Topic c2 – religions in the world (buddhism, christianity, islam) and applying the understanding of religions of companies in international business

REPORT OF GROUP 5 TOPIC: C2 — Religions in the world Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and applying the understanding of religions of companies in International Business Class : Advanced I

REPORT OF GROUP 5

TOPIC: C2 — Religions in the world (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam) and applying the understanding of religions of companies in International Business

Class : Advanced International Economics 64B

Lecturer : Ms Nguyén Lan Ngoc

Group members:

Nguyễn Ngọc Khanh Ly - 11223981

Pham Thi Ha Chi - 11221051

Nguyễn Minh Huyền - 11222913

Date of presentation: 29” of August 2024

C2 Group 5: Religions in the world (Christianity) and applying the understanding of religions of companies in international business

The definition of Religions

Religion is a structured system of beliefs, values, and practices centered around the worship of deities, spiritual principles, or a higher moral order It often includes rituals, sacred texts, and moral guidelines that govern personal and communal behavior, providing individuals with meaning and a sense of purpose

in life Religion shapes culture, traditions, and social norms, influencing how people live, interact, and make decisions

The role of Religions in International Business

Religion plays a significant role in international business by influencing several key areas:

1 Cultural Influence: Religion shapes local customs, consumer behavior, and societal expectations Businesses must understand religious traditions, festivals, and practices to effectively market products and services, respecting local values and customs

Ethical and Legal Considerations: Religious beliefs often influence a country’s legal frameworks and business ethics, impacting corporate governance, labor practices, and ethical standards

Understanding these can help businesses avoid legal issues and operate in a culturally respectful manner

Workplace Policies: Religion affects workplace practices, mcluding holidays, prayer times, dress codes, and dietary restrictions International businesses need to create mclusive policies that accommodate religious diversity to foster a positive work environment

Market Entry and Product Adaptation: In some regions, religious beliefs directly impact consumer preferences (e.g., halal food in Muslim-majority countries) Adapting products to meet religious requirements can be crucial for success in those markets

Negotiation and Relationships: Religious values can influence communication styles, trust-building, and decision-making processes in business relationships Sensitivity to religious norms can enhance negotiations and partnerships m mternational markets

Religions in the world (Christianity) and applying the

understanding of religions of companies in

international business

I History of formation

Christianity, one of the world's major religions, is rooted in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth Its formation spans several centuries, marked by key events that shaped its doctrines, practices, and global spread Today, Christianity is the most widely practiced religion, with approximately 20 percent of the world's population identifying as Christian While the majority of Christians reside in Europe and the Americas, their numbers are rapidly increasing in Africa

Christianity originated from Judaism and shares its monotheistic belief in one God A significant religious division in the 11th century led to the establishment of two major branches: the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church The Roman Catholic Church, accounting for over half of all Christians, is predominantly found in southern Europe and Latin America The Orthodox Church, though smaller, remains influential in countries like Greece and Russia

In the 16th century, the Reformation caused a further split within Christianity, giving rise to Protestantism The nonconformist nature of Protestantism has led to the emergence of numerous denominations, including Baptist, Methodist, and Calvinist traditions, each contributing to the diverse landscape of Christianity today

1 Origins and Early Development:

- Ist Century CE: Christianity began as a Jewish sect in the Roman province of Judea It was founded on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish preacher who Christians believe is the Messiah (Christ) and the Son of God His life, death, and resurrection are the central events of Christian belief

- Apostolic Age: After Jesus' crucifixion (circa 30-33 CE), his followers, led by apostles like Peter and Paul, spread his teachings Paul, in particular, played a crucial role in spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities into the Gentile (non-Jewish) world

2 Spread of Christianity

- Roman Empire: Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire despite initial persecution The faith attracted followers from various social classes, particularly among the poor and

disenfranchised, due to 1ts message of hope and salvation

Persecutions: Early Christians were often persecuted by Roman authorities, who viewed them as a subversive group However, persecution often strengthened the resolve of believers and helped to spread Christianity further

