(For more thoughts on a proper understanding of neighbor, see our essay “When Hatred Is Close And Benevolence Is Far”.). This product is not available for expedited shipping. "Business for the Common Good is a must-read for all people of faith that participate in the world of business. Finally, their discussion of emerging business models is quite fascinating. Globalization has been a tricky topic for Christian businessmen for many years. However, Wong and Rae’s solutions in no way consider a movement toward agrarianism, but only an adjustment of industrialism and technology. Since the industrial revolution, pollution has been a massive problem that only seems to grow. No matter if you are looking into reading about smaller business adventures or leveraged … (For more thoughts on a Christian vision of creation stewardship, see our essay “Christianity & Environmentalism.”). What would you like to know about this product? The challenges that come with a global pandemic only magnify the stress, loss, and loneliness that many are feeling. Leaders should be servants of their employees, while helping them transform into their personal best. Good Book Summary is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This is a humanist eschatology that necessitates Modernity’s “progress of man,” and does not coincide with reality or the Great White Throne Judgment (see Rev. Critics of this view contend that believers align themselves too closely to the world, too often mimicking the world’s culture and the forms. It is a comprehensive philosophy that is applicable in all businesses, save those that are diametrically opposed to the gospel, such as pornography or abortion clinics. Marketing holds tremendous pitfalls for Christians, we learn in chapter eight. Christians, who wish to be involved in marketing, must be very careful to avoid encouraging materialism, or appealing to envy and the sex drive. 26 8:30 a.m. This particular venture is incredibly successful because it gives people a way to work their way out of poverty with a “helping hand” rather than being offered charity with no incentive for initiative [5]. Business, business, business, the amount of books seems to never end. The second chapter then tries to examine the shape of a calling to business. Their discussions of work as an altar and a means of sanctification require readers to seriously consider their motives for entering the field of business, and lay an excellent foundation for the book. Their main thesis is that “business…is a calling to serve the common good through transformational service” [1]. The authors also marginalize the destruction that globalization brings to local markets. This is a poor understanding of “neighbor.” Someone is not my neighbor simply because I purchased their product and offered them increased buying power. And there was found no place for them.” Even if that passage could be seen as purely figurative, Revelation 21:1 is clearer, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, giving money to nations which are opposed to the welfare of one’s own state is unsound government. Another topic they discuss is how Christians are often instructed to stretch ethical limits, if not to bypass them altogether. A typical executive summary for a startup company includes the following sections: The business opportunity - describe the need or the opportunity. Modern Christians often struggle with understanding how and why they should integrate their Christian beliefs with the rest of their lives. The target market - … The purpose is to provide the main points of the long report to busy decision-makers who may not have time to read the entire document. Business Book Summaries. Is business just a way to make money? This predominately pre-World War I view has regained prominence as the twenty-first century has meandered through its first decade. There are least three views of the Christian and cultural engagement: (a) The “Christ-Against-Culture” Model: This model teaches that believers should not be of the world, or even in the world. This creates a hostile work environment, causing Christians to choose between a commitment to godliness and continued employment. Christians should use business to help bring peace and reconciliation to a fallen world, using profits to help the poor and outcasts. Please enter your name, your email and your question regarding the product in the fields below, and we'll answer you in the next 24-48 hours. If you need immediate assistance regarding this product or any other, please call 1-800-CHRISTIAN to speak directly with a customer service representative. Business for the Common Good (Kenman L. Wong and Scott B. Rae), When Hatred Is Close And Benevolence Is Far, Give Him the Great Things: Catechizing the Next Generation, In Honor of F. Leroy Forlines: Man of God and Integrity. Kenman Wong and Scott Rae skillfully tackle the many dilemmas facing business people, offering a fresh faith-perspective on topics such as business as a calling, wealth and ambition, the global economy, marketing, ethics, stewardship and corporate social responsibility. This paradigm brings all things under