Asatryan, Vahagn. “The Ethical Insights of the Heidelberg and Westminster Catechisms for Modern Stakeholder Theory.” In Christian Business Faculty Association Conference Proceedings, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI, October 31-November 2, 2024.
This paper explores the economic teachings of the Heidelberg and Westminster Larger Catechisms, a key confessional document in the Reformed tradition, through the lens of historic Reformed commentary, particularly that of the Dutch theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper (1837 – 1920). The Catechisms’ teachings concerning the fifth commandment – to honour one’s father and mother – and their reference to authority in general, provide specific instructions about the performance of duties mutually owed in relationships as inferiors, superiors, or equals. The paper discusses the normative implications of these teachings in the context of the stakeholder theory of organizations and suggests practices to guide Christian managers.