I have tried to live the early, or fist part of my life in the way I was brought up and I had a Catholic upbringing. I wanted to live an honest life in all areas, including business. However, reality has shown me that to live in the world that we currently have it is impossible to live life along the lines laid out by Jesus Christ. Those of us who have been or who are "idealists" will never, ever be happy with life on this Earth because we will ALWAYS be dissapointed and let down. And, it will be impossible to build any businesses by being totally and utterly honest. One example of this is paying people a decent wage. Very often it is impossible to pay people a decent wage (and by that I mean higher than the minimum) because by doing so will mean that they company will not survive.
So, there is reality and idealism. I am now, unfortunately a realist because I want some happiness in this world. Opinions please.
2006-07-12 01:45:33 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Yes he was.
He also lived in a MUCH simpler time.
2006-07-12 01:47:46 · answer #1 · answered by Ricky T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well firstly...Jesus Christ lived in way simpler times you see. Different times, different realities...but same lesson and ideal.
I sympathize wholeheartedly with you regarding your dilemma. Living in a strictly Catholic way can immediately alienate you from most people who have other ways of doing things. Jesus Christ after all said that it is easier following the world's ways than God's. However the point of Jesus' message is that we must always strive to live honest and righteous lives. Strive is the key word...no one ever said that you can immediately live a "Christian" life. I will not tell you how to run your business...but in my honest opinion if you think you cannot pay your people a decent wage...well make up for it in some other way (benefits...rewards for meritorious service etc.). Just because you cant do a particular good act doesnt mean you have to be paralized forever...if one is resourceful and smart enough you can get through anything (in your case still make profit and help provide decent living). Hope this helps you...
2006-07-12 02:26:28 · answer #2 · answered by betterdeadthansorry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes he was. The problems you mention seem to stem from money issues, and you cannot 'serve two masters'. Yes, sadly, money is a necessity today, but it doesn't have to control one's life. How much do you really need?
I don't know about building a business, but I know honesty has done well for me. You have to accept that other people may try to harm you and adjust your business approach accordingly. Being an idealist doesn't mean you have to go through your life with blinders on, unprepared for dishonesty and the like. You hope for the best, and you yourself do your best and the right thing, but still protect yourself and your interests. Maybe that isn't being as much an idealist as Christ was, but we do our best.
2006-07-12 02:44:56 · answer #3 · answered by Wig 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus Christ lived the ideal life. We are called to imitate him. Try not to be discouraged when you fail (and you will). This is a fallen world and we are imperfect. In regards to your difficulties with running a business ... why does a paying a 'decent' wage require that it be higher than the government mandated minimum wage. As a Christian business owner, you are called to treat your employees with respect and decency. I don't think that God expects business owners to pay workers more than they are worth or more than you can afford.
2006-07-12 02:06:14 · answer #4 · answered by opusthepenguin_1999 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Idealist: noun:
One whose conduct is influenced by ideals that often conflict with practical considerations.
One who is unrealistic and impractical; a visionary.
An artist or writer whose work is imbued with idealism.
An adherent of any system of philosophical idealism.
Another interpretation: noun
A person inclined to be imaginative or idealistic but impractical: dreamer, utopian, visionary.
I do not think of Jesus Christ as being any of the above definitions.
Jesus Christ is God. He is perfect.
We will never be perfect in our human form, but Jesus taught us how to live, to act, and how to react. We are to strive to live as He taught us.
He knows that we will not be perfect and we will not be sinless. But He does expect us to do what we know is right and precious in His sight.
2006-07-12 03:57:18 · answer #5 · answered by MesquiteGal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was THE idealist, He believed in the good of all mankind and sought to bring it about. No matter what you believe about the man you cannot dismiss the fact that what He taught was ideal. To this day, He asks us to be idealists as well; and though it is easy to be discouraged, His teachings should help us have faith in the goodness of man. That's my take at least.
2006-07-12 06:28:32 · answer #6 · answered by schragoo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