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Business ethics: Where have all the Christians gone?

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Abstract

The paper starts by giving a historical and philosophical explanation for the current separation between theology and economics. It is then argued that postmodern culture offers the church and theology an opportunity to get reinvolved in the world of business, and especially in Business Ethics. Before opportunities for involvement is discussed, the question on the unique nature of Christians ethics is posed. The notion of Christian ethics as essentially an understanding of reality is proposed and defended against rival interpretations of Christians ethics. Finally the role that the church and theology can play in developing business morality on the marco-, meso-, and micro-economic levels are discussed.

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Dr. Gedeon J. Rossouw is associate professor in Philosophy and Business Ethics at the Rand Afrikaans University in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is also involved in training and consultation on moral business culture for a number of South African corporations. His book: “Business Ethics: made in South Africa” is due to be published in the second half of 1993.

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Rossouw, G.J. Business ethics: Where have all the Christians gone?. J Bus Ethics 13, 557–570 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00881301

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