Finance: on earth as it is in heaven?

Abstract

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The purpose of this paper is to explore a Christian perspective on the field of finance. Design/methodology/approach -This paper begins by examining the theoretical underpinnings of finance and how finance is practiced today. The paper then considers the implications of a reformed Christian worldview for finance, with special attention to the implications of the Biblical description of heaven for the practice of finance. The paper concludes by offering suggestions for the practice of finance. Findings -Finance as it practiced today is overly concerned with short-term considerations, shareholder interests over those of other stakeholders, and contractual relationships over other types of relationships. A model based on the Christian Scriptures that utilizes the themes of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation can be used to critique both the theory and practice of finance. This model suggests that finance is part of God's intended structure for the world, and that it should contribute to the promotion of shalom, that is the universal flourishing of both humankind and the earth. Practical implications -An examination of the Christian Scriptures provides a model for the practice of corporate finance. The authors assert that finance should be covenantal, long-term oriented, inclusive, and stakeholder-driven, and that it should promote the cause of justice. Originality/value -The value of this paper is that it develops a Christian perspective on finance based on the reformed tradition of Christianity; it also offers suggestions for the practice of finance.

Christian Values in Operational Financing Decisions

“…The results of the study on the application of Christian values in Decision Making financing at STTPA are in line with the results of the Steen, et al (2006), namely the Financial decision on Operational Financing at STTPA has the main objective to bring peace to all parties at the institution. Peace is realized by establishing decisions that show concern for students and all parties in the STTPA ranks.…”

“…Christian values that influence Christian behavior are love (Matthew, 22: 37-39), prayer and work (2 Thessalonians, 3: 6-14), stewardship (Ephesians, 2:10), and social balance (Galatians, 6: 2). Research conducted by Steen, et al (2006), revealed that Christian values need to be included in the Decision Making process so that managers make financial decisions that can glorify God and create peace, where financing decisions are one form of financial decision formulated by managers. Furthermore, research conducted by Yaghi (2008),emphasizes that religious values influence the Decision Making process and organizational culture, where decisions taken by the leadership of the organization have the religious meaning contained in it.…”

Christian mutual funds, codes of ethics and corporate illegalities

“…Burkett (1990) explained that making money should follow the main guidance principles given by God. As said Steen et al (2006), finance is an integral part of God's intended structure for the whole world. Finance must contribute to the universal flourishing of humankind and all other species on Earth.…”