Christian Business is an Oxymoron
A few days ago Dane sent me an article about the huge money that is in the evangelical industry. Christian music, Christian fiction, Christian self-help, Christian conferences, etc, etc. Since my day job is for a company that sells products to Christian counselors, I have gotten a first hand look at the industry and have no desire to get my hands dirty in it. And I definitely mean "dirty".
In my opinion the Christian industry is the hardest industry to keep your morals in check. The reason is simple. At some point you have to make a decision of what you are in business for... to help people or to make money.
If you choose to help people over making money, it means that your company will suffer and constantly and consistently have money troubles. "Sure we could sell this book about Jesus for $49.99, but most people won't be able to afford it so let's cut the price to $19.99 and only profit $2 off of each one."
If you choose to make money over helping people, it means you are seeking to line your pocket off of Christ. If you're comfortable with that, you better check your heart and do some reading in James. "Sure everyone could benefit from this book about Jesus, but we can make a lot more money selling it for $49.99."
You say you can do both? I say you're full of it. At some point making more money will be justified. There is no way around it. People are people and to have a viable company you need to have a goal of making as much money as possible. And trying to make as much money as possible in the name of Christ... no good.
I say you have two choices:
- Start a non-profit or
- Start a "secular" company and use what money you can for charitable deeds and needs
Combine the two and you have a recipe for compromised morals and a scarred testimony.
Posted by Tim on May 24, 2005 | 0 Comments
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