Journal Article Review

“Contemplating Christian Ethics and Spirituality for sound leadership in organizations.”

Author: Professor Angelo Nicolaides
Nicolaides, A. (2020). Contemplating Christian ethics and spirituality for sound leadership in

organizations. 101.

Summary
Professor Angelo is currently working at the Graduate School of Business Leadership at the
University of South Africa. He wrote this article to illustrate Christian ethics and spirituality for
sound leadership in organizations. Christian ethics includes spiritually based Christian faith and
effective servant leadership. Despite the absence of agreement on ethical behavior norms in the
current world, it seeks to provide guidelines for behavior that are based on divine attributes and
apply to all forms of commerce. Since secular relativism destroys society's moral fabric,
theologians contend that morality should be grounded in a transcendent God. They debate the
place of Christian ethics and religion in postmodern culture.
With a systematic theological study known as moral theology, Christian ethics is a subset of
Christian theology that describes right and wrong conduct. It places a strong emphasis on
morality, self-reflection, and our autonomy as moral beings. In addition, it discusses
relationships, rules, and values related to labor and community.
Biblical teachings, tenets, and maxims form the foundation of Christian ethics. Theology, a
branch of theology, unites philosophy, reason, and religion to create a systematic body of
knowledge, emphasizing reasonability and the fundamental principles that characterize
traditional Christianity.
Biblical ethics is focused on human relationships with God, emphasizing obedience, Christlike
behavior, and compassion for the less fortunate. In contrast to philosophical systems that place a
heavy emphasis on philosophical systems, it places emphasis on love, thankfulness, redemption,
and the necessity of imitating Christ in all that one does.
Evaluation
Spirituality at work
For a person to live a life of faith and perfection that includes their body, mind, and soul, they
need to be spiritual. It entails using moral principles in business and interactions with
stakeholders. Every human being possesses a spirit that is a dynamic, life-affirming force. It is
founded on moral excellence and an understanding of what makes people human on the inside.
Workplace spirituality is essential for workers' sense of meaning and purpose. Because it is a
natural part of being human and is unrelated to any particular religious tradition, Christian
leaders should help their staff members fulfill their spiritual needs. In the workplace of today, it
is crucial to place a strong emphasis on intelligence and spirituality.
The managers and executives of spiritual organizations place a high value on the development
and moral behavior of their employees. They help staff members develop a feeling of
community, value their abilities, and respect their efforts. Workplace spirituality attempts to give
people meaning and purpose, improve their well-being, and promote a compassionate
community.
Early Ethicists
The Church's labor ethic was greatly impacted by Plato's Greek ideologies, particularly the
Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle. Justice, boldness, and moderation were attributes that Aristotle
regarded as being necessary for happiness. His moral code, which has its roots in Athens'
tradition, places a strong emphasis on moral duty and moral character in order to pursue
happiness.
Business ethics virtues encourage collaboration and group goals. It is vital to instill ethics in
students, particularly in today's morally duplicitous culture. Aristotle believed that virtues are
propensities to feel and act in a certain way.
Christian ethics developed in the 19th century to highlight the significance of church, state, and
human collaboration in establishing the Kingdom of God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Ethics and
Walter Rauschenbusch's social gospel highlighted the value of doing good deeds, recognizing
right from evil, and putting meditation and God's relationship first.
The foundation of Christian ethics is a worldview founded on the belief that God is associated
with creation. The entire reality, including God's character and the substance of life, is
comprehended in the Holy Scriptures. People are obligated to uphold moral principles, follow
Christ's example, and protect the environment and all of its inhabitants. Relationships with God
are nourished by work, enabling development and compassion.
Business Ethics
Businesses should place a higher priority on helping people than abusing them for their own
benefit. Christianity emphasizes the ingrained nature of talent, but commercialization and
materialism cloud our perception of right and wrong, making it challenging for people to act
morally.
Christian ethics are distinct from those of the Eastern Orthodox Church because they uphold the
teachings of Jesus Christ and His Apostles as found in the Holy Bible and Tradition. Orthodox
writers' ideas on business ethics were inspired by the early Church Holy Fathers' knowledge,
which was founded on these teachings.
Decisions made in the business world often involve ethical considerations. The right thing to do
is to act in a way that promotes sustainability. In a Christian setting, virtue and morality help
create moral businesses, where quality management and service delivery are intertwined.
Jesus serves his disciples, instructs them through parables, and remains devoted to God even
when he is crucified, exemplifying an oikonomos. His followers are urged to manage their
businesses ethically and to be good stewards of God's resources.
Work – an orthodox Christian View
Work is an endeavor undertaken by humans, an expression of individuality, and a communal
extension of God's creation. Catholic and Orthodox social thinking places a strong emphasis on
moral duties for business executives, legal requirements, and society accountability while acting
as a watchdog.
Business aims for profit, but must cooperate with society, fulfill social and environmental
responsibilities, and exude religious values. Shared prosperity is crucial for future generations,
and businesses should use economic wealth wisely.
Christian ethics place a strong emphasis on social responsibility, copying Jesus' example of love
for others, and love for God. This heavenly calling affects both employers and employees,
necessitating careful consideration of the two. As reflecting Christ's likeness is the ultimate
objective, faith offers fresh angles for thought.
From my point of view, Selfishness promotes a materialistic living and runs counter to Christian
faith. Research should continue to concentrate on thwarting corruption and advancing
constructive initiatives in order to advance Christian ethics and spirituality in business. In the
Kingdom of God, which cherishes egocentric principles and takes care of the environment and
its inhabitants, this is in line with the way things are.
The protection of the environment for future generations depends on Christian principles and
corporate responsibility, and sustainability programs must be conveyed to stakeholders.
Intangible assets, process enhancements, and innovation are required of businesses.