Week #6 Faith Integration Paper
The Virtues of Capitalism written by Austin Hill and Scott Rae is a historical book published in 2010. It is an insightful and intriguing book where Austin Hill, a columnist and radio personality, and Scott Rae, a professor at Biola University, partnered up to counteract the criticism of capitalism. Hill and Rae’s goal in writing this book was to contend that capitalism is not just the most productive system possible, but also the most moral, despite its shortcomings. Some of the primary points Hill and Rae discuss in this book include how Christians can play a role in making capitalism more just and sustainable, the flaws and beneficial aspects of capitalism
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For example, the authors argued that hard work is a virtue that is essential to success in a capitalist society. They pointed out that hard work is not only necessary to achieve financial success, but it is also a way to glorify God and to serve others. I can relate to this because I believe that hard work is important, both in my personal life and in my career. I am always striving to improve my skills and to learn new things, and I believe that hard work is the key to success. Hill and Rae also discussed the importance of honesty and integrity. They argued that honesty and integrity are essential virtues for business leaders by pointing out that businesses built on a foundation of honesty and integrity are more likely to be successful in the long run. I can relate to this because I believe that honesty and integrity are important in all areas of life, not just in business. I always strive to be honest and trustworthy in my dealings with others, and I believe that this is important for building strong relationships and for creating a positive work …show more content…
The book is written from a Christian perspective, but it is not intended to be a theological treatise. Instead, the authors aim to provide a practical guide for Christians who want to integrate their faith into their work. The book is well-written and engaging and the authors definitely do a good job of explaining complex economic concepts in a way that is easy to understand. The book provides a helpful overview of the history of capitalism and its basic principles. The authors also offer practical advice on how to integrate Christian values into business practices and the book is somewhat one-sided in its defense of capitalism. Although, the authors do not adequately address some of the potential negative consequences of capitalism, such as income inequality and environmental degradation. The book is written from a Christian perspective, which may limit its appeal to readers of other
“The Gospel of Wealth” was written by Andrew Carnegie discusses the expansion era of industries post civil war, a time that produced extremely large wealth for many business at the time. Andrew Carnegie, was one of the top guys in the industry, he created an industry that made Carnegie very successful at the time. Carnegie thought that it was important for wealthy people to distribute their wealth throughout the society so communities in need will receive help. In the Gospel of Wealth he believes that the conditions of society have radically changed over the years, and it was certain that some people would become quite important and wealthy. He believes that the change that is occurring should be looked at a positive perspective and not in
“The Gospel of Wealth” is an article written by Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie was well known for his role in transforming the American Steel industry in the late nineteenth century. Carnegie was born in 1835 to Scottish immigrants. He was able to control the steel industry by not only owning the factories, but also owned the land with iron deposits, he also owned the boats and the trains which the raw materials were transported on, which is known as vertical integration. After creating a large fortune in the steel industry, Carnegie, sold his company and decided to focus on philanthropy.
Christian Desire. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.). Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire deals with what Cavanaugh refers to as “the basic matters of economic life”, which is the free market, consumerism, globalization, and scarcity, as he aims to change the reader’s views on each of these topics. Cavanaugh also gives his argument both for and against each of these matters, which are often characterized by stories or comparisons which make his arguments and points a little easier to understand and a little clearer.
“Faith and the Presidency: From George Washington to George W. Bush” was written by Gary Scott Smith, the book goes in depth about how presidencies brought religion to America and its government. This book was written to be read by students and scholars looking to further their knowledge about the presidents’ religious views and how they used their views in office. Gary Scott Smith is currently the chair and professor of history at Grove City College, were he graduated from in 1972 with a bachelor’s in art in Psychology. He also has his master’s in art in American History from John Hopkins which he received in 1979. In 1981 he received his Ph. D in American History from John Hopkins as well (Faculty, par.1).
Moreover, Klemens explains how the American work ethic has evolved from the Protestant work ethic, embracing hard work and dedication. Klemens uses Max Weber’s statement as an example to explain what the Protestant work ethic is. Weber states that “Focus on Work”, being “Unpretentious and Modest”, and being “Honest and Ethical” are the values that the Protestants believed to be the important aspects of the work ethic (123). Klemens explains that these values are also applied in our lives. For example, one must focus on
For example, according to Klemens, work ethic is also important to society and economy. During the period of post-WWII, capitalism stimulated the development of economy in the U.S. Due to the “fast-growing economy”, Americans were so proud of their powerful country and “hard-working” figures. Since this period, work ethic has been the most “powerful and valued American social trait”. However, one possessing a good work ethic is not enough, because one also needs to work wisely. In brief summary, in order to be a good worker, it does not matter how challenging a job is or how much time it takes to complete, but whether work entails diligence and wisdom.
