Business and Faith IV - The System.

Thursday, Sept 10, 2009. We are talking about the relation between Christian faith and business. We have talked about what “doing business” means at all, about truth in our job, about the risk and responsibility of a small business. Today we will address some basic questions of the business system we all live in.

The “wealth of nations” has always been an important topic. In what way should our state run its businesses to develop a wealthy state? If possible we would like to have a system which makes everyone as rich as possible. The socialistic states have tried to do this by a state driven economy for many years, without the success they hoped for. The western states have tried different versions of a market economy, some with more and others with social elements and balancing rules. Today the question of economic systems, the chances for towns, regions or states and the possibilities for individuals are often global questions. We have a strongly integrated global economy - and decisions in one state will influence those on the other side of the globe.

The Christian view on the system asks the question: how can we organise our systems such that all people can lead a human life? How can we honour God, i.e. live in a way which reflects his character and his presence? It includes the question: how to do this if a part or even a majority of the people does not believe in the Christian God? How can set up a way of living such that everyone can pursue his way of happiness? How can we guarantee that power stays distributed and protected from greedy groups or individuals? How can we give everyone the chance to discover the reality of God's presence, his love and beauty, in freedom?

We have to keep in mind two basic points. First, the economic system is a very dynamic entity. We are not in a stable state and have never been. New ideas will always shape and change the world. Individual decisions and the actions of groups or states will always have a crucial impact on the businesses and on the systems. We have to think into the future!

Second: the world is not a place of peace and trust. On various levels humans are acting in a way which does not pay attention to the life of others. We want to have something or keep something, not thinking about the consequences for others. You might call it egoism or selfishness, evil or wickedness - but it starts with the simple thought: “let me care for myself and my brother should care for himself”. When we talk about our business rules, about social balance and global wealth, we need to design rules which allow people to pursue their own agenda, but at the same time protect other individuals, carry out the care for the weak and for those who are not in a position to pull themselves out of their problems.

The type of market system we have currently has some advantages - but it also has deep difficulties. Poverty is strong, and the people who are poor often have no option to work themselves out of it. On different levels we are faced with deep problems. We need to work together with state run organisations and non-governmental activities to make significant improvements here. God wants us to open our eyes, and use our little powers and simple words to care for our human brothers and sisters, where ever they live. [R.W.E.P., jesusnetwork.eu]

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