Espresso Shots [6-6-05]
Corporate Faith
The Lexington Times reports that more and more corporations, like AOL and Ford, are embracing diversity by allowing faith groups to be organized through the company, sometimes even providing good-sized budgets for them to work with. However, the extent to which these groups can function autonomously varies considerably from company to company, making the claim of such freedoms somewhat spurious. AOL, for examply, allows groups to be autonomous from other groups, going so far as to allow religious speakers to speak in their auditorium and employees to post Bible verses on the company listserv (so long as these occur during breaks and lunch). Ford Motor Company, on the other hand, requires all religious orgs to be lumped in together.
Clearly, the real motivation behind most of these companies allowing religious organization at the workplace is the drive for higher profits. According to AOL's director of diversity and inclusion, "There are intangible benefits when [a company's] workers are highly engaged." Nevertheless, many of the Christian employees are pleased with the developments, stating that this level of religious expression, "frees Christians to bring their whole selves to work."
Other companies that allow this type of religious expression include Intel Corp., American Express Co., and American Airlines Inc.
A Year Already?
La Shawn Barber points out the fact that Ronald Reagan died one year ago today. I agree with her astonishment of a year already having passed since his death. If you had asked me how long ago he died, I probably would have said maybe four or five months. Cliche or not, It really is amazing how quickly time goes by.
In God We Trust...sort of.
The Louisville Courier-Journal reports that, according to a recent AP-Ipsos poll, religious belief is high in the United States.
Death of a Union?
Is the European Union gasping for it's last breath? Certainly, many level-headed people think so and even more hope so. Victor Davis Hanson is among them. In this Washington Times column, he compares the weakness of the European Union with other western nations with strong economies, low unemployment, and higher standards of living. Much of Europe, on the other hand, "faces a declining population, unassimilated minorities, low growth, high unemployment and an inability to defend itself, militarily or morally." He goes on to point out that "somehow the directorate of the European Union has figured out how to have too few citizens while having too many of them out of work."
HT: GBW
Rise of the Iraqi Church
History shows that the Christian church grows most aggressively and deeply during times of the most intense persecution. Peter Glover points out that this phenomenon is taking place in the Christian church in Iraq. Though it is something of a phenomenon, to those who understand the power behind the courage, this type of growth is actually expected. The testimony of those willing to die for their faith (none of which do so with bombs strapped to their chests) will go down in history along with other faithful disciples who found the Truth of Christ worth giving their lives for.
The Lexington Times reports that more and more corporations, like AOL and Ford, are embracing diversity by allowing faith groups to be organized through the company, sometimes even providing good-sized budgets for them to work with. However, the extent to which these groups can function autonomously varies considerably from company to company, making the claim of such freedoms somewhat spurious. AOL, for examply, allows groups to be autonomous from other groups, going so far as to allow religious speakers to speak in their auditorium and employees to post Bible verses on the company listserv (so long as these occur during breaks and lunch). Ford Motor Company, on the other hand, requires all religious orgs to be lumped in together.
Ford initially balked at the idea [of allowing faith-based groups], fearing some employees would feel excluded if others gathered around a single religion. Three years ago, the company came upon a rather unusual model -- allowing faith-based groups to form but requiring them to work together as part of an interfaith network. The network now represents Buddhists, Mormons, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and evangelical Christians, among others.Still, there are many corporations, like the Coca-Cola Company, who allow diversity in every other form except religious. Reasons for such exclusion seems to be the risk of workplace disharmony and the fear of potential lawsuits on grounds of religious harassment.
Clearly, the real motivation behind most of these companies allowing religious organization at the workplace is the drive for higher profits. According to AOL's director of diversity and inclusion, "There are intangible benefits when [a company's] workers are highly engaged." Nevertheless, many of the Christian employees are pleased with the developments, stating that this level of religious expression, "frees Christians to bring their whole selves to work."
Other companies that allow this type of religious expression include Intel Corp., American Express Co., and American Airlines Inc.
A Year Already?
La Shawn Barber points out the fact that Ronald Reagan died one year ago today. I agree with her astonishment of a year already having passed since his death. If you had asked me how long ago he died, I probably would have said maybe four or five months. Cliche or not, It really is amazing how quickly time goes by.
In God We Trust...sort of.
The Louisville Courier-Journal reports that, according to a recent AP-Ipsos poll, religious belief is high in the United States.
Religious devotion sets the United States apart from some of its closest allies. Americans profess unquestioning belief in God and are far more willing to mix faith and politics than people in other countriesDon't read too much into this, though. Generic "belief in a god" doesn't necessarily affect the behavior or belief of those who adhere to such a claim. Many who claim there is a God live as though there isn't, which really makes little difference in the end. Nevertheless, it is interesting to read how this data compares with faith-claims in other countries as well as how it shapes the culture. Perhaps more on this subject later.
Death of a Union?
Is the European Union gasping for it's last breath? Certainly, many level-headed people think so and even more hope so. Victor Davis Hanson is among them. In this Washington Times column, he compares the weakness of the European Union with other western nations with strong economies, low unemployment, and higher standards of living. Much of Europe, on the other hand, "faces a declining population, unassimilated minorities, low growth, high unemployment and an inability to defend itself, militarily or morally." He goes on to point out that "somehow the directorate of the European Union has figured out how to have too few citizens while having too many of them out of work."
HT: GBW
Rise of the Iraqi Church
History shows that the Christian church grows most aggressively and deeply during times of the most intense persecution. Peter Glover points out that this phenomenon is taking place in the Christian church in Iraq. Though it is something of a phenomenon, to those who understand the power behind the courage, this type of growth is actually expected. The testimony of those willing to die for their faith (none of which do so with bombs strapped to their chests) will go down in history along with other faithful disciples who found the Truth of Christ worth giving their lives for.
Labels: David C. Price
posted by DAVID C. PRICE at 6/06/2005 06:30:00 AM
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