Alexander Hill- Just Business Book Review

Alexander Hill, Just Business Christian Ethics for the Marketplace. (Intervarsity Press: Alexander Hill 2008) Pp. x + 276 Paper $14.95.

In “Just Business” Alexander Hill explains that in order to have Christian Ethics in the Marketplace we must “behave in a manner consistent with God’s character” (p.14) To do such a thing Hill attempts to give the answer to the question “What is God like?” (p.15) Hill explains that Gods character is one of holy, just, and loving. These three characteristics of God “have direct bearing on ethical decision-making” (p.15) and accurately display Christian business ethics. Hill recognizes the idea that Business ethics are not always holy, just, and loving and often collide with the view of Christian Business ethics. “Some common responses to business fall short of a fully Christian response” (back cover) In this revised addition of Just Business, Hill finds it important to address pressing topics such as employer-employee relations, discrimination, affirmative action, and environmental damage through penetrating case studies.

Opening up the first section of this book Hill characterizes God’s primary qualities as Holy-Just-Loving. It is noted here that “a business act is ethical if it reflects Gods holy-just-loving character.” (p. 15) Hill uses the holy-just-love concept in comparison to a three legged stool with each characteristic, “like a leg on a three legged-stool, balances out the other two.” (p. 16) “Christian ethics does not involve either-or analysis- as if we could choose between holiness, justice and love- but rather a synthesis in which all three conditions must be met before an action can be considered moral.” (p.16) Using several different scenarios Hill demonstrates the usage scripture coinciding with the Holy-Just-Love theory to make ethical decisions in the market place. Here it is demonstrated that Christian ethics “acknowledges that it is difficult to be holy-just-loving, not only because of human foibles but also because worldly institutions.” (p.20) Hill starts off the second section of this book Hill proposing the question “Are the ethical standards set by holiness, justice and love too high for the marketplace?” (p. 67) Hill sums up this question by addressing what he notes as false exits. False exits consist of issues such as dual morality, law and agency. They are referred to Hill as false exits “because they deposit ultimate ethical authority in human instrumentalities- business culture, government and corporate management- rather than God’s character.” (p. 67). False exits are a way for “us” humans to morally justify our wrong doings in the market place however, it is important to pay attention to the name, these exits are false and there is quite frankly no justification of wrong doing. The importance of honesty, deception, and disclosure are also addressed in this book. It is important to use honesty in business “One ethicists has gone so far to compare dishonesty to physical assault; both rob recipients of their freedom and dignity” (p. 128) “Deception may be defined as purposefully leading others to believe something we are selves do not believe.” (p. 129) Not only does it go against Christian ethics to deceive others but there are major consequences in the business world that could result from such actions; i.e. lawsuits. “Honesty, deception, and disclosure are difficult to apply with precision in the business environment.” (p. 124). However, “Deception, if ever justifiable, should be restricted to the most narrow confines possible.” (p.150) Lastly, Hill introduces case studies on important issues such as employer-employee relations, affirmative action, discrimination, and environmental damage. Hill realizes that all of these topics are apparent in today’s business market. They should be addressed and recognized by Christians today.

Hills findings set the example of the way Christians should present themselves in business. However, it should be noted that Hill wrote this book in a “Christian point of view” and that not every member in the work force or organization will come from a Christian stand point. “The foundation of Christian ethics in business is not rules but the changeless character of God.” (p.14) “When we behave in a manner consistent with God’s character, we act ethically.” (p. 14) “Christianity has not so much been tried and found wanting, as it has been found difficult and left untried.” (p. 11) “An ethical man is a Christian holding four Aces” (p. 11). The chances of this happening is 0.0018%. What are the odds?