...CHRISTIAN ETHICS IN A POSTMODERN WORLD The Rise of Postmodernity Since Federico de Onis’s use of the term ‘postmodernismo’ to describe the Spanish and Latin-American poetry of 1905-1914 which had reacted against the ‘excess’ of modernism in 1934, (Rose 1991: 171) “Postmodernism” became very popular. It has been used in the fields of art (Christo-Bakargiev 1987), architecture (Pevsner 1967), literature (Hassan 1971), video, economics, films (James 1991), ideology (Larrain 1994: 90-118), theology (Tilley at al 1995), and philosophy (Griffin et al 1993). In trying to understand ‘postmodern’, we have to understand ‘modern’ first. According to Rose (1991: 1), there are many related yet different meanings associated with the term ‘modern’. First of all, Arnold J. Toynbee understands modern as referring to the historical phenomenon of The most significant of the conclusions that suggest themselves is that the word ‘modern’ in the term ‘Modern Western Civilization’, can, without inaccuracy, be given a more precise and concrete connotation by being translated ‘middle class’. Western communities became ‘modern’ in the accepted Modern Western meaning of the word, just as soon as they had succeeded in producing a bourgeoisie that was both numerous enough and competent enough to become the predominant element in society. We think of the new chapter of Western history that opened at the turn of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries as being ‘modern’ par excellence because...
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...Western ethics is vastly influenced by Christian law-based ethics, which in turn gathered its legal ethical code from Judaism. As a result, as society's values have changed, the effectiveness of transcendent entities as rulers within law-based ethics to provide ethical agents with an obligation to obey the moral law has been brought into question. This essay will focus on Christian ethics, where 'transcendent entities' will refer to the Christian God, and 'law-based ethics' is the divine law set down by God within Christian scripture. To prove that God is necessary to provide ethical agents with a duty to follow the divine law, this essay will discuss God and humanity's nature, agents' need for a transcendent law-giver, the role that religion...
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...Christian Values Enhancing Business Ethics. In today’s business world it seems that profit is the driving force behind the company as a whole. Good stewardship seems to take a back seat in every aspect of business in the modern world. When is the last time that you read an article, or saw a news story of a CEO giving their time or money to help out the community in which they operate their business? Sometimes it seems like this is a phenomena in the business community today. I believe that these types of stories could be commonplace if would try to embrace Christian values. It says in Matthew 22: 37-39, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”. I think that this should be the driving force for us as humans, but especially as business people. So what does Matthew 22:37-39 mean to today’s business owners? It seems to me like this statement doesn’t mean a lot. Everywhere you look today there is examples of corruption, purely profit-based decision making and power hungry executives. When you take a look at today’s business world, it is hard to imagine a world where CEO, Executives, and business owners will through away their selfishness and adopt a selflessness way of thinking. Only if this could happen imagine the good that could be done within our own societies, if the rich were thinking about others instead of themselves. Many businesses today don’t grasp the good that could come out of the Christian view as...
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...Christian Ethics Project #2 1. From a Christian perspective, why did Marxist communism fail? From a Christian point of view, Marxism failed because of its atheistic qualities. Marx forbade and dismissed the practice of religion. Instead of allowing common religious beliefs to be incorporated or flow freely into Marxism, governments chose to censor religious practices, which of course brought about resistance from the people. This is one of the main reasons Marxism did not fair too well or even last. 2. Which is a more Christian form of government, democratic capitalism or democratic socialism? Democratic Socialism of late has been the more favored form of government. Democratic Socialism stands by the poor and does not blame them for their situation. Its goal is to protect the working class and weaken the power of large corporations. It aims to decrease the influence money has in politics, empower people to contribute to the economy, and have equal gender and cultural relationships. This views work better with the Christian perspective. 3. What functions does government have to undertake because of fallen human nature? Because of fallen human nature, government has to step in and take it upon themselves to enforce certain rule/laws for the protection of its citizens and land as a precaution to ensure safety and protect the earth God gave us. Because man has a sinful nature, we need laws to ensure the economic growth of our country. We can use the example...
