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The Real Mystery of Positive Business: A Response from Christian Faith

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  • Lloyd E. Sandelands

    (University of Michigan)

Abstract

I ask why an increasing number of business scholars today are drawn to an idea of “positive business” that they cannot account for scientifically. I answer that it is because they are attracted to the real mystery of positive business which is its incomprehensible and unspeakable divinity. I begin by asking why the research literature has yet to speak of positive business plainly and with one voice. I find that it lacks for the right words because it comes to human being in business as a science attuned to its objects rather than as a religion attuned to its spirit. Next, I say what I can about the real mystery of business, keeping in mind that we can say about it only what we can say about God. This brings me at last to the Christian insight that human being, in business and everywhere else, is the mystery of Jesus Christ in whom we are reconciled to God. Business is positively human as it invites us to be as Christ, to be a fully human person in joyful communion with others in God. This, in sum, is how to speak plainly and with one voice of the positive business that our hearts desire but our science cannot say.

Suggested Citation

  • Lloyd E. Sandelands, 2017. "The Real Mystery of Positive Business: A Response from Christian Faith," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 145(4), pages 771-780, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:145:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-016-3186-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-016-3186-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lloyd Sandelands, 2009. "The Business of Business is the Human Person: Lessons from the Catholic Social Tradition," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 85(1), pages 93-101, March.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Muel Kaptein, 2022. "The Moral Duty to Love One’s Stakeholders," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 180(2), pages 813-827, October.
    3. Adam R. Szromek, 2020. "The Importance of Spiritual Values in the Process of Managerial Decision-Making in the Enterprise," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-15, July.

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