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2018 | Book

Introduction: Getting Theologians and Leaders Around the Table Read chapter Read first chapter

Biblical Theology for Ethical Leadership

Leaders from Beginning to End

Author: Aaron Perry

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Book Series : Christian Faith Perspectives in Leadership and Business

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

This book argues that ethical leadership without a theological foundation is lacking a firm foundation. It begins with a critical assessment of ethical leadership as a leadership theory, showing how ethics and theology became separated, creating the space for ethical leadership outside of theology. Nevertheless, the author argues that ethical leadership without a biblical basis is weak, though one need not be religious to embrace the leadership principles of biblical theology. Unfolding Christology, anthropology, eschatology, and contextualized leadership as four key aspects of biblical theology for ethical leadership, this book will appeal to those studying leadership, business, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction: Getting Theologians and Leaders Around the Table
Abstract
Leadership and theology are important conversation partners. Theology is the study of God, with implications for everything including leadership. Theology as a discipline helps to unearth uncritical theology that may be formed in leaders or leadership systems. Leadership can remind theologians that leadership phenomena of following, systems, and teamwork are at play in multiple contexts. Because leadership seeks to learn from various disciplines, theology is another field that can contribute. Conversation presents an important practice because it does not deny beliefs and values, but affirms humility and mutual learning.
Aaron Perry
Chapter 2. Ethics, Leadership, and Ethical Leadership
Abstract
This chapter engages recent studies in ethical leadership, mainly from their foundation and the working definition and construct of ethical leadership. Ethical leadership is weak in its foundation, but consistently deployed for statistical analysis, especially in light of ethical leadership scale developed by Brown, Trevino, and Harrison (2005). The lack of theological foundation is noted as a weakness and opportunity for deeper reflection, both for people of religious interest and for leadership theory.
Aaron Perry
Chapter 3. Reconnecting Ethics and Theology
Abstract
By exploring two recent theological ethicists, we see that ethics and theology became separated for several factors, including the Reformation's skepticism to Canon law, and the Enlightenment's desire for an ethics that were not bound by supposed religious convention. However, ethics always remain connected to underlying ideologies. Theology can help inform ethics by being rigorous, methodological, and remaining open to critique.
Aaron Perry
Chapter 4. Biblical Theology
Abstract
Biblical theology aims to move beyond exegesis and critical analysis of the biblical text to hear from God, learn about God, and obey God. Thus, on the one hand, biblical theology belongs in the church. On the other hand, however, the biblical text lays claim to the ethics of any who confess it as Scripture and presents an approach to ethical leadership that can be considered by nonreligious proponents. Further, biblical theology is a self-consciously evangelistic activity as it is presented to the nonreligious, even for critical consideration. Thus, biblical theology can be used for ethical leadership to teach followers of the biblical text, as a lens into the leadership ethics of followers for the nonreligious, and a means of describing the practice of the Christian narrative for adherents and critics alike.
Aaron Perry
Chapter 5. Creation: Human Beings and Leadership
Abstract
Ethical leadership is strengthened when we know that leadership itself is the mandate for human beings, are self-aware that human beings are influencers, and are cautious about centralized power. To be a human being is to be leading being, made for purposes of leadership in light of God’s activity of creating and ordering. Human beings are communal beings—men and women together reflect the image of God and bear the mission of God to extend Eden and must learn to lead in partnership even while exerting leadership over other persons to their benefit.
Aaron Perry
Chapter 6. Cross and Christ: Faithfulness and Effectiveness in Leadership
Abstract
Ethical leadership is strengthened when we see Jesus as the model human, holding two contrasting visions in place. First, Jesus occupies the authority of Son of Man, modeling true humanity against the beastly visions of leadership and authority (Daniel 7). Second, Jesus occupies the position of the Suffering Servant, modeling true humanity when power cannot be used faithfully (Isaiah 52–53; Mark 10:34–35). Ethical leadership involves a paradoxical blend of strength for justice and willingness to suffer against injustice.
Aaron Perry
Chapter 7. Climax: Eschatology and the Aim of Leadership
Abstract
Ethical leadership is strengthened when it observes and serves the appropriate purpose and end. Biblical theology unfolds the direction of God’s good creation and casts the horizon of activity that is truly meaningful. This aim helps to distinguish between leadership that seeks right and good ends themselves and leadership that seeks to supply the means to good ends in a good way. Both forms of leadership are ethical provided the means of achieving ends are not mistaken for being ends in themselves. Biblical theology, through eschatology, helps to maintain the proper distinction and arrangement for ethical leadership.
Aaron Perry
Chapter 8. Culture: Contexts of Ethical Leadership
Abstract
Ethical leadership is not divorced from contexts. Instead, the anchors of creation and eschatology help to provide lenses for appropriate use and modification of leadership models in given contexts. 1 Timothy is analysed as a document that contextualizes and appropriates leadership models from wider Greco-Roman culture for Christian, therefore ethical leadership. Revelation is also studied for its implications on political leadership and the use of power efficiently.
Aaron Perry
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Biblical Theology for Ethical Leadership
Author
Aaron Perry
Copyright Year
2018
Electronic ISBN
978-3-319-75043-9
Print ISBN
978-3-319-75042-2
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75043-9