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...things that it does and consists of. I have aspirations to seek the pastorate vocationally. I feel that the Lord has equipped me to be a teacher of the Gospel and of His Word. It is not much of a stretch or second-thought to state that my understanding of the good life is simple. The good life is knowing and loving God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Niebuhr states in “The Relevance of an Impossible Ethical Idea” that in terms of the way we relate with God “the Christian faith is a type of optimism which places its ultimate confidence in the love of God and not the love of man.” Through this I find that the good life is trusting in the sacrifice that Jesus has made and knowing that the things he has intended for my life are good. We look at passages such as Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28 and take heart that our God is a God who seeks to see His children live abundantly. Aristotle concludes in the “Nicomachean Ethics” “Happiness seems to be found in leisure, since we accept trouble so that we can be at leisure, and fight wars so that we can be at peace.” I agree very much with this point. Something inside of humanity longs for homeostasis. People long for peace. The good life is this, that God has given us peace on the cross through the blood of Jesus Christ. We were once far but now we have been brought near. The sacrifice of Jesus has allowed our souls to be satisfied, not with the things and the ways of the Earth...
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...a town in Persia, there lived two brothers, one named Cassim, the other Ali Baba. Their father left them no great property; though as he had divided it equally between them, their fortune should have been equal; but it was otherwise. Cassim married a widow, who, soon after their marriage, became heiress to a large estate, and a good shop and warehouse full of rich merchandize; so that all at once he became one of the richest merchants, and lived at his ease. Ali Baba, on the other hand, who married a woman as poor as himself, lived in a very mean dwelling, and had no other means of maintaining his wife and children than his daily labour in cutting wood in a forest near the town, and bringing it upon three asses to town to sell. One day, when Ali Baba was in the forest, and had just cut wood enough to load his asses, he saw at a distance a great cloud of dust, which seemed to approach towards him: he observed it very attentively, and distinguished a large body of horse coming briskly on; and though they did not fear robbers in that country, Ali Baba began to think that they might prove such, and, without considering what might become of his asses, he resolved to save himself. He climbed up a large tree, whose branches, at a little distance from the ground, divided in a circular form so close to one another that there was but little space between them. He placed himself in the middle, from whence he could see all that passed without being seen. This tree stood at the bottom of...
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...1. What is the biblical basis for the jubilee 2000’s call for the immediate canceling of the debts of all HIPCs? The Biblical basis for the 2000s can be found in Leviticus. The jubilee calls for immediate canceling of all debts of HIPCs. This book of the bible states that “you shall not oppress one another”(Lev.22:14). Leviticus 25:25-28 also says 25 “ ‘If one of your countrymen becomes poor and sells some of his property, his nearest relative is to come and redeem what his countryman has sold. 26 If, however, a man has no one to redeem it for him but he himself prospers and acquires sufficient means to redeem it, 27 he is to determine the value for the years since he sold it and refund the balance to the man to whom he sold it; he can then go back to his own property. 28 But if he does not acquire the means to repay him, what he sold will remain in the possession of the buyer until the Year of Jubilee. It will be returned in the Jubilee, and he can then go back to his property” (NIV84). This biblical situation is almost identical to the one of heavily impoverish countries. Those heavily impoverish countries were unable to accomplish financial stability so the more fortunate countries gave back to them in the form of erasing debt. 2. What conditions do you believe should accompany debt relief to developing countries? I do believe there should be debt relief for developing countries. I think that the conditions that should accompany debt relief is that this should be ran...
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...Baltunou Unit 3 Assignment Christians should try to fill everything with the Christian sense. If the Christians are engaged in economic activities, they should endeavor to morality in this activity. Christian businessman as any believer, is a believer in the first place and then an entrepreneur. The purpose of business is most often considered a profit, although management specialists have long been talking about the social purpose of the business which is to meet certain needs of society, including its employees. I think, for the Christian business such a goal would be more correct. The Code of Ethics for the Christian entrepreneur certainly is possible and necessary. I would divide it into prohibitions and obligations. I'll start with the first one. Business must not allow lies in relation to clients. Businesses lie deliberately exhibiting inflated invoices and price tags, deliberately reducing quality of products or services compare with the promised, false promises. It is also unacceptable to lie to business partners, not to follow commitments, to slander them. Christian entrepreneur has to pay their employees fair wages, force them to work overtime without additional incentives, withhold wages, unreasonably lay off staff. As an example, fast-food chain Chick-fil-A is not much different from the McDonald's or other similar networks, except for one important feature. Its founders and owners, the family of Cathy's - committed Christians. They do not work on Sundays,...