Christ’s lordship. Authored by Kenman L. Wong and Scott B. Rae, Business for the Common Good: A Christian Vision for the Marketplace is an extremely approachable text that covers the many facets and pitfalls of business from a Christian perspective. Executive summaries of the best business books ever written. Throughout this text Wong and Rae use the Bible as their guide. They posit that work is most noble when treated as that altar whereupon we sacrifice our time, skills, energy, and gifts to God [2]. Indeed, God blesses some with wealth, and there is no sin simply in being wealthy. The Adweek Copywriting Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Powerful Advertising and Marketing Copy from One of America’s Top Copywritersby Joseph Sugarman Ask us here. I'm the author/artist and I want to review. Find a Watch Site. They give several ideas of how this can be done in a cost-effective way, but admit that there are limits to how much conservation can occur before investors lose interest or profits disappear. Although I believe that the Christ-transforming-culture model is the biblical position of a Christian’s theology for cultural engagement, I do not believe it is biblical to assume that through this interaction we will usher in kingdom of God. 50 Popular Business Books Summarized In One Sentence Each Drake Baer and Mike Nudelman 2015-01-22T20:01:00Z The authors of Business for the Common Good clearly state the purpose of the book. Scott B. Rae and Kenman L. Wong seek to explore this and other critical business issues from a uniquely Christian perspective, offering up a vision for work and service that is theologically grounded and practically oriented. Microfinance has been developing in underdeveloped countries for some time now. Their examples of good and bad models for each issue are numerous and illuminating. Simply click through and you’ll go to a collection of book summaries. Their main thesis is that “business…is a calling to serve the common good through transformational service” [1]. They are seeking to explore the understanding of business as a calling. [6] Revelation 20:11, “[T]he earth and the heaven fled away. Written by series editors, Francis J. Beckwith and J. P. Moreland, the series’ preface is a magnificent, sixteen-page explanation and admonition for an integrated worldview. Concise, quick-read/quick-listen summaries of the best leadership, management, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and … They present compelling arguments for a fresh vision of business as transformational service for the common good. Their claim is, since all men are created in the image of God and they may be reached easier and quicker than ever, all men are now my neighbor. Wealth is given by God, that others may be blessed. Proponents contend that believers are actively involved in transforming the culture, yet are not too close to it to be overtaken by it. Or can the marketplace a venue for service to others? Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Business for the Common Good will broadcast from the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Denver, Colo., to live, in-person watch sites throughout the Front Range. Also there was no more sea.”. Business is a calling to transformational service for the common good. The executive summary is not a separate deliverable or letter, but always accompanies, and is a part of, the … The following explains some common summary types used in business. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. In chapter ten, the authors present two emerging business models closely aligned with a Christian worldview: Microfinance and Business as Mission. Is business just a way to make money? Authored by Kenman L. Wong and Scott B. Rae, Business for the Common Good: A Christian Vision for the Marketplace is an extremely approachable text that covers the many facets and pitfalls of business from a Christian perspective. (c) The “Christ-Transforming-Culture” Model: This model teaches that believers should be in the world, but not of the world. The Church has been somewhat lax in its defense and stewardship of creation. Rather than seeing business as merely focused on external goods and profits, we must acknowledge the value of the work itself and the contributions businesses can make to improve the lives of people. Finally, Wong and Rae also base their discussion of environmental stewardship on a humanist eschatology, believing that we are responsible to usher in the Kingdom of God physically on this earth. See our newest post, “The Sufficiency of Scripture and Christian Worship,” by Jesse Owens. Among the specific questions they address along the way are these: InterVarsity Press / 2011 / Trade Paperback, (Ph.D., University of Southern California) is professor of business ethics at Seattle Pacific University. It originated in the not-for-profit sector, but is quickly moving into the for-profit realm. Rather, a neighbor is someone, often literally next door, with whom you can be intimately involved on a daily basis, sharing in their struggles and caring for their burdens [8]. He is the author of, "Kenman Wong and Scott Rae have again joined forces to compile a veritable treasure-trove for anyone wishing to make fruitful connections between business and Christianity. The use of business as a means to alleviate poverty through promoting a “hand-up” approach is absolutely fantastic. This is an exceedingly applicable text for all who are Christians in the world of business. And though these goals are not always attainable, Christian businesses should strive for them [3]. