By Santificarnos.com

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto... these are the world's eight major religions. Each has its own organized system of beliefs, ceremonies and worship, and each offers prescriptions for positive endeavor in both life - and in business.

Today, most business ethics textbooks present philosophical - not religious - approaches to business. "This may be because in many countries there is a strongly secularized culture, and religion is considered irrelevant for business in the public sphere," says Prof. Domènec Melé, who is the head of IESE's Business Ethics Department.

Melé argues that it makes good sense to study business ethics' religious roots, for many reasons. For example, centuries before there was any philosophical approach to business, religions had already offered norms of conduct and values to business people. Also, many believers want to know how they can translate their religion's vision into the business environment. Moreover, religious ethics provides a set of consistent and reasonable statements regarding business. It's a different approach that provides new horizons for thinking. Also, in our global world, business means dealing with people of different religions, and ignoring or misinterpreting religious ethical approaches can cause serious problems.

Melé's argus his points in the article "Religious Foundations of Business Ethics," where discussion begins with the three great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in which the relationship between creature and creator is of paramount importance.

Melé then turns to the five religions based on ancient Asian cultures, which "root the way of life in ancient and frequently wise traditions." Prof. Melé briefly describes each religion and its history, and then explores its ethics and, more specifically, business ethics.

Judaism, which has 15 million adherents, started with the original Covenant made between God and Abraham around 1900 B.C. The main source for understanding business ethics in Judaism is the Torah. Writes Melé, "The legitimacy of business activity and profit, conducted within a framework of religious and ethical norms, is one of the guiding principles for business ethics highlighted in the Jewish tradition." In Judaism, work, including manual work, is held in great esteem, like a sort of human partnership with the divine.

Christianity is the religion with the most adherents, at 2 billion (970 million Roman Catholics; 220 million Eastern Orthodox; 385 million Protestants; 275 million others). Jesus of Nazareth, or Jesus Christ, born 2,000 years ago, is the central figure in Christianity. In his parables, Jesus makes positive mention of several businessmen who tried to make profits, but he warns against greed, an excessive anxiety toward future needs, and in serving money instead of serving God. Human dignity and concern and love for persons are crucial in Christianity. This religion also stresses a sense of justice in business, such as the strict observance of contracts, observing regulations and working for the sake of the common good.

Islam, with more than 1 billion practitioners, is the second largest religion in the world and growing. The history of Islam started with Muhammad, who was born in Mecca around A.D. 570. Muhammad believed in one God, Allah, and recorded his divine revelations in the Koran. Several Islam business scholars agree that a central concept of the religion is tawhid, or unity with God. Life is unified because it provides the practical way to pattern all facets of human life in accordance with God's will. Business is included and should be run according to the laws of nature dictated by God.

Hinduism, the first of the five religions based on ancient Asian cultures, is a cluster of religious traditions that evolved in India between 3,000 and 1,500 B.C. Today, there are about 780 million Hindus, mainly living in India. More than a theological system, Hinduism is an approach to the universe. When it comes to business, Melé makes two observations: Hinduism has a positive attitude towards business and creating wealth, yet wealth is not the supreme goal. Ethics (dharma) and salvation (moksha) are more important.

Buddhism, based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, called "Buddha" or "the enlightened one," began in India around 560 B.C., and searches to find relief for human suffering. In business, Buddhists search for the "right livelihood" and are generally against companies that do not care for the environment or that abuse animals.

Confucianism, one of the three traditional religions of China, along with Taoism and Buddhism, is based on the teachings of Confucius during 5th and 6th century B.C. Approximately 5 million people practice the religion. According to Confucius, "A gentleman takes as much trouble to discover what is right as lesser men take to discover what will pay." Profit is acceptable as long as it is acquired with righteousness.

Taoism coexists with Confucianism in China. It seeks to promote the inner peace of individuals and harmony with their surroundings. "Tao" could be translated as "path" or "the way." It's like a force that flows through life and pervades all things. In business, Taoism encourages companies to nourish people, and the aim should not be personal success or gain, but the common good. According to "Tao Te Ching", chapter 9, "Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill... Do your work, then step back."

Lastly is Shinto, which is inextricably tied to the origin and development of Japan. The word derives from the Chinese words shin tao (the ways of gods). Started in 500 B.C., the religion focuses on the worship of the kami, a host of supernatural and mysterious beings (natural deities) that can be known through forms, such as objects of nature, or abstract creative forces just as justice or remarkable people. In business, Shinto emphasizes benefits for the group, which is like a family.

Understanding how the world's religions approach business ethics encourages tolerance and understanding. Writes Melé, "A deeper knowledge of religious business ethics might bring about a better understanding of people worldwide. It can also facilitate a more intense dialogue between different religions and between religious and philosophical approaches."

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