"The separation of church and state" is a popular saying in our culture, but "The separation of church and business" could be a common motto in our church culture itself. Why is it that many believers have this mindset? Are they right in their thinking, or is there something they are missing? I would argue the latter.
Church Folks tend to be very traditional, meaning their Sunday customs go back centuries. It is easy to be raised in a way of thinking and never question it, especially in religious settings. But where did this view first stem from? It seems to be built off of one passage in the New Testament, Mark 11:15-18 NIV, which reads,
"On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers'.” The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching."
The turn away from business operations could also be influenced by the Reformation, where church leaders turned away from the Catholic practices of selling "pardons," or Get-out-of-Hell-Free cards.
But is this the end of the story? Or is there more to the Biblical view of religion? This is not the full picture of the Christian perspective of business! In fact, as we are commanded to do all things for God's glory, we are also commanded to be wise stewards, creative, hard workers, good managers, and even greater marketers. This sounds just like a business- person of faith to me! Jesus not only commands to "give unto Caesar what is Caesar's" but to also be Christian leaders who influence others. In fact, the early church collaborated monetarily and had open and honest policy against coercion (read Acts 5). Not only can Business leaders learn from Church principles, but Christian leaders can learn from effective Business practices!