3 Legalization and Institutionalization:

Edict of Milan (313 CE): Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, legalizing Christianity and ending state-sponsored persecution Constantine's conversion to Christianity was a pivotal moment, leading to its acceptance within the Roman Empire

Council of Nicaea (325 CE): Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea to address theological disputes within Christianity, leading to the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian faith that is still used today

Formation of the Bible: The New Testament, a collection of writings including the Gospels, letters (epistles), and other texts, was gradually canonized by early Christian leaders By the late 4th century, the Christian Bible was largely established in the form recognized today

4 The Rise of the Christian Church:

4th-5th Centuries: Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire under Emperor Theodosius I The Church gained political power and influence, playing a central role in the govemance of the empire and the lives of its people

Great Schism (1054 CE): Disagreements between the Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) branches of Christianity led to the Great Schism, dividing Christianity into two major branches that persist to this day

5 Christianity in the Middle Ages and Beyond:

Middle Ages: Christianity became deeply intertwined with European culture and politics The Church played a central role in education, social services, and governance during the Middle Ages

Reformation (16th Century): The Protestant Reformation, initiated by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, led to significant theological and political changes, splitting Western Christianity into Protestant and Catholic branches

6 Global Spread:

Colonial Era: Christianity spread globally during the Age of Exploration as European powers colonized the Americas, Africa, and Asia Missionaries played a significant role in this spread, often accompanying colonial efforts

- Moder Era: Today, Christianity is the world's largest religion, with diverse denominations and practices It continues to influence global culture, politics, and society

Christianity's formation and spread were influenced by a complex interplay of religious, cultural, and political factors From its origins in Judea to its status as a global religion, Christianity has shaped and been shaped by the world in profound ways

II Basic philosophy

1 Christian Philosophy: A Historical Overview

Christian philosophy is a rich and complex intellectual tradition that has evolved in tandem with the history of Christianity itself Rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, it seeks to understand the nature of God, the world, and humanity in light of Christian revelation

- The Apostolic Age and Early Christian Thought

The foundational period of Christian philosophy emerged from the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostles The early Church grappled with questions about the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, the nature of Christ, and the implications of salvation The writings of Paul, in particular, provided a philosophical framework for understanding the relationship between faith and reason, grace and human effort, and the individual's place within the cosmic order

Medieval Philosophy

The Middle Ages saw the dominance of Scholasticism, a philosophical method that emphasized logical analysis and dialectical reasoning Thinkers like Anselm, Abelard, and Thomas Aquinas integrated Christian doctrine with Aristotelian logic, producing comprehensive systems of theology and metaphysics This period also witnessed significant developments in ethics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of law

- The Reformation and Modern Philosophy

The Protestant Reformation challenged the intellectual hegemony of the Catholic Church and gave rise to new philosophical perspectives Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized the importance of Scripture, individual faith, and the sovereignty of God This led to a renewed focus

on biblical interpretation and the development of Reformed theology

2 Key Themes in Christian Philosophy

The history of Christianity's formation, marked by persecution, doctrinal debates, and the Church's expanding influence, reinforced key philosophical themes like God's self-existence, providence, and holiness, while also solidifying beliefs in the Trinity and God's active role in human salvation

- God is self-existent

* Meaning: God’s existence is not dependent on anything or anyone Unlike all created beings, God 1s eternal and exists by His own nature, without a cause or origin

¢ Explanation: In Christian thought, God is the "uncaused cause." He exists outside of time and space and does not rely on anything else to exist This is known as the doctrine of aseity (from Latin "a se” meaning "from oneself")

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- The Infinite creates the finite

* Meaning: The infinite God, who is beyond limits, created the finite universe, which has boundaries and limits

« Explanation: Christian philosophy teaches that the universe and all within it were created by God God, who is infinite in nature, chose to create finite beings and things, setting a distinction between Creator (infinite) and creation (finite)

- God is a Personal God

¢ Meaning: God is not an impersonal force but a personal being with whom individuals can have a relationship

