The dignity of man and business enterprise in reformed thinking

Abstract

This thesis surveys literature of the Reformed tradition in twentieth century North America and relates the Reformed doctrine of the dignity of man to business enterprise in such a way as to illuminate the relative strengths of this position in comparison with prevailing contemporary attitudes. Chapter 1 Introduction States the purpose of the thesis, describes the Reformed literature surveyed, the method of approach and limits observed and indicates the anticipated results. Chapter 2 The dignity of economic man. Outlines contemporary attitudes to work and workers, brings to bear upon these subjects the Reformed doctrines of man as the image of God and work as a vocation from God and states and evaluates the implications of the Reformed teaching. The dignity of man in relation to the organization of economic activity: Chapter 3. (1) Man in relation to things. Outlines contemporary trends in connection with man in relation to things, brings to bear the Reformed doctrine of the dominion of man and states and evaluates its implications in this connection. Chapter 4 (2) Man in relation to others within the firm. Outlines contemporary approaches to human relations within the firm and relates the Reformed doctrine of covenanting to this matter stating and evaluating implications of the doctrine. Chapter 5(3)Man in relation to others in the economic community. Outlines contemporary economic systems and their bearing upon the dignity of man and states and evaluates the implications of the sovereignty of God in relation to the structure of the economic system. Chapter 6 the dignity of man and the rewards of work. Outlines contemporary thinking in connection with the rewards of work and brings to bear the Reformed doctrine of stewardship upon this subject. Implications of the doctrine are stated and evaluated. Chapter 7 Conclusion. Reviews the thesis, stating the general conclusions and indicating avenues for further investigation.