NatalieRose Brogan

Integrative Essay on Christian Faith

Throughout the quad, we have looked at and discussed many different doctrines. I was
throughly fascinated by learning about the Christian faith and liberal arts education and how they
coincide so closely together. Three doctrines that I believe can be directly related and applicable
to my major of business and economics are those of the Creation, the Fall and Redemption.

Creation is a doctrine that can be directly related to most all fields of study. The root of
all things stems from Gods creation and when it started. Genesis 1:1 says, In the beginning,
God created the heavens and the earth. Later in Genesis 1:28 it says, God blessed them (the
first humans) and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.
Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on
the ground." In this verse, God clearly calls us to be good stewards of his creation. This quickly
reminded me of my major in economics.

Websters dictionary defines economics as a social science concerned chiefly with

description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
Economics is all about thinking of ways to get the maximum amount of efficiency out of
resources, as to not be wasteful of the resources God has blessed us with. I believe it is a
privilege to have dominion over Gods creation. It is essential to give God the glory in all that we
do. When I learn about and practice economics, I get excited about using my major for His good
and effectively using creation and the resources he has ordained me with more efficiently.

On the contrary, there are consequences of not using your position wisely. In Luke
chapter 16, it says, Jesustoldhisdisciples:Therewasarichmanwhosemanagerwasaccused
ofwastinghispossessions.Sohecalledhiminandaskedhim,WhatisthisIhearaboutyou?
Giveanaccountofyourmanagement,becauseyoucannotbemanageranylonger.Theparable
oftheShrewdManagerisagoodreminderthatitisessentialtotakecareofGodscreation,even
inafieldofstudylikebusinesseconomics.

The Fall is another doctrine that is easily related to my field of study. Sin has been in the
world ever since Adam and Eve sinned for the first time in the Garden of Eden. When they did,
God said in Genesis 3:22, The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He
must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live
forever. Because of the Fall, sin has been ever present and is especially relatable in business.

Often times businessmen can be deceitful in their work. The idols of money and power
can easily take over business-minded people, and greed can lead to destruction. There are so
many temptations that are present in the business world: the temptation to get ahead of other coworkers, to make your boss more impressed with you, to deceitfully steal money from the
company, to make faulty transactions to benefit yourself, and many more. In the book we read
this quad for Bible class, entitled Engaging Gods World, it quotes Richard J. Foster. He
says, Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary
spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or
gifted people, but for deep people (Plantinga 126). I agree with his words and my hope is that I

can serve the Lord in my degree in business and bring light to those who have fallen into this
sinful nature.

The last doctrine that we have discussed in class that I believe directly relates to my field
of study is the need for redemption. Isaiah 53:5 says But he was wounded for our transgression,
crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises
we are healed. This verse states our need for healing that can only be given to us by the divine
Savior.

There is a quote in Plantingas book, Enganging Gods World, that says about
redemption, This is regeneration... It is an entirely supernatural work, one that is at the same
time most powerful and most pleasing, a marvelous, hidden, and inexpressible work, which is
not lesser than or inferior in power to that of creation or of raising the dead (Plantinga 88).
Redemption is not to be considered any less than other doctrines we have studied.

Plantinga also makes the point, If all has been created good and all has been corrupted,
then all must be redeemed. God isnt content to save souls; God wants to save bodies too. God
isnt content to save human beings in their individual activities; God wants to save social systems
and economic structures too (Plantinga 95). This is evidence that God is eager to save not just
lost souls, but groups of people and economic structures as well. Because of all the sin that can
be present in the business world, the need for redemption is ever present.

Although there are many doctrines that can be helpful to practice in my major of business
and economics, I believe the three most worthy of noting are redemption, the Fall and the
Creation. Redemption is necessary in understanding the healing of the economic world, the
doctrine of the Fall in recognizing the sinful nature of many businesspeople, and lastly, the
doctrine of Creation in being stewards of the resources we are given. Personally, as a Christian, I
look forward to implementing these doctrines in my studies and career.