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...214 Macroeconomics Christian Ethics Project 1 1. What is the difference between self-interest and selfishness? Why is this distinction important when considering the competitive market economy as appropriate for a society? There is no difference between self-interest and selfishness. Both terms promote the idea of individual advantages over the welfare of society. 2. Does your textbook present only positive economics and avoid any normative economics? If not, give some examples of normative issues covered in your textbook. 3. What did Adam Smith believes serves to curb self-interest in an economy? Adam Smith believes competition serves as a curb on the excess of self-interest, which is also reinforced by the jurisprudence system. The market prices charged by a supplier of commodities and goods are constrained by his or her competition and the wages paid to laborers are bid up by competition amongst buyers. 4. What does it mean to seek the kingdom of God in a democratic capitalist economy? How can it be done? Gods’ kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit and was made available to us through Christ’s incarnation death and resurrection. Jesus doesn’t ask us to set aside our self-interest but instead make good investments instead of poor ones. The market system becomes more productive when it is undergirded by moral values such as trust, honesty, obligation and cooperation. The book goes on to discuss ethics and moral consensus...
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...Christian Ethics Project One 1. What is the difference between self-interest and selfishness? Why is this distinction important when considering the competitive market economy as appropriate for a society? Self-interest and selfishness are two terms that are talked about in Stapleford’s book BULLS, BEARS, AND GOLDEN CALVES. Frist we must define these two terms to help us understand the difference between them. Self-interest is when someone is trying to protect their interest, but they also take into account how it may affect others. Selfishness is when one makes decisions based on self with no regard to others. Now that we have defined the two terms we can use this to consider the competitive market as it is appropriate for society. If someone is making decisions in a market economy based on self-interest, they are looking out for themselves, but they also are looking at how those decisions may affect the customer. These are the type of people you can trust and want to invest time and money into. If someone is making decisions out of selfishness, they are really looking out for themselves only. This kind of decision making cannot be trusted, since they only look out for themselves and would have no problem backing out of a situation and leaving the customer. 2. Does your textbook present only positive economics and avoid any normative economics? If not, give some examples of normative issues covered in your textbook. Positive economics is objective and fact based, and normative...
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...Christian Ethics Project 1 Me, Myself and Why? 1. What is the difference between self-interest and selfishness? Why is this distinction important when considering the competitive market economy as appropriate for a society? a. Self-interest is a concern for one’s own well-being. b. Selfish is concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself with no regards to others. c. Self-interest is necessary for individuals to become prosperous and gain the necessities required. Selfishness is where individuals will do whatever it takes to make things happen no matter the costs to others. A competitive market does not make individuals selfish in the market place. If they had put in numerous road blocks for other businesses to keep them from having competition then they would be exhibiting selfishness. Every business has self-interest to stay open, maintain their employees employment and turn a profit large enough to make these things happen. 2. Does your textbook present only positive economics and avoid any normative economics? If not, give some examples of normative issues covered in your textbook. d. 3. What did Adam Smith believe serves to curb self-interest in an economy? e. “For Smith competition serves as a major curb on the excesses of self-interest. The market prices charged by a supplier of commodities and goods are constrained by his or her competition, and the wages paid to laborers are bid up by competition among buyers...