While it can be agreed upon that Jesus resented the qualities and attributes of those that are wealthy and love riches, it is apparent that He is not opposed to wealth as a whole. Wealth, in most cases, is a product of hard work and labor, which is often admired in the Bible. Jesus spoke of the importance of working for your deserved pay, something that is very relevant in a capitalist society. He commanded His disciples, “ ‘Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
The Gospel of Wealth written by Andrew Carnegie in 1889 was an astonishing document that emphasized the importance of money management. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was a self-made millionaire. “Carnegie, more than any other businessman of the era had the prototypical rags-to-riches story”(Captains of Industry, 21). He was born in Scotland and then moved to the Americas Just one industrialization and railroad building was developing. After briefly working and the railroad industry he soon found ways to grow and develop a strong Foundation to steal making industry.
He stresses the point a couple of times in his book that the so called free trade is ruining a lot of people’s lives as the free trade is not fair towards the employee as it is to the employer. I believe he achieves what he has set out to do in making people aware of the trend of subconscious economical lifestyle we have lead ourselves into. It feels like he is trying to make us aware of this through taking that which is very evident such as the likes of globalisation and through the hunger of the market. I enjoy his little examples that he puts in here and there which really makes it easier to understand what he is trying to bring across. As the title is “Being Consumed Economics and Christian Desire” it helps us see the spiritual side of economics and how some states of
William T Cavanaugh (2008), wrote Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire which is a philosophical book, which focus on four (4) economic life matters that addresses the consumer culture within society. These four economic life matters are free market, consumerism, globalization and economic scarcity. In order for this topic to be discussed on a theological point of view, the author draws the reader’s attention to human life, the ends of life in God. The key question in every process is whether or not the transaction contributes to the flourishing of each person involved. In order to address these questions the author points to concrete examples of alternative economic practices in which Christians participate-: business, co-operatives, credit union, practices of consumption which marks the vision for Christian economic life.
Progressives working within these faith traditions applied religious morality to the task of transforming American society during the industrial age away from the exploitation of workers and toward more cooperative forms of economic life. These Christ follower progressives insisted that society and governments uphold the fundamental notion that all people are equal in God’s eyes and deserve basic dignity, freedom, political rights, and economic opportunities in life. Religious progressives promoted the notion of community and solidarity above concepts of individualism and materialism, and worked to stop unnecessary wars and military aggression across the globe. The social gospel movement and Catholic social teaching played influential roles in the progressive search for economic fairness and justice in the 20th century. Walter Rauschenbusch’s 1907 classic book, Christianity and the Social Crisis, served as the most complete statement of faith-based progressivism and offered a compelling argument for the social application of the Gospels.
Reed is to challenge the idea that Jesus was a socialist and to argue that his teachings align more closely with individual responsibility and free-market economics. The book explores the economic context of Jesus' time and examines his teachings on wealth, poverty, and charity. Through an analysis of biblical passages and historical evidence, the author presents a case against the notion that Jesus advocated for socialist policies such as wealth redistribution or government control of the economy. Instead, the author argues that Jesus' teachings emphasize personal responsibility and voluntary charity as means of addressing poverty, and that his emphasis on individual freedom and free will supports free-market economics. The book encourages readers to engage in critical thinking and reflection on the relationship between Christianity and
Hard work is essential, ultimately, helping us to
Underpinnings and Effectiveness of Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth” In Andrew Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth”, Carnegie proposed a system of which he thought was best to dispose of “surplus wealth” through progress of the nation. Carnegie wanted to create opportunities for people “lift themselves up” rather than directly give money to these people. This was because he considered that giving money to these people would be “improper spending”.
Virtuous managers should begin by understanding what the facts are. Much of morality in business falls under the rubric of honesty. Honesty means being fit on reality. Dishonesty means self-delusion and in the long term, business will collapse. Honesty is closely related with success and it is one of the business virtues that managers should have.