Sign Up Now
Get instant access to over 1 million+ study documents
OR
Already registered? click here to login
By creating your account, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and student honor code.
From a position of business ethics, the landowner suddenly shifts his focus to one of social norms and interpersonal relationships. He comments on the use of money as a tool by which to gain friends seems sinister, and contrary to the general canon of Jesus' teachings. Jesus might not be condoning sin and evil; but he does seem to suggest that money can be used to manipulate social relations to achieve desired ends of harmony and social stability. There is an "ends justifies the means" ethic embedded in the parable. Jesus states, "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings," (Luke 16:9). Using worldly wealth to gain friends is the crux of the problem. To understand this complex ethical issue, it is necessary to examine the prevailing social norms and the role that money played in human relations.
Landry points out that landowners and anyone in a similar position of high social status would have "lost face," or been embarrassed if a subordinate was even rumored to be cheating him. The landowner is, in fact, concerned about the rumors almost more than about the money....
Because the steward rectifies the situation using honest means that benefit both landlord and tenant, everyone is happy in the end.
The parable of the steward should therefore be renamed the parable of the "Just Steward," rather than the unjust steward. The steward is acting in accordance with prevailing social norms related to the preservation of social class status and inter-class harmony. Relationships between rich and poor, and the middle class, are socially proscribed. The moral ambiguity that seems to be embedded in the story vanishes in light of the fact that the ends justify the means.
Works Cited
Bailey, Kenneth E. Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983.
Donahue, John R. The Gospel in Parable. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1988.
Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. NICNT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Gospel of Luke. SacPag. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 1991.
Landry, David and May, Ben. Honor Restored: New Light on the Parable of the Prudent Steward (Luke 16:1-8a). Journal of Biblical Literature 119 (2000): 287-
Works Cited
Bailey, Kenneth E. Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983.
Donahue, John R. The Gospel in Parable. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1988.
Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. NICNT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Gospel of Luke. SacPag. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 1991.
In his exegesis, Cullman associates what he deems an "exact" parallel between Matthew 16:17-19 and Luke 22:31-34. He finds that this is evidenced by Peter's solemn vow that he will go with Jesus to prison and onto death, the prediction of Peter's betrayal, and Jesus' command to Peter to encourage conversion. Opposing debate comes from Robert Gundry, who contests that parallel is neither direct nor intended. Gundry makes this point by saying
In fact looking further the contrast between the two on the expression of the connection between Jesus and his mother is quite different as in Mark an interchange is spoken by Jesus through the following passage, where in a sense her forsakes her and his family. Mark 3: 31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. 3: 32 And the multitude sat
Jesus' Teachings, Prayer, & Christian Life "He (Jesus) Took the Bread. Giving Thanks Broke it. And gave it to his Disciples, saying, 'This is my Body, which is given to you.'" At Elevation time, during Catholic Mass, the priest establishes a mandate for Christian Living. Historically, at the Last Supper, Christ used bread and wine as a supreme metaphor for the rest of our lives. Jesus was in turmoil. He was
Christian-Based Ethics in Business Ethics Having strong ethics is vital to the success of an organization but often that component is bypassed in the name of profit. With a strong ethical foundation, an organization will perhaps face more obstacles but will also have a better opportunity for success and longevity. Society, particularly American society, has changed greatly within the past 50 years, and continues to evolve. And with those changes, value systems
A parable: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for parabol? (Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for parabol? ) Stacy reports that in the pseudepigraphical document known as the Book of Enoch that the following story, conspicuous parallel to the parable in Luke occurs, which may predate Jesus' account. Woe unto you who gain silver and gold by unjust means; you will then
Philippians 2:1-11 In Chapter 2, verses 1-11, of St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, the Apostle exhorts his followers to be faithful to Christ. Christ is, as always, the point of the Pauline letters -- and arriving at Christ, whether through exhortation, logic, works, or affection and charity, is the sole aim. Paul points the finger in all matters to the divine Son of God, thanks Him for all things, and