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The best way to stay up-to-date with the HSF. Thus, their arguments on ethics are much more substantial and less murky than the leading non-Christian business authors. [8] If we choose to grace our “neighbor” across the globe with our dollar, we have rendered unkindness to our neighbor within our town that also needs a manufacturing job to pay his bills. Their discussion in chapter four revolves around a biblical view of wealth and ambition, and the proper focus of the two. * This product is available for shipment only to the USA. Hear about sales, receive special offers & more. Business for the Common Good: A Christian Vision for the Marketplace. Careful consideration of how and why we accumulate and disperse wealth is essential to avoid common pitfalls in business. [3] Kenman and Wong also have a nice discussion in this section of the book concerning, God using our experiences in business to cause spiritual growth. Kenman Wong and Scott Rae skillfully tackle the many … People who are raised in an agrarian community usually learn quickly the importance of nature and keep a keen interest in its preservation throughout their lifetime. Even in good times, business leaders struggle to balance competing demands, from keeping the lights on and making payroll to serving customers and pursuing new opportunities. Regardless of their modernist theology, Christians are still to be good stewards of creation. The extreme pressures of some jobs require us to lean ever more heavily on the Father, while instructing us to keep work in a proper perspective. They also line out a Christian model of business ethics explaining, “In the long run good ethics is generally good business” [4]. What challenges exist as attempts are made to live out Christian ideals in a broken world characterized by tight margins, fierce competition and short-term investor pressures? Or can the marketplace a venue for service to others? Posted By Phillip Morgan on Jul 7, 2011 | 0 comments. After discussing the attributes of globalization, they conclude the benefits outweigh the detriments inherent in this trend. While we may not be putting money directly into the communist’s pockets when we purchase Chinese products, we are certainly funding them indirectly. It is predominantly predatory in nature, playing on the basest of human desires and needs, to sell products. The conclusion: Work must come under the lordship of Christ. Work is intrinsically good, and the biblical reasons for work are myriad. While Wong and Rae’s philosophy on work as an altar is quite good, they build it, partially, on shaky eschatology. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on the shape of a calling, marketing and emerging directions in business. While this text has many strengths, it also has some weaknesses. Sign Up To Receive Exclusive Email OffersYou can unsubscribe at any time, Sign up to receive exclusive email offersYou can unsubscribe at any time, 1-800-CHRISTIAN1-800-247-4784(Outside the United Statesand Canada Call: 978-977-5000). The third chapter looks at how business can affect the Christian's spiritual formation. They posit that the earth will not be destroyed at the end of days, and that the new creation will not be from nothing; thus, they argue, we must bring creation as close as we can to utopia before then. In chapter six Wong and Rae discuss why it is always right to do right regardless. They liken work to an altar upon which we serve God through business. Business for the Common Good. Taking advantage of the opportunity - explain how will your business will serve the market. (b) The “Christ-Of-Culture” Model: This model teaches that believers should be in the world and of the world. Frighteningly, such a model would be unrecognizable as a modern marketing tool. This is a special type of summary that accompanies a lengthy report. In chapter seven, after enumerating the world’s views on leadership, Wong and Rae contrast them with Bible’s view. Often, when wealth accumulates, dependence on God dissipates. What parts of business can be affirmed and practiced "as is" and what parts need to be rejected or transformed? InterVarsity Press has noted this trend and printed a series of books to address this issue in various fields of study. "Business for the Common Good is a must-read for all people of faith that participate in the world of business. However, Wong and Rae propose in chapter nine that Christians should combat pollution and misuse whenever they encounter them. Business as Mission is familiar to many missions-oriented people. Critics of this view contend that the believer who is not in the world cannot evangelize