¢ Explanation: Christianity teaches that God has a will, intellect, emotions, and interacts with humanity He can be known, worshipped, and loved The idea of a personal God contrasts with deistic or impersonal conceptions of divinity

- God isa ‘Person’, and Relation

5Ö Meaning: God is a singular being who exists in a relationship, notably within the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

¢ Explanation: Christian doctrine holds that God exists in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spintt—while still being one God This relational nature is essential to understanding how God interacts with Himself and humanity, emphasizing a community of love within the Godhead

- God is Love, Truth

« Meaning: God’s very nature is love and truth; these qualities define His character and actions

¢ Explanation: In Christian thought, God embodies absolute love and truth His love is unconditional, and His truth is eternal This is seen in the Bible where God’s love for humanity is expressed through Jesus Christ, and His truth is the foundation of moral and spiritual life

- God is holy

* Meaning: God is morally perfect and completely separate from sin

¢ Explanation: Holiness in Christian philosophy refers to God’s absolute purity and

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righteousness He is without flaw, sin, or imperfection, and He calls humanity to reflect His holiness by living lives of moral integrity and obedience to His will

- God is providential

* Meaning: God actively governs and sustains the world, guiding it according to His purpose

¢ Explanation: God is involved in the workings of the universe and the lives of individuals Christian belief holds that God’s providence means He not only created the world but continues to sustain, guide, and direct it towards His ultimate plan, often seen as a source of comfort and assurance for believers

- God comes to meet man

¢« Meaning: God reaches out to humanity, initiating a relationship with them, particularly through the person of Jesus Christ

« Explanation: Unlike deistic views where God is distant, Christianity teaches that God actively seeks to engage with people The most significant example is the incaration of Jesus, where God entered human history to redeem and reconcile humanity with Himself

III Influences on International Business

When companies apply Christian values to their international business practices, these principles influence various aspects of their operations, from decision-making to customer relationships By integrating ethics, servant leadership, and social responsibility into their core strategies, businesses not only thrive globally but also contribute positively to society The following outlines the key areas where Christian beliefs shape international business success:

- Decision Making: Christian values guide companies to prioritize ethics, integrity, and the long-term impact of their decisions Rather than focusing solely on short-term profits, companies influenced

by Christian philosophy weigh the ethical implications of their choices, ensuring that decisions align with principles of honesty, fairness, and moral responsibility This can foster trust and sustainability in global operations

- Work Culture: Christian principles, such as servant leadership and the importance of work-life balance, shape a positive work environment Servant leadership encourages leaders to serve their employees, empowering and valuing their contributions, which improves motivation and

engagement Prioritizing work-life balance, inspired by concepts like Sabbath rest, helps prevent burnout and enhances overall employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty across diverse cultural settings

- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Christian teachings on charity and justice push companies

to engage in philanthropy and responsible business practices By supporting social causes and ensuring ethical behavior (like fair labor practices or environmental stewardship), companies can strengthen their global reputation and appeal to conscious consumers This commitment to social good goes beyond compliance and focuses on making a tangible positive impact in the

communities they serve

- Cultural Sensitivity: Even while maintaining a Christian identity, companies acknowledge the importance of respecting cultural differences in international markets Adapting to local customs, practices, and beliefs helps build positive relationships with local stakeholders, employees, and consumers This sensitivity allows companies to operate harmoniously in various cultural contexts without imposing their own values insensitively, ensuring respect for local traditions

- Customer Relationships: A service-oriented approach rooted in Christian values emphasizes the importance of serving others This principle leads companies to prioritize building strong, customer-centric relationships, focusing on meeting customers’ needs with kindness, respect, and empathy Such relationships are crucial for business success in diverse markets, as they foster loyalty and create positive brand associations

- Mission-Driven Business Strategy: Christian values inspire companies to adopt a mission-driven approach, where success is measured not just by profit but also by societal impact These

companies seek a purpose beyond profit, aiming to contribute positively to society, whether through social initiatives, ethical business practices, or community support This approach aligns

with the global trend of conscious consumerism, where consumers increasingly value companies that prioritize purpose and ethics over sheer profitability

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