Ethical chruch goer?

[phrog]

I was talking once to an upstanding member of the Mormon church. After about 30 minutes or so It was obvious that he really didn't believe. Probably not Atheist but at the least, Agnostic. When confronted he admitted he remained a member to appease his family, sure, but mostly for the business connections. His business would crumble if not for the ward members that gave him work. So maybe he's closet Agnostic, but is he hypocritical? Is he using church members? No one is getting hurt really. He's good at what he does and members get a good deal for their dollar. But is he being ethical?

[SteelerMan]

His belief should not even come into consideration with business. He is just fitting an image for his customers much like many businesses do. He is definitely not taking advantage. Hypocritical, maybe, but business is business.

[phrog]

How do you think the congregation would take it if his beliefs came to light?

[SteelerMan]

In my real rational thinking world, they would accept their differences and do business (no need to hide who he is). In this world, he would lose mormon customers. The problem I have is that he must wear this disguise as to who he really is. I feel sorry for the guy. If he lost business (and I know he would), it would be discrimination much like blacks, gays and other sects face.

Business ethics are all about fair trade between supplier and customer. As I said before, his religious belief should not be a part of the picture much like his political affiliation, eating habits or being a cat lover shouldn't matter. Granted, he is deceiving the person with whom he is doing business by promoting an image acceptable to them. It may be seen as socially unethical if you remove the business portion of the equation. But, if a friend who is gay hides the fact that they are gay, is it really wrong? It's unfair...to them.

I guess my whole point is that this guy must maintain his facade (with no guilt) until world views change. There is so much bias toward non-believers in the U.S. it saddens me. It's people like us that can help alter views of our atheist/agnostic stereotypes. Perceptions of blacks and gays have changed significantly over that last 10 years. Let's hope the atheist/agnostic perception changes in the same manner.

[phrog]

Interesting concept. His thinking comes to light most upstanding members would most likely feel used regardless of the level of the service he provided. He would probably have to move. out of state even. TheMormon comunity is not to forgiving.

[Stephen73]

Unfortunately the moderate believers who perpetuate the myth in non confronting manners make it acceptable for fundamentalists to do harm to society. So being a non passive christian is just as harmful as being a suicide bomber.

As an atheist I beleive in the ethical standards promoted by the Secular Party of Australia -

honesty, compassion, freedom and justice

You don't need to believe in a supernatural being to believe in them.