (Solution) BUS 5413 – Understanding Measurement Survey Methods

Solution – Crossroad: Justice

Christian views on justice are deeply rooted in the Bible and offer clear guidance for how to act in today’s world. In Micah 6:8, believers are called “to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” This highlights that justice is not just about punishing wrongdoers, but also about doing what is right and standing up for others in everyday situations.

In the workplace, for example, you might witness someone being unfairly passed over for a promotion… …Please click on the Icon below to purchase the full answer at only $5

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