When I was a young adult, I learned that religion and business were independent spheres. Since that time, I have, thankfully, learned that any such division is necessarily artificial. One does not cease being guided by one’s faith because one enters the marketplace any more than one is only guided by it while on the campus of her or his religious gathering space (e.g. mosque, synagogue, church, etc.) or in some other space set aside for religious purposes. A person must, however, ascertain, within the context of a given professional endeavor, the appropriate role of religion.
I have been involved in a number of conversations of late regarding when and how business and religion should mix and how the actual mixing varies from that ideal. Veronica Dagher’s recent Wall Street Journal article applies this idea to one business relationship: financial adviser and client. It begins with these words:
Talking about religion is often seen as taboo in business. But not for some financial advisers. In fact, many of them argue that it’s crucial to speak with clients about their religion or spirituality, as a way to gain a full understanding of their financial goals.
So What?
The perception that religious conversation is taboo or at least awkward in most business relationships should be challenged. Consider, for example, sociologist Rodney Stark’s claim that “most Americans are comfortable talking about religion with most people (What Americans Really Believe, p.164). More specifically, according to the 2005 Baylor Survey, most people responded that they were either somewhat comfortable or very comfortable talking about religion with each group of people included in the survey question:
- Family: 89%
- Friends: 84%
- Neighbors: 69%
- Co-workers: 69%
- Strangers: 2% (p. 163-164).