Print this page Business Principles for Engineers and Architects – A Biblical Perspective
Timothy D. Blackburn, MBA, P.E.
Course Outline
This course surveys business principles form a Biblical perspective. Much of this course and its content are similar to the Ethics course but framed and supplemented in a more general business perspective. This is a study of business principles from a Biblical point of view, drawing on the Instructor’s training and experience in engineering, business, and theology (the Instructor is a graduate of engineering, business, and theological programs of study).
We will confine our discussion to the context of the course, and will not explore the teachings of other religions and belief systems nor make relative judgments of other traditions. This is not a religious course, but rather a course on business that explores Biblical roots and principles. The principles addressed in the course are consistent with modern business and economic practices. However, the author approaches principles from a decidedly Christian/Biblical perspective.
This course includes
a multiple choice quiz at the end,
Learning Objective
After the taking this course, the student should be able to do the following:
- Describe practical application of Biblical principles as related to business;
- Defend the legitimacy of applying Biblical principles from a historical context;
- Identify areas of proper focus versus a pure profit motive;
- Relate with people effectively by applying the golden rule;
- Describe the importance of forgiveness;
- List areas and attributes of important human relations, such as
- The Golden Rule
- forgiveness
- Authority
- Nondiscrimination
- Offensive speech
- Sexual Harassment
- Fairness and Honesty
- Servant Leadership/Management
- Describe Biblical principles of finance;
- Explain expectations for paying taxes;
- Identify acceptable lending and debt practices;
- Describe expectations for honesty and fairness in dealings;
- List Biblical expectations for giving;
- Describe considerations for profit and quality;
- List expectations for environmental, health, and safety;
- Differentiate God’s sovereignty versus human responsibility;
- List legal considerations; and
- Complete an exercise/assignment related to the above.
Intended Audience
Anyone in business is the intended audience, but specifically Architects, Engineers, and Constructors who are interested in understanding business principles from a Biblical perspective. This course is not intended for a person who might be offended by the author’s perspective.
Benefit to Attendees
Learn Biblical business principles which align with contemporary accepted practices, as well as understanding the historical context that yields intellectual legitimacy. For a person that considers the Bible to be a source of wisdom and truth, this course will summarize essentials for working as a believer in business. For the skeptic, there is value as well in that it provides a framework that is robust to scholarly scrutiny.
Course Introduction
Can we separate our faith from our work? Someone once asked me at church, “Have you ever considered entering full-time Christian service?” It was a well intended comment, and quite flattering I suppose. But after thinking about it, I concluded that I am in full-time Christian service. A person of true faith doesn’t leave their faith at the church steps on Sunday afternoon by definition.
People of faith draw on their core beliefs for all matters of life, including business. Much of our accepted business principles and economics derive their state from Jewish and Christian tradition, as found in the Bible. The learner will find many if not most of the principles are universal, practical, and meaningful across belief systems.
While following Biblical principles do not guarantee we will always have a profitable year, the principles when applied contribute to a meaningful life. However, when the principles are violated, you can expect the business to be harmed.
Course Content
The course content is in the following PDF file:
Business Principles for Engineers and Architects – A Biblical Perspective
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Course
Summary
In this course, we will review business principles from a Biblical perspective. Indeed, the very foundations of our modern economic system are rooted in Biblical principles. Although not a business text, the Bible can be a legitimate source of solid business principles for business, including the practice of engineering and architecture. While these do not necessarily guarantee financial success, they contribute to a sense of a life well lived with a clear conscious.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
