Business Ethics

I wonder if that is a contradiction in terms?  When I was in college it seemed that you could turn around without running into a business major. To be sure these were great people.  I am quite certain that many had visions of a comfortable lifestyle which included cars, vacation homes, a boat, and lots of leisure activities. We have not always been real good in reflecting on how our financial decisions might affect the lives of those around.

Today we see a large gap between those who have wealth, and those who do not.  Today (or at least in 2010) American banks and corporations hold between $4 to $5 trillion in reserves.  There is a real necessity today for those with lots of wealth to recognize their responsibility to the common good.  Now if most of us were to move our money out of a Christmas fund, or but a few shares in a local company, it would not change the Dow or cause Wall Street investors much worry.  But anytime the most wealthy change their financial status, the rest of the world changes with them.  And not only for the better.

In days gone by the DuPont's and Morgan's held immense amounts of wealth, and ran most of the nation.  But they also paid a just wage as well as made contributions to the community.  Henry Ford made sure that his workers were well paid and cared for, since he wanted them to by his cars!  We see that somewhat in people like Bill Gates and the like.  Our responsibility is to the world and environment in which we live.  We take care of our surroundings.

Jesus confronts the Apostles with the statement, 'It is impossible for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.'  To borrow from Charles Dickens, 'Mankind should be our business.'  In it's social teachings the Church has continued to speak about men and women's moral right to a just wage so as to enable them to take care of the basic needs in life.  I always laugh at episodes of House Hunters whenever couples are disappointed  over the lack of granite in the kitchen and a garden tub in the master suite.  But food, housing, clothing, medicine, an education, are all basic and necessary moral right that we have.

Way back in 2008 Pope Benedict XVI implored all peoples of wealth to consider how they use and invest their money.  Benedict does not suggest that there should not be wealthy people, but one's profit should not come at the cost of others dignity and the common good.  We need to invest in our companies, but not neglect investing in the communities as well.

Jesus suggested a Kingdom where giving is as important as receiving, and sharing ranks right up there with having.  Our Gospel asks us to be counter-cultural in our work and in our discovery of all things God.  We do not want wealthy people to have a bad name.