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...Christian Ethics Problem Chapter 6 1. From a Christian perspective, why did Marxist communism fail? Answer: Marx did not believe that there should be religion. This doctrine of atheism would force believers into revolt. When you truly love God, no one can change your heart. Plus, the lack of personal property and instead having commutative property is not supported by Christian doctrine. If there were no incentives to do better, no one would want to do better. We have to be selfless. If we do well, we should share our wealth with the poor. The Bible says “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6, ESV). The forced distribution of wealth antagonizes this. 2. Which is a more Christian form of government, democratic capitalism or democratic socialism? Answer: There should always be a balance of the two, mixed capitalism and some socialism. If the government is given too much power, the opportunity for sin to seep through is too great. We need the government to provide the three basic functions Adam Smith stated. There will always be humans sinning against humans on this earth. For that transgression, there should always be a process to go through. The law given to governments is backed by God, because He gave it to them. However, too much power should not be given to the people in the free market. There should always be someone stepping in on behalf of the wronged to establish...
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...University Christian Worldview and Contextualization HTH 655 Professor Robert Prescott-Ezickson October 09, 2013 Kingdoms and Cultures Oscillatory has exercised vast inspiration by what method we abstract the link among Christianity and philosophy. The situation has converted several societies’ circumstances to vision their culture of resistance to foremost characteristics of the common philosophies as rather of which to be humiliated, as well as rather that desires to remain rejected with the intention to convert traditionally liable. Niebuhr debates that Yoder’s forceful analysis of his book has not been offered the extensive revelation it justifies, particularly his reason that Niebuhr's situation is vitiated with a fragile Christology plus an abuse of the policy of the Triad. Niebuhr has initiated vast misperception into the argument by considering the Christ against Culture method as principle imperfect, while the subject remains his personal situation that advances from “Nicene orthodoxy” (Carter, 2003). Culture comprises of the traditions, knowledge, ability, conducts and community relationships that a culture develops. Culture is the contextual in which all individual predictably their daily existence (Atkinson, 1995). The delinquent of “Oscillatory” is generally engaged to define the connection concerning Christians and the fundamental culture in which we reside (GCU, lecture). On the other hand, this disguises a significant opinion: similar when Christians discard...
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...The Impact of Christian Values to the Professional Engineering Ethics Professional Engineers follow many ethical norms for them to become effective employees not only in the companies they work in, but also to the community. Because of the field they are working in, they are supposed to perform certain responsibilities that will affect their credibility. Together with these responsibilities there is a great impact in the personality of a professional Engineer if it is incorporated with Christian values. Christian values are teachings from the life of Jesus and Christian life. It helps us to be aware if our acts are favorable in His sight. These act as guides towards righteousness of an individual. When Christian values are incorporated in a professional Engineering ethics, it just doesn’t scope what is good, beneficial, desirable and useful for other people and for themselves, but they confer with the desires of God. When an individual works with morale, integrity and guidance of God, it will result to a better performance because he knows where he is headed to. It will also act as a conscience whenever you think of doing something that will affect in a bad manner other people around you and undesirable for God’s sight. These values will mold an individual to become a better person not only as professionals but as a person. As a professional Engineer, we are given enough education to perform what our tasks are. Together with these tasks, we are also equipped with values...
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...1. What is the biblical basis for the Jubilee 2000’s call for the immediate canceling of debts of all HIPCs? a. Leviticus 25:14, “you shall not oppress one another.” (NJKV) Those who are more fortunate, economically, should not be oppressors against those less fortunate. The author also states that Christians should not lend more than they are willing to lose. If we live by scripture than “many common means of collection are unscriptural.” (Stapleford, p.216) God would rather us spread the good news and bring others to the Lord than collect debts. 2. What conditions do you believe should accompany debt relief to developing countries? a. I agree with most of the conditions outlined in Chapter 15. Some of the conditions I believe are the most important are as followed: i. “Active Democracy and participation of civil society in goverance, transparency” (Stapleford, p. 218) Get citizens more involved in affairs. Punish government corruption. Transparent budgets with checks and balances. ii. “Investment by developed countries in technology necessary to foster developing-country development.” (p.219) Many developing countries do not have the infrastructure to fight disease and have very unstable energy sources. They need to invest in technology to give them the tools necessary to have economic growth. 3. Why has the application of the World Bank’s standard Structural Adjustment Policies been counter-productive in many developing countries? a. SAP is more concerned...
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