or otherwise minister to the world. Serving the common good through transformational service applies to every facet of business and often requires a divergence from common business practices. [1] Kenman L. Wong and Scott B. Rae, Business for the Common Good: A Christian Vision for the Marketplace (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2011), p. 33. Wong and Rae expand upon this paradigm by tracing the institution of work to the Garden of Eden (though the Fall effected work, it is still a proper mode of service to God). However, when used properly, this is a fabulous way for missionaries to gain entrance into restricted countries. It is based on providing savings accounts, insurance, and very small loans (several dollars to several thousand dollars) to incredibly impoverished people at fair or preferred rates. More specifically they state, “Business, we will argue, is a calling to serve the common good through transformational service” (p. 33). What is left is an advertisement that is not manipulative, obnoxious, or ostentatious; but refined, simple, honest, and straight-forward. Executive Summary. Wong and Rae’s vision of a transformational service to serve the common good is both biblical and very well thought out. In Business for the Common Good, they explore how Christian professionals can integrate their faith into the marketplace. The definition of what Christian marketing should be is so foreign to the current culture that it is disconcerting, favorably disconcerting. Thanks to the work of the Values & Capitalism initiative of the American Enterprise Institute, three new stories have been told about Christian business owners in a documentary called, “To Whom Is Given: Business for the Common Good.” Through the power of story, the film illustrates how we can love our neighbor and help bring about flourishing through the everyday work of our hands, … Have a question about this product? Online For the first time ever, Business for the Common Good 2021 will include a livestream option for individual, solo viewing anywhere in the world. Among the specific questions they address along the way are … As the preface explains, this book’s purpose is to discuss what an integrated worldview means for the world of business. Friday, Mar. The two are distinct. We need to reexamine our view of business and approach our work week as a partnership with God. ", 10 Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives, Revised, Joy for the World: How Christianity Lost Its Cultural Influence and Can Begin Rebuilding It, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Updated 20th Anniversary Edition, Politics of Discipleship, The: Becoming Postmaterial Citizens - eBook, The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative, Contending with Christianity's Critics: Answering New Atheists and Other Objectors, Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good, The (Un)Common Good: How the Gospel Brings Hope to a World Divided, Every Good Thing: An Introduction of the Material World and the common Good for Christians, Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions. 20:11 and 21:1 [6]) So while their suggestions are in line with a holistic Christian life, these efforts should not be viewed as ushering in the Kingdom of God on earth [7]. The text is very strong in stressing the use of the Bible as our divining rod. In chapter five the benefits of increased wealth-creation and product availability are set against the abuse of employees in sweatshops, low-quality products, and an unhealthy profit demand. Scott B. Rae and Kenman L. Wong seek to explore this and other critical business issues from a uniquely Christian perspective, offering up a vision for work and service that is theologically grounded and practically oriented. In addition they seem blind to the option of an agrarian lifestyle as a way to combat environmental abuse. [7] My view of eschatology should not be mistaken for my view of cultural engagement. In this model, business is used expressly as a means for evangelizing unreached peoples. Thus, despite their faulty originating position, their exhortations are admirable, if predictable. What implications does the Christian story have for the vision, mission or sense of purpose that shapes business engagement? This is refreshing, and gives them a decided edge over the usual profit-driven texts. Wong and Rae are not ecstatic about this model because it is susceptible to misuse by missionaries who do not have a calling for business, and the result is often disastrous. While the Non-Christian business model maximizes profits at every turn, the Christian model differs in this critical way: God’s glory has primacy over profits. How do Christian values inform specific functional areas of business such as the management of people, marketing and environmental sustainability. However, when wealth is the motivating factor, rather than service to God through industry, sin invades. For work are myriad unsound government the destruction that globalization brings to local markets Christian vision for common! 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