What is the source of business knowledge? The pedestrian assumption is that business knowledge is based on rational empirical pragmatism. Empirical means that the source of knowledge is based on experimentation in the tangible world. Rational means that reason is used to interpret the data and pragmatism means that the guiding light for interpretation is whatever works to make money.
This approach to business knowledge is naturalistic, which precludes spiritual reality. The knowledge gleaned naturalistically using rational empirical pragmatism is commonly called best practices. The flaw in this approach is the naturalistic presupposition.
In a universe created by a holistic strategic God, the rules for everything must come from the Creator. Since everything begins with the Creator there can be no knowledge independent of the Creator. Therefore all business knowledge must be rooted in the Creator. Given this reality, rational empirical pragmatism rooted in naturalism as an approach to business knowledge cannot be a sound approach. A sound approach must be singularly rooted in revelation from the Creator.
The above text states the truth that God, through Christ, is the repository of all knowledge and wisdom, including business knowledge and wisdom. Best practices derived independent of the Creator are suspect. Given this reality, is there a role for rational empirical pragmatism in discerning revelation from God about business?
Naturalistic tools, such as rational empirical pragmatism, can be helpful, but they must be subordinated to a biblical worldview. In other words, the naturalistic assumption must be discarded and replaced with the assumption of revelation as the highest form of wisdom and knowledge. This means that truth can be discerned using rational empirical pragmatism when a biblical worldview—not naturalism—is the starting point.
For example, most who use rational empirical pragmatism as their primary source of knowledge define success in terms of money. From a biblical worldview, however, success is not primarily denominated in money. A higher view of success is obedience to the will and ways of God. Therefore a biblical use of rational empirical pragmatism would not seek knowledge to maximize money but would seek knowledge to maximize obedience to the will and ways of God.
Here is your business tip. Common business knowledge is generally based on what is known as best practices. Best practices are normally gleaned by analyzing case studies using rational empirical pragmatism. This is a naturalistic approach, which excludes God in the development of business knowledge. Don’t be deceived into thinking that business knowledge exists independent of God. To develop a sound understanding of business knowledge, one must begin with Christ. Rational empirical pragmatism can be a helpful tool only if it is subordinated to Christ as the repository of all wisdom and knowledge. The true best practices in business are those aligned with the will and ways of God. These practices are found in Scripture and in Creation as illuminated by the Holy Spirit. |
