Friday, November 21, 2014

Theology by the Slice: "Catholics in Business"

Two weeks ago (11/5), we had the pleasure of hearing a talk by Mr. Timothy Gavin. Mr. Gavin is the founder and CEO of Code:Red, a company that helps investment professionals with research management technology. More importantly, he is the younger brother of our own Fr. John Gavin. Instead of regaling us with tales from our advisor’s youth, however, he chose to talk about living as a Catholic in the business world.

Mr. Gavin began by noting that business and capitalism are often popularly portrayed as calamitous and corrupt (think of films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Wall Street). In the face of this negative portrayal, one wonders if Catholics should be involved in business at all. Also considering Our Lord’s admonition that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven, and the spiritual prospects for Catholics in business seem bleak. Yet, in that same passage, Christ also reminds the apostles that in God all things are possible. Thus, with the help of grace, it is possible for a Catholic businessman to use his talents for the good.


Also consider capitalism and democracy: there are elements of good and bad in both, and we have to consider to what degree capitalism rewards greed. To some degree it can, but it can also reward creativity and create jobs. It can also produce positive social outcomes. For example, when a tsunami strikes in Asia, citizens of the United States give their own money to aid relief efforts, not the government. On the other hand, in more socialized nations (like in Europe) citizens do not often react to these disasters, expecting their governments to provide relief money.

Pope St. John Paul II saw that in communist nations individuals exist to serve the elites. He considered capitalism a better economic system, but warned that it needed to have its root in charity to succeed. Without charity, capitalism becomes just as bad as communism.


Pope Francis, although he has spoken on the dignity of being employed and the value of industriousness, has also been critical of Trickle-down Economics. Yet, as Cardinal Dolan has noted, we need to be mindful that “capitalism” in third-world countries is much more exploitative than American capitalism.

Mr. Gavin then shared some lessons he’s learned about living the faith in the business world.

He first told us about the need for total honesty. For example, he told us how if his company notices that one of their clients is paying for more servers than they need, they offer to reduce the cost. Although these clients sign contracts that would allow the company to charge them a higher rate, this would effectively be stealing. By begin honest, one can foster good relations with clients and others.


With regard to employees, it is important to offer them room to succeed. Yet, when an employee is put into a position they are ill-suited to, he drags down the rest of the company. Moreover, many such mismatched people find themselves struggling in their positions, and often are relieved to be let go because they are failing. Those in business should also remember to give back to newer employees. They must remember where they came from and help out people just entering the business world. One should also be generous, and not feel the need to recklessly spend all the money one makes.

Finally, as a father Mr. Gavin tries to instill the virtues of work ethic, charity and good manners into his children. He tries to be home by the evening so as to eat dinner with his family and help his children with their homework. He also avoids working evenings and weekends to the best of his ability, so as to maximize his time with his family.

We thank Mr. Gavin for his very interesting presentation. It’s good to hear about living the faith in a profession many of us may be entering into. 


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